At Le Reve Skincare & Laser Center in Fort Worth, TX, we see the unique beauty that every person possesses. It’s our job to bring that beauty to life, and one of our favorite tools to use is the HydraFacial (HF). Heralded for its safety and efficacy, the HF can address a host of skin concerns, including dryness, hyperpigmentation, and acne. What makes this treatment so special? Read on to discover more.
How Does a HydraFacial Work?
The HF works by deeply cleansing and exfoliating while simultaneously nourishing skin with nutrient-rich serums. You can think of this treatment as a hydrating mask, microdermabrasion treatment, and chemical peel all rolled into one, without causing pain or damaging your skin in any way.
Unlike traditional facials performed by hand, the HF employs a medical-grade device that gently but effectively sucks debris from your pores. This device or, rather, the handheld wand that connects to it, is what makes the HF so unique – and so celebrated. Different tips fit onto the wand so each step of the HF is completed carefully and thoroughly. Just one treatment can help improve the appearance of:
- Enlarged pores
- Acne breakouts, including blackheads and whiteheads
- Sun damage
- Hyperpigmentation
- Age spots
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone
- Dry, flaky skin
The Details of Each Step
Step One, the Cleanse
The first starts with a deep cleanse that removes debris from your skin’s surface and pores. This is known as vortex exfoliation, a reference to the wand’s incredible speed and power in refreshing your appearance.
Skin cells continually die and replenish. Most dead cells shed on their own, but some cling to the surface of your face and cause dry or dull patches. Exfoliation targets these stubborn patches and gives a boost to the natural process of cell regeneration. After this step, your skin will look and feel softer, smoother, and brighter.
Step Two, the Chemical Peel
Chemical peels enjoyed superstar status throughout the 1990s but faded from the spotlight for being somewhat harsh. Today’s peels are far gentler and more versatile, especially when speaking of the HF. This treatment incorporates a genial combination of glycolic and salicylic acids that remove invisible, pore-plugging gunk and breathe new life into tired skin cells.
Keep in mind that throughout your treatment, the handheld device will deliver a constant stream of hydration. You’ll experience none of the stinging or burning that peels were once associated with. Instead, you’ll feel only the handheld wand passing gently across your face. Many patients liken this treatment to a relaxing facial massage.
Step Three, Extractions
The word “extractions” ignites a sense of fear in some patients. They’ve either had negative experiences in the past or feared the potential for pain. Such concerns are understandable; with a traditional facial, the technician must manually pinch your skin to free the pores of debris.
The extractions performed with the HydraFacial are entirely different. Again, a member of our staff uses the handheld wand to essentially vacuum dirt out of your pores. This step is made even easier by the acid peel that comprises step two; that peel helps open pores so debris is readily removed. Different suction strengths can also be used to suit your skin’s precise needs.
Step Four, Deep Hydration
The final step in this treatment ties together each of the previous steps. Still using the wand, we apply serums to your skin that help seal your results and deliver intense nourishment. The serums work in tandem to restore qualities to your skin that include:
- Elasticity
- Strength
- Balance
- Clarity
- Evenness
Preparing for Your Treatment
The decision to invest in your skin is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You can enjoy the HydraFacial’s many benefits by following some simple preparation tips. To illustrate, we may recommend you stop using topical Retin-A at least two days before your appointment. This precaution will ensure your skin is strong and healthy for each step involved in the HF.
You should likewise avoid exfoliating treatments, including enzymes and glycolic acid, for a minimum of 48 hours before your treatment. The HF provides deep exfoliation, and you can get the most out of your treatment by leaving this step to our team. The same is true of wax, depilatories, and over-the-counter acne medications; skip them for at least 48 hours before your appointment.
Avoid Sun Exposure and Peels
Excessive sun exposure, including tanning beds, should be avoided for at least three days before your treatment. If your face is sunburned on the day of your appointment, we may ask you to postpone to prevent damage to your skin.
Chemical peels, laser treatments, and Botox should be scheduled at least two weeks before your HF. You can complement your facial with Botox or injectable fillers on the day of your treatment, but they must be done after your facial is complete.
The Day of Your Treatment
On the day of your appointment, you should avoid all hair removal techniques on your face, including shaving and tweezing. This precaution is temporary, as you’ll be allowed to resume most activities immediately after your appointment. You can even apply makeup right after. You might want to keep your face bare, however, to enjoy your newfound glow.
Post-Treatment Recommendations
Just as we recommend that you avoid sun exposure before your treatment, you’ll need to do the same for at least 72 hours after. You should likewise wear sunscreen every day, even if you plan to stay indoors and avoid intense heat for at least a full day. We also recommend that for no fewer than two days, you skip the following:
- Topical Retin-A
- Depilatories and wax
- Exfoliating treatments, including enzymes and glycolic acid
- Over-the-counter acne medications
You can help prolong your HF results by eating a nourishing diet of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Healthful foods promote regular cellular turnover and feed tissues with vital nutrients. Plenty of water, at least eight glasses daily, is key to keeping your skin plump and hydrated. Finally, regular exercise promotes strong blood flow to deliver oxygen throughout the body, including to the face.
A Treatment With Many Benefits
If you’re still wondering why the HF is so popular, we can explain. Many cosmetic treatments need time to work in the body, but the HF delivers immediate results. You’ll leave our office with clearer, smoother, and more radiant skin than when you arrived. This quality of instant gratification makes the treatment an ideal way to refresh your appearance before a major event, such as a vacation, wedding, or family gathering.
The results provided by this facial are likewise incredibly consistent. The device and wand we explained earlier do most of the work, meaning you can trust that your skin will be more hydrated and healthier-looking after every session. The experience is similarly dependable. You can enjoy an HF again and again, each time with a different team member, and it will be just as easy and pain-free each time.
Safe for All Skin Types and All Ages
Regardless of your skin type or age, the HF can help you achieve a healthier and more radiant appearance. It prevents new breakouts from forming and eliminates whiteheads and blackheads. Uniquely, this facial also reduces age spots and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It hydrates, evens skin tone, and clears congested pores. Lastly, treatment is safe for those with normal, oily, and dry skin types; it can even benefit those with sensitive skin.
Can Be Customized
We understand skincare cannot be managed from a one-size-fits-all approach. Your needs are likely different from your friend’s and so on. With this in mind, the HF can be customized in a variety of ways. During the peel, you and your technician can choose from three different strengths of acid solutions to suit your skin type. We’ll also consider your previous experiences with cosmetic treatments and your expected goals from this therapy.
Likewise, the vortex suction power can be adjusted for delicate areas of your face. We can tone it down when moving the wand under your eyes to reduce dark circles. We can even run the vacuum lightly across your lips to remove dead flakes and plump your pout. Different boosters can be added to fight wrinkles, brighten your complexion, or address other concerns you have.
Try the HF for Yourself
If you crave fresh, dewy skin soaked in hydration, the HydraFacial may be the perfect treatment for you. It incorporates a thorough four-step process and a handheld wand that provides consistent results every time. Perhaps most importantly, this treatment is safe for all skin tones and types. Schedule your appointment today by calling Le Reve Skincare & Laser Center in Fort Worth, TX.
