The Hydrafacial has been called an MOT for your skin, the ultimate glow-giving facial, and like a deep peel and microdermabrasion in one - minus the downtime.
It's also known in the industry as an intermediary treatment. One to try when even the best face moisturisers, skincare acids, et al aren't doing what they used to, but you aren't ready to get into the world of needles and knives yet.
I've been having Hydrafacials on and off for the best part of a decade, before big events or simply when I think my skin needs a kick up the proverbial. But what exactly is this non-invasive, no-downtime treatment, and what happens during a Hydrafacial appointment? I've got all the details right here.
Our beauty editor's Hydrafacial review, with photographs
What is a hydrafacial?
The Hydrafacial is a branded facial you will spot in aesthetic clinics across the world. It can be customised to suit almost any skin type, but the main schtick, according to official literature, is using a "patented handheld Hydrafacial Vortex-Fusion serum delivery system and Hydropeel to cleanse, exfoliate and extract impurities and dead skin cells, while at the same time replenishing vital nutrients."
In simpler terms, your therapist uses a little handheld device to deeply clarify the skin, flush a lot of bad stuff out and push highly active ingredients into it again. The treatment also includes plenty of other steps you would expect from a results-driven facial, including peels, hydrating masks, massage and LED light.
What are the benefits of hydrafacials?
The Hydrafacial can be done in as little as 30 minutes, although most treatments take about an hour, and it can be tailored to address any specific concerns with extra boosters (more on those later).
There's no downtime or side effects other than a nice glow, and you can expect impressive, lasting radiance and smooth texture within a few days.
It's this combination of high-impact results and non-invasive protocol that makes the Hydrafacial so appealing. "It’s a great starter treatment,” agrees Dr Jana Vogt, Board Certified Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Mallucci London.
“The Hydrafacial removes the build-up of pollution and dead skin cells across the face but also nourishes the skin with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants. Everyone seems to want the Hydrafacial right now.”
Another benefit of the Hydrafacial is how widely available it is. There's a strong likelihood that a licensed practitioner will be within easy reach of wherever you live.
My honest Hydrafacial review
We Beauty Eds are spoilt – trying out facials is legitimately in the job description. But despite limitless options, one treatment I have returned to time and time again is the Hydrafacial.
I've probably had close to 10 Hydrafacials in my career, and my latest was at Mallucci London. This futuristic yet elegant clinic in Mayfair has launched a Hydra Bar service, offering Hydrafacials with tailored add-ons such as Vitamin C, oxygen, profhilo injections, or - my choice - radiofrequency to stimulate collagen and tighten the jawline.
My appointment began with a detailed consultation form and skin analysis with the VISIA machine, which uses imaging to see wrinkles, redness, sun damage and textural issues not visible to the naked eye.
After flagging my main concerns (pores, dehydration, lines) my skin was cleansed to rid my skin of makeup and pollution particles – a must when you've just been on the Jubilee Line. Then my treatment began, and here's what happened, step by step:
- Lymphatic drainage
This, you guessed it, helps your lymph nodes drain excess fluid and is administered via a device that I can only describe as a tiny hoover nozzle. This sounds odd, but truly, there’s nothing unpleasant about having said nozzle gently tug your face like a reverse massage. - Vortex exfoliation
This little pen-like gadget sounds very 'villain in Avengers 12' (or whatever number they’re on now) and feels mildly abrasive and cooling at once, physically nudging away dead skin and flushing debris out. - Chemical peeling
Some peeling acids followed, which can be customised to your skin type. For me, that meant a mixture of glycolic and salicylic. I was warned that it could tingle, but it was more than comfortable. I've had far more prickly experiences using home acid products. - Extraction
The Vortex was once again employed, this time in extract mode around my nose and chin, which was the only part of the treatment I found in the slightest uncomfortable. Not painful, I would add, just an irritating scratchy feeling for a few minutes. - Radio add-on
I had picked Mallucci's Hydra + Lift option with radiofrequency, which stimulates collagen production to help tone and define the jawline over time. The NuEra machine was worked all around my jawline and the lower half of my face, and felt pleasantly warm and extremely comfortable compared with other collagen stimulation treatments I've tried (looking at you, Ultherapy) - Masks and LED
Finally came a face mask, again tailored to my skin, which was hydrating and felt delicious. Then, my face was bathed in soothing and anti-inflammatory red LED light and liberally slathered in hydrating skincare and SPF to see me on my way.
Hydrafacial results
Results that day
A look in the mirror confirmed what I already knew–a pink, ever-so-slightly blotchy face. As a pale Scot with reactive skin, this is standard stuff, but by the time I got home, any flushing had disappeared.
Instead, my skin was so ridiculously smooth that I had to stuff my hands in my pockets to stop myself stroking it. Paws that have been in contact with public transport should be kept well away from freshly exfoliated skin cells.
(l) my slightly flushed skin shortly after my appointment and (r) one week on, with a smoother texture and glow
One week later
I avoided my usual retinols and acids for a couple of days, simply hydrating my peachy new complexion, and noticed that my makeup wasn't settling into little dry patches and pores anymore. A week later, I experienced the famed 'Hydrafacial glow'–so much so that I went out to lunch to meet an old friend's new baby entirely foundation-free. This is very unlike me.
The results get cumulatively better, so a course would be a brilliant idea in the run-up to a big event. And if you're wondering how often should you get a facial, such as the Hydrafacial - this is a deep exfoliation, so I wouldn't book in more frequently than every six weeks.
How much do hydrafacials cost?
The Hydrafacial is an action-packed treatment, so of course, all this action comes at a price. The starting price is £120, you can expect to pay up to £200 depending on where you visit and how many additional boosters you have.
It's not a cheap treatment, but considering how many distinctly average facials ring in at around £100, and Botox three times that, this does represent good value if you’re looking to invest in serious skin improvements.
Where can I find a Hydrafacial near me?
The great news is, this treatment is widely available globally, to find your nearest verified Hydrafacial practitioner, visit Hydrafacial.co.uk
