What is a hydrafacial and how does it help the skin?

At this point in my beauty writing career I have tried everything – from Lasers to chemical shells. But when I got my very first Hydrafacial, I knew I had found my new holy grail treatment. Have never had a single facial treatment so much for my skin at once. I talk clearer, lighter, more hydrated skin directly – it really works a small miracle or two, especially if you are like me and prone to an outbreak.

You may have witnessed the lovely aftermath of hydracials on the internet: they are notorious for “gunk can”, a vacuum bag that contains all the debris extracted from your skin. It sounds disgusting, but I promise, there is something strange satisfying about seeing it – you know your skin is pussy afterwards.

While I can definitely say that Hydrafacials, alias junk facials, were an important component for cleaning up my skin, they are also good for skin problems such as fine lines, wrinkles, dehydration, sun damage, HyperpigmentationAnd more. If you are curious to learn more about this magical treatment and see mine before and after photos, keep reading. I documented a hydrafacial with my aesthetic Varuni Palacios In LA (which I swear is actually a magician) to show you what you can expect.

Expert presented in this article

Varuni Palacios is an aesthetic based in Los Angeles.

What is a hydrafacial?

A hydrafacial is a workhorse: it cleans, exfoliates, extracts and uses serum to infuse your skin with moisture. “Vortex technology sucks dead skin cells, skin worms, white heads, sebum, dirt and debris from each pore while at the same time infusing critical nutrients and antioxidants to revive your skin barrier,” Palacios says.

It works by using a specialized magic wand with a spiral design to help lifting and loosening debris from the skin, gently extracting pollution and creating “gunk jar” that you may have seen on social media. “It’s the same way as a wet VAC for your face, but it’s gentle, very effective and non-invasive for zero discomfort,” Palacios says. “It is my favorite treatment for a monthly cleaning of depth card, because unlike traditional extractions, there is no poking, picking, popping, pressing or blood, which can cause damage, scarring and inflammation behind.”

What one might expect during a hydrafacial

The treatment usually begins with a water -based detergent, exfoliation and extraction with the magic wand. Then, hydration uptake serums are usually infused in the skin with the same magic head. Depending on your aesthetic, they can also add a massage, a soothing mask or supplement that you chose to replenish the treatment.

Hydrafacial results

If you commit yourself to a monthly facial treatment, Palacios says that the hydrafAcial is ideal. It is the best monthly maintenance treatment to achieve clear, hydrated, lighter and tighter skin. If your skin looks innocent, boring, dehydrated or if you experience outbreaks, it will take care of it on a flash, but it also does so much more.

It is also good for improving fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage. HydrafAcials can be adapted to your specific needs. Palacios explains that you can add different hydrafacial booster serum to the treatment to reinforce your results. Think evenly more Hydration, brightening and clarification, by adding a chemical shell after hydrafacial (as I did), LED -lighting therapyor cryotherapy.

How often should you get a hydrafacial?

HydrafAcials are the perfect monthly maintenance treatment: “I recommend that everyone gets a hydrafacial once every four weeks,” says Palacious. “Because our natural skin cycle works together with our metabolism to renew every four weeks on average and that the bike is extended as we age. Hydrafacial can speed up the renewal process, reduce skin inflammation and help solve problematic skin problems. It is also smart before a wedding, red carpets or special event.

If you have a specific or chronic skin problem, you can take advantage of more frequent treatments. “If we work with something more diligent (such as acne), treatment can be recommended every two weeks for some time,” says Palacios.

How much is a hydrafacial?

The cost of a hydrafacial will vary depending on where you go. For example, a Hydrafacial cost of 30-45 minutes about $ 175 if you see Palacios on Studiovaruni. For a more advanced version of a hydrafacial that includes other additions such as LED lighting therapy, lymphatic massage and oxygen infusion, you can expect to pay about $ 225. Prices vary depending on who you see and what additions you choose, but the above number is a good ball park.

My hydrafacial experience

When I came in for a new treatment, Palacios said it is especially useful for the LA residents right now because fire fires In the area has caused additional air pollution. I chose to add a chemical shell on top of my hydrafacial and my skin has honestly never looked so good.

My highest problems are eruptions, hyperpigmentation and dehydration. Hydrafacial treatments always enhance eruptions and dehydration Solid After a facial treatment, and it is something that is really satisfying to see “Gunkburk” after (which your aesthetic is likely to show you). I came in with some congestion on the right side of my face that had been disturbed for a few weeks. After hydrafacial, it looked so much calmer. There is some post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but I handle it with a vitamin C serum.

I am a huge advocate for hydrafacial and love to get them as often as I can. Honestly, I have received large hydrafacacials before, but Palacios really takes the treatment to another level and I cannot recommend to see her enough if you are in the area. She also understands black and brown skin in a way that other skin care experts sometimes do not.

I left Palacio’s office with another worldly glow that lasted well this weekend. The treatment does not require much time – it is good for anyone who does not have plenty of time to devote themselves to getting facials, but wants to keep up with skin maintenance.

Shawna Hudson Is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle and travel writer whose work has emerged in Bustle, the Zoe report, who what Wear, Byrdie, Elite Daily and more.