Written by Dr. Chike Emeagi MBBS MBA - Medical Director, Hampstead Aesthetics
What is a Hydrofacial?
A Hydrofacial is an advanced, non-invasive skincare treatment designed to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate the skin in a single session.
This multi-step facial uses a combination of water-based exfoliation, vacuum suction, and antioxidant infusion to deeply cleanse pores, improve skin texture, and enhance hydration.
According to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2022), Hydrofacials have been shown to increase skin hydration by up to 70% while also reducing signs of aging and improving overall skin radiance.
This treatment is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and offers immediate, visible results with no downtime. The first treatment is crucial in initiating noticeable changes and improvements in the skin's appearance.
How Does a Hydrofacial Work?
The Hydrofacial process consists of four key steps:
1. Deep Cleansing & Exfoliation (Removal of Dead Skin Cells)
Using a specialized HydroPeel™ tip, the treatment removes dead skin cells, excess oil, and impurities from the skin’s surface, revealing smoother and brighter skin. This helps to unclog blocked pores, reducing acne breakouts and preventing future congestion. Unlike a chemical peel, which uses chemicals for deeper exfoliation to address issues like acne scarring, pigmentation, and fine lines, the Hydrofacial uses a gentler approach with its HydroPeel™ tip for surface-level exfoliation and immediate hydration.
2. Gentle Extraction (Pore Purification)
A vacuum suction technique painlessly extracts blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores, promoting clearer skin without irritation. The extraction process also encourages lymphatic drainage, helping to detoxify the skin and remove toxins that contribute to breakouts and dullness.
3. Hydration & Antioxidant Infusion
A customized blend of serums containing hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants is infused into the skin to restore moisture, plump fine lines, and protect against environmental damage. This step stimulates collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores.
4. LED Light Therapy (Optional Add-On)
For enhanced benefits, LED light therapy can be added to the session to target acne, reduce redness, and signs of aging by stimulating skin rejuvenation and calming inflammation.
Key Benefits of Hydrofacial Treatments:
✅ Deeply hydrates the skin, leaving it plump and glowing.
✅ Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores.
✅ Removes impurities, blackheads, and excess oil without irritation.
✅ Enhances skin tone and texture, providing a smoother, more even complexion.
✅ Promotes healthy looking skin by rejuvenating and enhancing the skin's appearance.
✅ Non-invasive with zero downtime, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
✅ Customizable for all skin types, including acne-prone, oily, dry, and aging skin.
Skin Concerns Addressed by Hydrofacial
Hydrafacial is a versatile treatment that addresses a wide range of skin concerns, making it a popular choice for those seeking comprehensive skincare solutions. Here are some of the key issues it can help with:
Dull Skin: By effectively removing dead skin cells, Hydrafacial reveals a brighter, more radiant complexion. This exfoliation process helps to rejuvenate the skin, giving it a healthy glow.
Acne-Prone Skin: The deep cleansing and exfoliating properties of Hydrafacial are particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone skin. It helps to unclog pores, reduce acne breakouts, and prevent future congestion.
Enlarged Pores: Hydrafacial works to refine and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, resulting in smoother skin texture.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The anti-aging benefits of Hydrafacial include reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment stimulates collagen production, which helps to plump the skin and smooth out these signs of aging.
Acne Scarring: For those dealing with acne scarring, Hydrafacial’s advanced exfoliating properties can help improve the skin’s surface, making scars less noticeable over time.
Overall Skin Health: Hydrafacial promotes overall skin health by removing dead skin cells, deeply hydrating the skin, and protecting it from environmental stressors. This comprehensive approach ensures your skin remains healthy and vibrant.
By addressing these common skin concerns, Hydrafacial provides a holistic solution that enhances both the appearance and health of your skin.
Who is a Hydrofacial Suitable For? (Including Acne Prone Skin)
A Hydrofacial is suitable for all skin types, making it an ideal choice for individuals looking for gentle yet effective skin rejuvenation. You may benefit from this treatment if you:
✅ Have dry or dehydrated skin and want to restore moisture.
✅ Struggle with clogged pores, acne, or blackheads.
✅ Want to reduce signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
✅ Experience sensitive or irritated skin that needs a gentle yet effective treatment.
✅ Wish to brighten a dull complexion and achieve a youthful glow.
