Better than a Hydrafacial.

Everyone is talking about their best way of getting immediately glowing and hydrated skin, a Hydrafacial! From my own skin treatment experience, some research, and listening to others’ testimonials I do agree that a Hydrafacial is a great way to get a fresh face + hydrated glow BUT I have a special facial treatment protocol that in my opinion gives even better results.

What is a Hydrafacial?

A Hydrafacial is a patented 30-40min facial treatment that uses a special facial machine to perform a ‘hydradermabrasion’, extractions using a suction wand tool, followed by an infusion of antioxidant + hydrating serums. Hydradermabrasion is specific to a Hydrafacial; your technician uses a wand tool with an exfoliating tip that also delivers exfoliating AHA/BHA acids to the skin. This is helpful for removing dead skin cells from the surface, loosening debris in the pores, and softening skin.

scrub me secret: A common misconception I’ve seen on the internet about the hydrafacial treatment is that it is a deeply moisturizing/hydrating facial treatment that does not include any type of chemical exfoliation. while there is nothing wrong with a chemical exfoliation using glycolic, lactic, & other skin safe acids, it’s worth knowing that A hydrafacial is a lot of exfoliation with hydration & nutrient infusion at the end.

After the first exfoliation step, a wand tip called the “vortex” tip is used along with the suction to aid in cleaning pores. This technology is said to help extract blackheads and debris. The last step, the antioxidant and hydration infusion uses a different wand tip that delivers ingredients like hyaluronic acid, honey extract, plus other antioxidants. There are additional infusion serums you can choose to add to your treatment to target other skincare needs like antiaging, pore size, etc.

Pros & Cons of a Hydrafacial.

Pros: The exfoliation method used for the Hydrafacial is a nice way to quickly brighten dull skin. As long as your technician uses the right exfoliating acid solution for your skin type, most everyone (except for those with active acne) can get a beneficial exfoliation from the ‘hydradermabrasion’ method. The nutrient infusion step is also a nice way to deliver hydrating, anti-aging serum deeper into the skin so it has more of a benefit. In my opinion, a Hydrafacial treatment is best for prepping for a special event you have in the following 1-3 days. From my research and discussions with clients/peers, in most instances, skin looks great for the first 24-72 hours.

scrub me secret: skin with active acne breakouts is not a great candidate for hydradermabrasion or microdermabrasion. This is because this method of physical exfoliation with suction on the skin can spread bacteria from open wounds, cause damage to healing scabs, or cause whiteheads to burst and spread bacteria. Active breakouts are better treated with exfoliating and oil clearing acids as well as blue LED.

Cons: While a Hydrafacial gives you a nice instant glow, results only seem to last a few days before the skin starts to look dull or feel congested again. A lot of technicians suggest a Hydrafacial package where you visit once a month for a series of Hydrafacials to keep your results going; this could possibly get a little pricey with one Hydrafacail session ranging anywhere from $150-$300+. Another thing I consider a con is the extraction method. The vortex wand tip plus suction after the AHA/BHA exfoliation is loosening and removing some debris from the pores and blackheads but results aren’t comparable to the good old-fashion extraction method of your esthetician safely using hands and cotton pads (in my opinion). Leave the extractions to your trusted esthetician and they will be able to use this extraction method without damaging the skin.

scrub me secret: a blackhead is debris and oils that have gathered and settled in a pore. the longer this sits there the larger the pore size gets due to the accumulation of debris. sometimes blackheads can go for so long without being treated that they become lodged in your pores and don’t come out as easily as other blackheads on your face. for extractions like this, you’ll definitely need some hands-on help from your esthetician.

Better than a Hydrafacial, Facial.

No shade to Hydrafacials! It’s definitely a nice treatment to quickly prep skin for an event. This facial treatment protocol that I like, gives you the results of a Hydrafacial but with better extractions and results with more longevity. Here is my detoxify, exfoliate, brighten, and hydrate facial protocol.

Cleanse, detoxify, extract:

The first step is to cleanse the skin’s surface, soften blackheads and other congestion, and pull congestion from the pores. I cleanse skin with a balancing wash before applying an activated charcoal mask; this mask will draw impurities from the pores without stripping away healthy oils. Your skin is steamed for a couple of minutes during this mask to help soften any debris. After removing the mask and balancing with toner I use gloved hands and cotton pads to extract blackheads and small whiteheads using a method that does not damage the skin. After this step pores are clean and ready for exfoliation! Using this method I can extract all congestion except for cystic acne which needs to be treated differently using a healing light and bacteria-killing spot treatment.

Lactic/TCA ‘peel’ + microdermabrasion:

A microdermabrasion and peel may sound like a really intense treatment for the skin but by using the most gentle lactic/TCA exfoliating solution plus less abrasive microdermabrasion we can achieve some great results that leave you with luminous skin right after your treatment. First, I go over the skin using a diamond tip microdermabrasion machine, this means the exfoliation is coming from a textured tip. For the microdermabrasion, I have the most gentle exfoliating tip attached that works along with suction so I can exfoliate away dead surface cells, stimulate cell renewal, and create circulation in the skin. Then, I apply 1-2 layers of the lactic acid + TCA ‘peel’. This solution contains lactic acid that helps treat dry and dehydrated skin as well as a small amount of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) that helps with brightening and smoothing complexion. This solution is a liquid that is applied to the skin and stays on for the remainder of the day after your treatment along with other products.

scrub me secret: it’s important to remember not all ‘peel’ products actually make our skin visibly peel or shed away. most peels aid in rapid cell turnover and skin resurfacing but only some treatments show visible signs of skin flaking away. for this treatment clients will not experience visible peeling.

Oxygenating nutrient infusion:

This step is where we get in all those antioxidant-rich, hydrating, moisturizing ingredients that give your skin the most radiant glow! Now that skin is cleansed and thoroughly exfoliated these ingredients will be able to work their best and penetrate deep into the pores. The oxygenating treatment I like is a 3 step treatment from PCA. First I apply hydration boosting and brightening fluid with a cotton pad. The second step is the best part; using my hands in circular lifting motions I massage in an antioxidant-rich cherry bark fluid. This step creates oxygen flow in the skin and infuses it deeply with antioxidants and nutrients that will moisturize and anti-age. After the cherry bark is fully massaged into your skin I apply the last nutrient fluid that locks in hydrations and all your antiaging results.

Lastly, I apply a collagen hydrator, moisturizing lip balm, and SPF. Your skin will have on so many important products and ingredients still doing their work that you will want to avoid showering, swimming, washing or rinsing your face, excessively sweating, and exercising for 12-24 hours after your treatment. Enjoy immediate results, long-lasting complexion clearing results as well as a boost in overall skin health. To book this treatment or any facial or body treatment with me at my skincare studio in Chicago contact me at 708.320.9545 or click this link to visit scrub me skin care’s booking site.

These thoughts about skincare and facial treatments are my own personal opinions and findings. What I share is what I find to be most helpful for myself and clients in my skincare studio.