HydraFacial is a celebrity-favorite treatment that’s accessible for any skin tone and type. It’s one of the most-requested spa treatments at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care because the results are gorgeous and there’s no downtime. It’s much more than a facial, combining three treatments in one: exfoliation, extracting gunk from pores, and infusing skin with medical-grade skin care products in one luxe 30-minute appointment. HydraFacial uses a proprietary Vortex technology with a wet vac approach that is much gentler than other abrasive forms of exfoliation options.
The first step, exfoliation, is critical for removing dead skin cells and debris. Although skin is cleansed before your treatment, the transparent chamber of HydraFacial will show you exactly how much more debris hides on the face. Extracting the pores is a deeper kind of exfoliation, and something that typically cannot be safely and fully achieved at home. Instead of the “extractions” that you might be used to during a facial, which can be painful, HydraFacial sucks out pore debris quickly and comfortably. This makes pores clean, clear, and appear smaller. You can’t actually change the size of your pores, but they are made of skin—which stretches. Clean, clear pores that aren’t clogged look smaller and help skin look smoother.
The final stage of HydraFacial, the infusion of medical-grade skin care products, is going to be different every time. Your skin is an organ, so it (and its needs) are always changing. Your provider will go over the state of your skin and your goals before the treatment. Then, hand-selected products will be added as the finishing touch to your facial. This is also a great way to try out new-to-you topicals without committing to an entire bottle.
The Importance of Medical-Grade
If you don’t exclusively use medical-grade products at home, you’re doing a disservice to your skin. Only medical-grade products can legally contain the best, strongest ingredients in the highest doses. They simply can’t be compared to OTC products, even high-end department store serums. From moisturizers to sunscreens and everything in between, going medical-grade will help you keep in-office treatment results longer. Right now is a great time to update your at-home regimen, too, as the seasons shift.
Every HydraFacial includes the application of a sunscreen in order to protect your skin. You may also benefit from a skin brightening serum or a topical especially designed for trouble areas like wrinkles around the eyes. Your provider will go over the products with you before and during the appointment.
Upgrade with Dermaplaning
Increasingly, more and more clients are starting their HydraFacial appointment with dermaplaning. Technically, it’s also a kind of exfoliation but different than what you enjoy with a HydraFacial. Dermaplaning does remove debris from the skin’s surface, but it also removes peach fuzz. Peach fuzz is not taken off during a HydraFacial treatment, and although it is very light on most people, it still gets in the way of a totally smooth face. Dermaplaning, when done professionally, is relatively gentle. Many people opt for monthly dermaplaning and HydraFacials in order to keep the incredible, baby-smooth results.
You might have noticed dermaplaning kits online or in stores. These are not professional-grade tools and should be avoided. Although dermaplaning is safe and gentle when performed by a professional, it can be either pointless or dangerous when used as a DIY approach. Ultimately, dermaplaning is an exfoliant that requires a scalpel (although many people try shaving their face to achieve a similar result). Removing too much of the skin from a delicate area like the face can cause trauma. It’s always best to work exclusively with aestheticians for any treatment that is typically in-office.
You can book back-to-back dermaplaning and HydraFacial appointments to take your results up a notch. There is no downtime for either treatment, and many clients schedule these treatments the day of a big event. Skin will look younger, more supple, feel incredible, and for those who wear makeup it goes on much easier. To find out more, schedule a consultation, or book your appointment, contact Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care today by calling the office or filling out the online contact form.