✅ Are looking for a minimally invasive procedure with immediate results and no recovery time.
What to Expect During a Hydrofacial Treatment
1️⃣ Consultation: A skin analysis is conducted to customize the treatment based on your skin type and concerns.
2️⃣ Cleansing & Exfoliation: The Hydrofacial device removes dead skin cells and preps the skin for further treatment.
3️⃣ Extraction & Hydration: A vacuum suction system painlessly extracts impurities, followed by an infusion of hydrating serums.
4️⃣ LED Light Therapy (Optional): Enhances skin rejuvenation and reduces acne and redness.
5️⃣ Post-Treatment Glow: Results are immediate, with skin feeling soft, refreshed, and radiant. It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before you wear makeup to ensure proper recovery.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
For optimal results, a Hydrofacial is recommended once a month.
Those with acne or congested skin may benefit from more frequent sessions every 2-3 weeks.
Ongoing treatments help maintain skin hydration, smoothness, and clarity.
Post-Treatment Care
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 24-48 hours and apply SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Refrain from using retinol, AHAs, or strong exfoliants for at least 48 hours.
Drink plenty of water to help maintain skin hydration.
Use gentle, hydrating skincare products to prolong results.
Avoid wearing heavy makeup for 24 hours to allow the skin to fully absorb the nutrients from the treatment.
Cost and Pricing
The cost of a Hydrafacial treatment can vary based on several factors, including the location, the expertise of the practitioner, and the number of sessions required to achieve your desired results.
On average, you can expect to pay between £100 to £300 for a single Hydrafacial session. For those looking to commit to a series of treatments, packages typically range from £500 to £1,500, offering a more cost-effective solution for long-term skin health.
While the initial investment in Hydrafacial treatments may seem significant, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits. Hydrafacial is a highly effective treatment that can provide lasting improvements in skin health, including reduced fine lines and wrinkles, enhanced hydration, and a more radiant complexion. Many practitioners also offer package deals and discounts for multiple sessions, making it easier to maintain your skincare regimen without breaking the bank.
When comparing the cost of Hydrafacial to other skin treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion, it’s clear that Hydrafacial offers a unique combination of benefits.
Unlike chemical peels, which can sometimes cause irritation, or microdermabrasion, which can be abrasive, Hydrafacial is a gentle yet powerful treatment suitable for all skin types.
This makes it a valuable investment in your skin’s long-term health and beauty.
Ultimately, the cost of Hydrafacial should be weighed against the comprehensive benefits it provides. With improved skin health, reduced signs of aging, and a more radiant complexion, Hydrafacial is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to achieve and maintain healthy, glowing skin.
How Does a Hydrofacial Compare to Microdermabrasion Treatment?
While both Hydrofacial and Microdermabrasion treatments work to improve skin texture and remove debris, there are key differences:
Hydrofacial: Uses a water-based exfoliation technique that is gentle on sensitive skin, providing deep hydration and nourishment.
Microdermabrasion treatment: Uses tiny crystals to manually exfoliate the skin’s surface, effectively removing dead skin cells and allowing for better penetration of skincare products. This treatment can be slightly abrasive.
Hydrofacial is pain-free and offers immediate results, while Microdermabrasion may require some recovery time for redness to subside. Microdermabrasion treatment often results in immediate skin improvements and a healthier, more radiant skin surface.
Why Choose Hampstead Aesthetics for Hydrofacial Treatments in London?
At Hampstead Aesthetics, we specialize in advanced skin treatments using the latest Hydrofacial technology. Under the expertise of Dr. Chike Emeagi MBBS, MRCGP, MRCS-Ed, MSc, MBA, a GMC-registered aesthetic doctor and Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, we provide:
✅ Personalized Hydrofacial treatments tailored to your skin’s needs.
✅ Medical-grade skincare and premium serums for enhanced results.
✅ Highly skilled aesthetic practitioners ensuring safe and effective treatment.
✅ FDA-approved technology for optimal skin health and hydration.
✅ Award-winning Hydrofacial procedures designed to address specific needs and concerns.
A respected trainer and speaker in aesthetic medicine, Dr. Emeagi shares his expertise as:
✅ Trainer/Speaker: Stylage (Vivacy)
✅ Trainer: DermaMedical |
✅ Faculty/Trainer: MINT PDO Threads
Comments