The HydraFacial, AKA "Red Carpet" facial, has gotten a lot of hype this year, but what most people don't know is that it's actually been around since 1997.
Why the resurgence?
It's become known as THE facial for celebs like Beyonce and other lesser-known-but-probably-in-the-know people like the Real Housewives of Orange County.
So, when I got to try the HydraFacial at Vitality Natural Health Care in Tempe, AZ (for free) I was pretty jazzed.
Here's what you need to know:
What is a HydraFacial?
The HydraFacial is a medical-grade treatment that uses water to clean out your pores and hydrate the skin. It's a four-step process using a suction-like pen device called a HydraPeel Tip and involves cleansing, exfoliating, extracting and hydrating your skin. Depending on where you go, there are also add-ons like blue and red LED lights that are also used at the end of the treatment to address acne (blue) or stimulate collagen, speed up recovery and reduce inflammation (red).
Who is it for?
Essentially, anyone (except if you have an active rash, sunburn or rosacea flare-up). It's marketed as good for any age or skin type because it's customizable and can target everything from anti-aging and dullness to acne and hyperpigmentation.
Is it painful?
Not at all. This is a no-downtime treatment.
How long is the treatment?
The treatment can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour with results lasting 5-7 days.
What's the cost?
This will set you back anywhere from $150 - $300 depending on where you go. This is a medical-grade facial which means only a licensed esthetician can perform the treatment. At Vitality Natural Health Care this HydraFacial cost $300. Ouch. Full disclosure, this was a client of mine so I received it for free.
What's the process?
Skin Goals:
First, my esthetician asked my skincare goals and concerns, and enlightened me to the difference between dry and dehydrated skin. I considered my skin to be dry because it lacked the vibrancy and the dewiness I so desired. But true dry skin actually means lacking oil and because I do get oily mid-day my perceived dryness is most likely from not drinking enough water. Noted. If this is you also, try these Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier packets.
So, after listening to my concerns, she selected the "radiance" option on the HydraFacial R2D2-looking machine. As I mentioned it's customizable, so if you're experiencing acne or sensitivity there are options for that too.
The Treatment:
Next, she cleansed and massaged my skin and then began the exfoliation process with a light glycolic and salicylic acid peel using the pen-like suction device. The sensation is slightly similar to microdermabrasion, many people liken this to the texture of a cat's tongue... if you're used to that sort of thing. The exfoliating acids are meant to loosen the dirt and dead skin, so the extraction process is easier. TBH, the extraction process used the suction also but didn't seem as effective as traditional extractions.
The fourth phase infused a blended serum of hydrating and brightening antioxidants and peptides using the pen device as well. As the final step, she applied a combination of blue and red LED lights to calm some congested areas of my skin and promote collagen.
Results:
My glow was pretty serious and I looked amazingly hydrated. I asked to see the water collection tube at the end of the treatment and it was filled with dirt and debris which was pretty gnarly but I highly suggest seeing it.
The following day, my skin looked good but it didn't totally retain the same glow as post treatment and the 3-5 days after weren't drastic enough to make me want to scream about the HydraFacial from the rooftops (which is my barometer when it comes to beauty).
Conclusion:
In short, was the HydraFacial worth it? Would I spend $300 of my own money on this? No, I would not. Not because $300 is despicable for skincare, but because I just wasn't blown away by this treatment.
Were my expectations as high as the HydraFacial price point? Definitely. Should anything considered "Red Carpet" automatically include an interview with Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic and a date with Leonardo DiCaprio? I mean, obviously.
But, for real, my biggest gripe is that the HydraFacial is not a one-and-done deal as many are led to believe. I mean, the suggested maintenance for this treatment is every 4-6 weeks. So, unless you're RHW and actually have a red carpet every 4 weeks, then sure, this is def for you. But, if you're a humble normie, such as myself, then $300 should be getting you MUCH longer lasting results and anti-aging benefits like that of a chemical peel or a focused facial (review coming soon!) would for half the price.
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