Hydrafacials are extremely popular because of their claim to give you clearer, more beautiful skin. Who doesn’t want better skin right?

With claims of diminishing large pores, reducing oilyness and hyperpigmentation, and improving overall appearance, this facial sounds like a dream.

I’ve been wanting to try it for the longest time! So when I got a gift card to the Woodhouse Day Spa for my birthday (9/9), I was super excited to try it out!

As with any skincare treatment, people with different skin types will have different results. For reference: I have oily skin with hyperpigmentation from acne scars. I also moisturize every day.

Let’s start with the basics…

WHAT ARE HYDRAFACIALS?

They are hydradermbrasion procedures that: cleanse, exfoliate, extract, hydrate and protect. Hydrafacials are known for hydrating the skin and promoting radiance.

I know it sounds counter productive to get a hydrafacial when I already have oily skin, BUT the glycolic acid used is supposed to help with oilyness. Also, lack of hydration can be a reason that skin gets oily, crazy huh?

My Expectations: Smooth, hydrated, skin with diminished acne marks.

IS SENSITIVE SKIN AN ISSUE?

No, hydrafacials are good for all skin types, according to the dermatology institute.

SO WHAT’S GOING ON?

Obviously, I didn’t know exactly what was going on during the facial. I was way too relaxed to even ask (don’t you just love the massages they give you?) All I know is that she used a computerized machine to actually do the facial. Don’t worry though, I researched what actually goes on during the facial for you guys! Here’s the information that I found:

In the machine, there is a rod type of attachment (looks like a mechanical toothbrush) that has different nozzles for different treatments. 3 nozzles are used on each patient and the nozzles used are based on patient specific needs.

1. The face is cleansed and then wrapped in a warm towel
2. Vortex Exfoliation: basically cleanses the face
3. Vortex Peel: Glycolic Acid – treats acne, blackheads, oilyness, and uneven texture, super gentle
4. Vortex Extraction: kind of like a vacuum that sucks the “gunk” out of your pores! It feels soooo cool!!
5. Vortex Fusion: infuses a serum full of antioxidants and collagen for hydration and elasticity
6. Moisturizer: To keep your face moisturized, duh!

Here are my sources:

https://www.cosmeticare.com/article/all-facials-are-not-same%E2%80%93-what-expect-hydrafacial

https://www.allure.com/story/hydrafacial-gentle-skin-treatment

UM, THAT SOUNDS UNCOMFORTABLE..?

But it’s really not.

It’s such a relaxing procedure! It did not hurt or sting one bit! It honestly felt really cool! At one point it felt like she was putting water into my skin using the machine!

RESULTS?

Immediately afterwards I noticed that my skin was literally glowing (maybe it’s the serum). My skin definitely looked a lot more hydrated and it still does. As far as acne marks go, I didn’t really see a change – but the facialist did go over my acne marks quite a few times. I asked about removing marks and she told me to try the illumination facial so if you’ve got acne marks you might want to check that out. My skin looks really plump and the texture looks nice and smooth.

Some facials can make your skin a little sensitive and may cause minimal breakouts but fortunately I had none – and this is coming from a girl with extra sensitive skin! Seriously, if anyone even touches my face I break out.

Aftercare: The lady told me to drink a lot of water for two weeks to flush out the toxins. However, I haven’t actually been doing this. I know that’s horrible but I’m so bad at staying on task with drinking water.

I don’t think the results are dramatic, but that’s probably because I moisturize daily. Therefore my skin probably didn’t need that much hydration in the first place. If you have dry skin I think it would work wonders for you!

**Sorry I didn’t post before and after pics guys – my acne marks make me feel super conscious. If you know of a good acne mark remover please let me know! **