HydraFacial MD® & My First Facial Experience

Can you believe that at 33 years old I’ve just experienced my first facial? The thing is, I have pretty decent skin that doesn’t give me much trouble except for that time of the month when I get hormonal breakouts, or when I eat too much junk. I’ve always felt that I take pretty good care of my skin at home with the help of my Clarisonic Mia and arsenal of skincare products. I haven’t even been to the Dermatologist in YEARS (bad I know.) I never felt the need to get a facial, but I jumped at the chance to receive a complementary HydraFacial MD® at The Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Group.

Before I get into the details of my facial, I absolutely have to share the office decor with you guys. It was so cozy and chic!

I immediately felt right at home and gathered some inspiration for when I’m hopefully styling a new apartment next year. Moving right along…

HydraFacial MD® is a medical grade facial, an advanced version of a professional facial and microdermabrasion that is effective for every skin type. It’s a non-invasive treatment that detoxifies, rejuvenates and protects your skin with a patented Vortex-Fusion serum delivery system and HydroPeel Tips. The four step treatment cleanses, exfoliates and extracts to remove impurities and dead skin cells while replenishing vital nutrients including Antioxidants, Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid. This helps to reverse environmental damage, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and plump and firm skin for long-term results that you can see instantly.

This is the machine used to perform the HydraFacial. There are bottles containing each treatment inside of the machine and the applicator shown below is used with disposable HydroPeel Tips to apply the treatments.

The procedure is gentle with no downtime and takes only thirty minutes. It can be done safely every 14 days, but the suggested time period is every 4-6 weeks. You can get a HydraFacial on your lunch break, reapply your makeup after, then go right back to work.  Let’s take a closer look at the steps…

Step 1: Vortex-Exfoliation

Activ-4 serum removes dead skin cells to uncover healthy skin.

Step 2: Vortex-Peel 

Glysal serum, a mixture of Glycolic and Salicylic Acids delivers the benefits of a peel without post-peel scaling.

Step 3: Vortex-Extraction

Patented, painless vortex-suction cleans out pores with the help of Beta-HD serum

Step 4: Vortex-Fusion 

Antiox+ serum is delivered to nourish and protect skin with Antioxidants, Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid

Step 5: Extend & Protect

SPF Moisturizer and home maintenance

A detailed list of ingredients for each step is available here.

Before

All of my makeup has been removed with the exception of my eye makeup (eyeliner & mascara) and lipstick. I was really excited about the procedure, but also nervous that it may be painful. My Aesthetician Nicole Deaver explained exactly what each phase does while performing my HydraFacial, and made sure that I was comfortable throughout.

After

The procedure was painless, the only thing I felt was slight tingling from the chemical peel. I’ve heard horror stories about extractions, but the vortex-suction was gentle and really cleaned out the stubborn clogged pores around my nose and on my chin.

Before & After

 My skin felt so soft and smooth after, and I was left looking radiant and glowing.

I was able to see every thing that the machine removed and extracted from my face. I guess I’ve been doing a good job with taking care of my skin because I expected much worse. Nicole explained that I shouldn’t exfoliate with my Clarisonic or harsh exfoliants for at least 3 days, just gently cleanse and moisturize. She also stressed the importance of applying sunscreen the day after as my skin would be sensitive to the sun.

I’m only wearing eye makeup and lipstick. See that glow?!

I was comfortable going home without reapplying my makeup and when I got there my son immediately complemented my skin and kept trying to touch my face since it “looked so smooth” lol. I loved the results of my HydraFacial and two days later my skin is still looking radiant.  I definitely plan to add facials to my upkeep routine and can’t wait to try a spa facial next!

The HydraFacial MD® can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 per session and it is recommended to have the procedure done every four to six weeks for continued results. Find a provider near you here.

Do you get professional facials or just take care of your skin at home?

Service(s) in this post were provided complementary for review consideration by Bold PR. See my Disclosure page for additional information.