HydraFacial

What it is

"HydraFacial" is a common name for a skin-care session using a device that combines cleansing, surface exfoliation and suction to clear impurities from the pores, followed by hydrating the skin with dedicated solutions. It is a cosmetic skin-care session, not a treatment for skin disease, and the doctor may include it in a broader skin-care plan. Suitability is decided after a skin assessment.

Who may benefit, and why people ask about it

• Skin that looks dull or dry.
• Pores that look enlarged or clogged with impurities and blackheads.
• Uneven skin texture.
• Wanting a regular skin-care session as part of a plan set by the doctor.
• Preparing for an occasion — bearing in mind that the effect differs from person to person.

This session may help some people improve how their skin looks, but it is not suitable for every skin type or every situation.

What the consultation covers

• An assessment of your skin type and condition, including active acne, rosacea, eczema or skin sensitivity.
• Questions about recent facial procedures, such as chemical peels, laser or injections.
• A review of current or recent topical products and medicines, especially topical vitamin A derivatives and some oral acne medicines.
• Questions about any known allergy to skin-care ingredients.
• A discussion of realistic expectations, and whether the session is suitable or your skin needs a different medical assessment.

Questions you may want to ask the doctor:

• Does this session suit my skin type and condition?
• Do I need to stop any product I use before the session?
• What should I expect afterwards, and when should I contact the clinic?
• Is there another option that suits my situation more closely?

What a visit looks like

1. Registration, and review of the health-history and consent forms.
2. Make-up is removed and the skin is cleansed.
3. Surface exfoliation of the outer layer of the skin.
4. Suction of impurities from the pores using a dedicated device tip.
5. Hydrating solutions are applied, then sunscreen at the end of the session.
6. Aftercare instructions.

The session may be performed by the doctor or by a trained member of the medical team under the doctor's supervision, following clinic protocols. The number of sessions, their length and the interval between them vary from person to person and are set by the doctor based on the assessment.

Preparation

• Please tell the doctor if you use any exfoliating products or topical vitamin A derivatives; you may be asked to pause them for a period before the session.
• Please tell the doctor about any current or recent acne medicine taken by mouth.
• Avoid direct sun exposure before the session; if you have sunburn, the session may be postponed.
• Avoid waxing or threading facial hair for a period before the session, as advised by the doctor.
• Please tell the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; some ingredients in the solutions may be avoided in these situations.
• It helps to arrive without make-up if possible.

After the session and possible side effects

Common effects, usually temporary:

• Mild redness of the skin.
• A feeling of tightness or warmth in the skin.

Less common effects:

• Skin irritation or a few breakouts.
• An allergic reaction to one of the ingredients in the solutions.

Aftercare instructions may include using sunscreen and avoiding make-up, exfoliants, vitamin A derivatives and intense heat (such as a sauna) for a period the doctor specifies. Please contact the clinic if you notice severe or lasting redness, swelling, itching or blisters.

The doctor explains the full list of risks during the consultation.

Limitations

• Results vary from person to person; the session's effect on the skin's appearance is temporary and depends on daily skin care.
• The session does not replace medical treatment for skin conditions such as moderate or severe acne, rosacea or melasma.
• The doctor may advise against the session, or postpone it, in situations including: a skin infection or active cold sores, open wounds, sunburn, a flare of an inflammatory skin condition, recent facial procedures, or the use of some oral acne medicines.