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What Is a Hydrafacial?

The Steps of HydraFacial Explained

 

Step 1: Cleanse + Peel

 

HydraFacial's Step 1 uses both mechanical and chemical exfoliation to cleanse and exfoliate the skin using both their ACTIV-4 (to cleanse) and GLYSAL (to peel) proprietary solutions.

 

The treatment begins with the application of ACTIV-4 to the skin using a Blue HydroPeel tip. The tip is moved across the skin with slight pressure and vortex suction to abrade and remove dead skin, similar microdermabrasion or Dermaglow. However, what sets HydraFacial apart and raises it to a higher level of effectiveness is that while your skin is being abraded and dead skin and impurities are being taken away, ACTIV-4 is being infused into the skin to cleanse. This multi-action, specialized skin solution deeply nourishes and renews skin while softening sebum and it also removes impurities to aid in extractions.

 

The active ingredients in ACTIV-4 are:

 

  • Glucosamine HCL - soften and exfoliate

  • Lactic Acid - exfoliate and moisturize

  • Algae Extract - calm and soothe

 

Glucosamine is a powerful ingredient that exfoliates skin and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also keeps skin healthy by keeping it moisturized and nourished.

 

Lactic Acid helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by renewing and bringing  hydration to the skin.

 

Algae Extract is rich in antioxidants that will leave skin feeling soft, smooth and radiant. It also helps replenish the skin with essential vitamins and minerals.

 

The powerful formula of ACTIV-4 also includes Yeast Extract to wake up dull, tired skin by providing an antioxidant boost as a natural form of betaglucan, along with sodium lactate and urea to nourish and hydrate. ACTIV-4 leaves skin visibly rejuvenated in only one treatment and is suitable for all skin types. Please note, because there is glucosamine (less than 1%) in ACTIV-4, those with topical shellfish allergies should consult their physician before undergoing a HydraFacial treatment. 

 

Step 2: Extract + Hydrate

 

HydraFacial Step 2 uses the teal HydroPeel tip to deliver GlySal and Beta-HD to the skin.

 

GLYSAL combines the benefits of active mechanical exfoliation and a chemical peel into a one-step resurfacing procedure. The name is a combination of its two active ingredients, Glycolic acid and Salicylic acid. Glycolic Acid further dislodges dead skin cells and helps to decongest clogged pores, and aids in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Oil-soluble Salicylic Acid is part of the beta-hydroxy family. It deeply penetrates pores, removing dead skin cells and clearing deeper skin congestion, drastically reducing the buildup of dirt and sebum within the pores. The result is an accelerated peel with visible skin rejuvenation with little to no irritation to the skin.

 

There are 3 types of GLYSAL available with the HydraFacial treatment:

 

GLYSAL PREP: 7.5% Glycolic Acid and 2% Salicylic Acid Peel

GLYSAL PEEL: 15% Glycolic Acid and 1.5% Salicylic Acid Peel

GLYSAL PEEL MD: 30% Glycolic Acid and 1.5% Salicylic Acid Peel (available to MDs only)

 

The teal tip is moved across the skin in single, smooth strokes to administer GlySal. 

 

The next part of Step 2 is vortex-fusion pore extractions using Beta-HD solution. This step focuses on the t-zone, extracting dirt, debris and sebum from congested pores on the chin, nose and forehead areas. HydraFacial's Beta-HD solution simultaneously aids in extractions, nourishes skin and exfoliates.

 

The active ingredients in Beta-HD include:

 

  • Salicylic Acid - exfoliate

  • Honey Extract - hydrate

  • Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract - soothe

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Beta-HD solution leaves the skin feeling hydrated, due to the added honey extract. Suitable for all skin types, Beta-HD leaves skin clear, even and glowing.

 

Step 3: Fuse + Protect

 

The last step, Step 3 of HydraFacial uses a powerful serum called Antiox+, infused into the skin with the Clear HydroPeel tip in short pressing motions. Antiox+ combines deeply moisturizing low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid, often referred to as “Liquid Gold.” Antiox + offers soothing elements from Arnica Flower Extract, skin renewing and brightening benefits from Miehei Mucor, and Red Algae Extract to even skin tone. This incredible formula naturally detoxifies and protects the skin from environmental free radicals. This combination of hyaluronic acid and peptides, it is ideal for all skin types and will help to improve skin health while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Antiox+ works synergistically to go beyond detoxification and protection to restore beautiful and healthy skin.

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Once the HydraFacial is complete, finishing products such as moisturizer and SPF will be applied to your skin. After that, you can admire your clean, smooth, glowing skin!

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