If “HydraFacial” sounds like something out of science fiction, then you’re not totally wrong. HydraFacials rely on state-of-the-art technology and a drastically improved understanding of skin physiology to accomplish skin rejuvenation like never before.
Making the most of exfoliating and extracting technologies as well as concentrated medical-grade serums, HydraFacial offers a complete facial for remarkable results in under an hour and can be easily tailored for anti-aging, acne, lymphatic drainage and even the neck and neckline areas.
Best of all, the process is every bit as comfortable as a spa facial!
To demystify the HydraFacial, we need to understand how they work step-by-step.
Step 1: Vortex exfoliation. Cleaning your windows and cleaning your face have more in common than you might think. Before we buff any glass surface to brilliance, we have to clean it.
During the first step of your HydraFacial, an esthetician uses a vortex exfoliating wand to remove dead skin cells, revealing the newer, supple skin below.
Dead skin cells can dull our complexion. Removing these dry, lusterless cells evens out skin tone while also allowing the skin underneath to hydrate and breathe.
Once your face is cleansed and exfoliated, it’s time for the next step.
Step 2: Peel hydration. Without our realizing it, our skin pores are hard at work each day. Pores serve as output channels for sweat, oils and other toxins that may damage or dull our skin. Cleaner pores allow for more toxins and oils to escape, improving overall appearance and health.
In this step of your HydraFacial, an irritant-free chemical peel is applied for two key purposes. First, the peel extracts debris and leftover toxins from your pores. Next, the nutrient-rich peel permeates the skin to provide deep, nourishing hydration.
Unlike traditional chemical peels, this special solution won’t leave your face feeling hot or scoured. Instead, immediately after step 2, you should notice softer, refreshed-feeling facial skin. A vacuum may also be used during step 2 for total pore penetration, giving you the cleanest possible pathways for naturally removing toxins.
Step 3: Protection. After exfoliating, cleaning and hydrating, what could possibly come next?
Similar to a premium car wash, the third and final step is a protecting serum to maximize results and longevity. An esthetician will use the HydraFacial wand to apply a collagen- and antioxidant-rich serum.
Although our skin naturally produces collagen, its maximum output diminishes as we age. This collagen-rich serum puts the bounce back into your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Sun damaged and greasy skin, along with blemishes, should also see immediate improvement.
HydraFacials are the cutting-edge in spa skincare treatments. In just three easy steps, you can rejuvenate your skin for unbelievable results lasting six weeks or longer.
With HydraFacials, there’s no intense downtime or restrictive recovery period. Aside from avoiding certain topical ointments or acne medications for one or two days after the treatment, you’ll mostly just need to avoid tanning beds or intense UV exposure.
Dr. Audrey A. Klenke, MD, FACS, is a co-owner and medical director of Pinnacle Plastic Surgery, Pinnacle Dermatology and Pure Medical Spa with offices in Bluffton and Beaufort.
