But before going all in, let’s investigate what, exactly, gives this facial so much hype. Ahead, find everything you need to know before booking a HydraFacial treatment: how it works, the benefits, and how to know if you’re a good candidate. (Spoiler: You probably are.) Each booster formula may vary, but they typically include soothing, calming ingredients to rejuvenate the skin (think aloe, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, et al.). “There are a range of options so it can be customized to better meet the skin’s needs,” says board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D., founder of SKINFIVE. The process looks similar to microdermabrasion—another skin-resurfacing treatment—which micro-circulates and exfoliates to remove dead skin, says master esthetician Sarah Akram. But with microdermabrasion, nothing gets infused into the skin: “Customized products are layered on top after exfoliating the skin,” Akram notes, whereas a HydraFacial combines the two steps into one gentler treatment. “[It] clears out your pores while hydrating your skin and infusing it with targeted serums, leaving your skin looking plump, juicy, and glowy,” she adds. The best part? After you’re done, you get to see all the gunk extracted from your pores (gross, but gratifying). “The most satisfying [part] is to show clients their impurities, such as blackheads, in the dispensary cup after the facial. A proof of detailed work,” says Rzaca. Shamban agrees: “This is often best for a patient with very dehydrated, dull, flaking, or otherwise tired sallow skin that needs a deeper clean and overall replenishing refresh,” she says. Those with congested skin are also good candidates for the treatment, as HydraFacials suction all the gunk from your pores—but Shamban warns against using on any active, open acne. The specific pricing will usually depend on the type of booster you choose, as different elixirs may contain higher concentrations of more expensive ingredients. You can also add other targeted treatments, such as lymphatic massage or LED light, to a HydraFacial—but know that this will likely jack up the price. In terms of where to get one, plenty of spas offer different hydrodermabrasion procedures, but any menu that uses the term “HydraFacial” specifically will include the award-winning patented technology.
