What is a HydraFacial?
HydraFacials are everywhere. They are known as the celebrity facial because they have immediate results similar to a peel, yet no down time. Apparently many celebs enjoy a HydraFacial on red carpet days! Even if you aren’t a celebrity, a HydraFacial is likely available someplace nearby. HydraFacial is a company that offers a patented technology via a hydradermabrasion device that cleanses, extracts and hydrates your skin using a variety of optional serums. I visited my friend Jill Stonier for my treatment. She’s so kind and very knowledgeable, and she explains each step of the process in detail. Her studio is lovely (see below); very welcoming. The machine itself looks something like this:
LED Light Therapy
My experience began with a manual cleanse followed by 20 minutes of LED light therapy. Jill explained that light therapy helps with acne, acne scars, builds collagen and improves the overall health of your skin. I wore goggles to protect my eyes. There was no discomfort whatsoever. While the light did its thing, Jill massaged my arms and shoulders. Very relaxing!
Cleansing, Extracting, Hydrating
Following the light therapy was a three-step process using the HydraFacial machine. The device has interchangeable tips and Jill used a different one for each step. There was no discomfort and each tip felt a little different. The second step, extraction, felt like a little vacuum cleaner moving across your face. The hydration step felt great; I could actually feel cool hydration (via hand-selected serums) being absorbed into my skin. There’s a tube that collects all of the impurities that come out of your skin…dead skin, blackheads, etc. Jill showed it to me. While it’s pretty gross, it’s also fascinating to see what was only moments ago part of your face!
Ta-Da!
The facial took about an hour and the cost was $200. It was so relaxing and I truly felt like my skin was rid of all impurities and infused with amazing nutrients and moisturizers. My skin looked a little pink at the end, but it settled down a few hours afterward. My skin felt amazing. I definitely had a glow and makeup glided on more smoothly than before. You get similar results to a peel, without the downtime. And all of the dirt, dead skin and impurities are removed before your skin is infused with nourishing serums. It has application for all ages and all skin types. My 19-year-old daughter has had them and her skin looks fabulous afterward! Jill recommends monthly facials. I believe monthly would be fabulous but I’m not sure I’ll make it that often. Below is a before and after photo, of course sans makeup!
