So you've heard of microdermabrasion but not hydradermabrasion... maybe you've heard of the skin treatment called Hydrafacial? This falls under hydradermabrasion and is one of the most in demand facials at the clinic. In this post I'll explain the difference between both types of exfoliation, the benefits, and which one is more suitable for your skin type... let's go!
Hydradermabrasion
What is it?
For the few remaining humans still unfamiliar with the HydraFacial, here's the deal: It's a medical-grade hydradermabrasion device that carries out a patented three-part regimen — cleansing, exfoliating, and then infusing skin with antioxidant rich serums.
Check out this teaser shot of how the Hydrafacial is performed.
How does it work?
Rather than blasting the skin with grit, à la traditional dermabrasion, this gentler approach vacuums out pores while simultaneously pushing in potent actives, which moisturise, brighten, plump, and protect. The machine's handpiece holds patented spiralized treatment tips equipped with "vortex technology" — the whirling force that both giveth replenishing ingredients and draw impurities out. Beyond the standard three steps, there are targeted add-ons, or boosters, which take aim at unique skin concerns, like brown spots or nagging lines. It also appeals to nearly all ages, complexions, and concerns - subject to a skin analysis.
Extractions without side effects
How many times have you told a facialist to skip the extractions for fear of redness or next-day eruptions (or simply because, duh, they hurt like hell, and... isn't this supposed to be relaxing?)? Hydrafacial extractions are nowhere near as painful, in fact, virtually painless.
It's one of the most popular procedures in our clinic, not only because it combines elements of workhorse treatments, like microdermabrasion and chemical peels, but also because it truly is a relaxing, feel-good experience.
By combining vortex pressure with a clog-purging solution of salicylic acid, willow bark extract, and anti-inflammatory Tasmanian pepper, the device suctions gunk from pores — no squeezing required — and, at the end, you can actually see all that was removed, which people seem to like ;)
Instant gratification in 30 minutes with zero downtime
Hydrafacial hits the sweet spot — it's so much more than a basic facial, but less than an invasive laser treatment - I like to call it the sweet in-between treatment. Making it a rare unicorn among no-downtime offerings, its payoff is immediately apparent, we can quickly improve texture and tone, and even help conditions like acne, without any residual irritation or peeling. Even better, the radiance-imparting properties that you experience directly after the facial, is what makes it. The Hydrafacial is also highly requested before events and weddings — it really delivers that extra glow.
It's infinitely customisable
The aforementioned boosters, which come as an attentional add on, are just one way we can tailor this treatment to really focus on your priorities. Do you need vitamin C-caliber brightening, or an infusion of growth factors for fine lines?
During step one of the HydraFacial ("cleanse + peel"), we can also choose from three different strength glycolic-salicylic acid peels, based on your previous experience with peels, your skin type, and your desired outcome. Included is a 10 minute round of LED light therapy following the facial, again personalising it to the individual, shining blue light on acne, or red light to build collagen and calm the skin.
We can even customise the tool's suction power, toning it down to tackle more delicate areas, like under the eyes, if we need to carefully loosen millia or boost circulation to clear dark circles.
Microdermabrasion
How does it work?
Microdermabrasion uses an abrasive tip to resurface skin. The treatment uses vacuum technology that exfoliates away dead skin on the superficial layer of the skin. Due to the abrasive tip of the device, the treatment may feel rough on skin. The pulling motions can also cause redness or inflammation after the treatment.
Microdermabrasion’s skin resurfacing procedure is suitable for exfoliating oily and congested skin. It effectively removes the layer of dead skin cells from the surface of skin. This helps improve skin radiance and helps fade dark spots or other types of hyperpigmentation.
Microdermabrasion is not as effective on indications that affect the deeper layers of skin though like wrinkles, fine lines, and scars. The treatment is not advised for moderate and severe acne as it can make the condition worse - whereas the Hydrafacial works on a cellular level, superficial and within the lower epidermis.
Comfort level
Microdermabrasion, while not painful, can feel a bit uncomfortable and rough due to the dry crystal based exfoliation and pulling on your skin. Microdermabrasion is performed dry with no serums applied or infused during the treatment. Sometimes a topical mask is applied to soothe the skin after exfoliation. Whereas, with the Hydrafacial, the patented vortex headpiece is infusing antioxidants and hydrating serums to rehydrate and brighten, making it more of a pleasant experience and allowing your skin to reap additional benefits from LED Light Therapy and lymphatic drainage.
Which to choose?
While both procedures target exfoliation of the skin, Hydrafacial allows more room for customisation. The hydration applied during Hydrafacials penetrate more deeply than the manual application done during microdermabrasion.
Hydrafacial is basically a more advanced version of Microdermabrasion and is sometimes even referred to as a "Wet Dermabrasion.” It is a medical grade facial that resurfaces and offers immediate results with no downtime, whereas, microdermabrasion can leave the skin slightly inflamed as it's performed dry.
The Hydrafacial involves a multi-step process that is completely customisable, whereas with microdermabrasion there is no customisable options and will only work on the superficial layer of the skin.
Are you ready to book your Hydrafacial treatment?