Step One: Cleanse And Exfoliate
Cleansing and exfoliating are essential steps in any skincare routine. They help remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin’s surface and promote cellular turnover for a brighter, smoother complexion.
During a professional cleansing and exfoliating treatment, such as with Hydrafacial, the patient can expect a thorough skin cleansing followed by a gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and impurities. Patients may feel a slight tingling or mild sensation as the exfoliating solution is applied, but overall the treatment should be comfortable and relaxing.
Using the vortex extraction nozzle may cause a mild suction sensation as it removes impurities from the pores. Patients describe the feeling as satisfying – like detailing for the face!
Step Two: Gentle Acid Peel
The next step is a gentle acid peel performed using the specialized HydraPeel Tip, designed to exfoliate the skin while delivering the acid peel solution to the pores. The tip has multiple abrasive edges that gently abrade the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and impurities from the surface. At the same time, the tip also delivers the acid peel solution, which is typically formulated with a combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to enhance the treatment’s exfoliating and pore-cleansing benefits.
The acid peel solution used in a Hydrafacial treatment may also contain other active ingredients, such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which can help to:
- Unclog pores
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve skin texture
The solution is left on the skin for a short time, typically 1-2 minutes, before being neutralized with a specialized solution. Patients may experience a mild tingling or warm sensation during this time, but the treatment is tolerable.
Step Three: Extraction
The next step in a Hydrafacial treatment after the gentle acid peel is the extraction of blackheads and other impurities from the skin. This step is important for patients prone to:
- Acne
- Blackheads
- Other types of blemishes
During this step, a specialized suction device extracts impurities from the pores. The device has a unique vacuum technology that creates a vortex effect, which dislodges and removes impurities from the skin. The suction device also delivers a hydrating serum to the skin to soothe and nourish the treated area.
The extractions are typically performed on the T-zone area, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin. These areas have the most oil and are prone to blackheads and blemishes. The suction device extracts the impurities from each pore, leaving the skin clearer and more even-toned.
Patients may experience a mild sensation during the extractions, but the procedure is not painful. The overall effect is a smoother, clearer complexion free of impurities. After the extractions, the skin is prepared for the final step of the treatment, which involves the delivery of nourishing serums to hydrate and protect the skin.
Step Four: Hydrate!
The final step of a Hydrafacial treatment involves skin hydration with a combination of antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to restore its natural glow.
During this step, a specialized serum containing antioxidants such as vitamins A, E, and C is applied to the skin. These antioxidants help to protect the skin from environmental damage, such as UV rays and pollution and promote healthy cell growth. Additionally, hyaluronic acid is used to deeply hydrate the skin and improve its texture and tone.
The serum is delivered to the skin using a special device that also uses the vortex effect to penetrate the serum deeply into the skin. This helps to ensure that the skin is fully hydrated and nourished. The final result is skin that feels soft, smooth, and radiant.