Why the HydraFacial Is One of the Most Popular In-Office Treatments | Choicy Beauty- a beauty training academic

The HydraFacial is one of the most popular in-office facial treatments right now. It's so popular, that one is performed every 15 seconds around the world. That stat alone is impressive, but the treatment's become the go-to facial for celebs, your co-worker, and Instagram mutuals because it targets many of the most common skincare concerns like dryness and signs of aging with little to no side effects.

For those unfamiliar, the HydraFacial is a medical-grade resurfacing treatment that clears out your pores and hydrates your skin. It's offered across the country at licensed medical professional facilities, or where a certified HydraFacial esthetician is present. The four-step treatment includes cleansing, exfoliating, extracting, and hydrating the skin with serums that are infused into pores with the HydraPeel Tip, a pen-like device.

"The serums have anti-aging and antioxidant properties and are tailored to address the specific needs of the patients," says Dr. Anna Guanche, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles.

We had two experts break down everything you need to know about getting a HydraFacial, from what the treatment does to your skin to how much it will cost you.

What Happens During the HydraFacial?
The HydraFacial treatment starts with cleansing by removing the dead skin cells and excess sebum from the skin. Next, a mix of salicylic and glycolic acids is applied to the skin to break up any dirt and oil that's clogging pores. Then, the HydraPeel Tip is used to essentially vacuum out blackheads, dirt, oil, and impurities, while hydrating, plumping, and nourishing serums are simultaneously applied to the skin.

What Are the HydraFacial's Skincare Benefits?
A HyraFacial treatment can improve your skin in a ton of ways. Its many benefits include a more hydrated, bright, plump, and clear complexion. Plus, it can also improve signs of aging. "The treatment reduces fine lines and wrinkles, increases firmness, evens tone, texture, and brown spots, as well as reducing enlarged pores," says Dr. Guanche.

What Are the Side Effects of the HydraFacial?
One of the many reasons why the HydraFacial is so popular is because there are minimal side effects, and essentially no downtime post-treatment. Dr. Ellen Marmur, New York City-based dermatologist and founder of Marmur Metamorphosis, says to expect a little redness immediately following the treatment, but it will quickly subside.

"Following the treatment, you'll want to let your skin rest and soak up all of the benefits of the facial for the rest of the day," Dr. Marmur says. "You can wear makeup the next morning and resume your normal routine."

Dr. Guanche agrees that the risks are low, but warns that it's possible to experience irritation from the customized serums if you have reactive skin.

Who Should Get the Hydrafacial?
Everyone! One of HydraFacial's biggest draws is that the treatment is suitable for virtually any age and skin type - save for a few exceptions.

"This treatment is nice for teenagers with acne, adults with pimples, wrinkles, and hyper-pigmentation, and older patients with sun damage and even flaky pre-cancerous spots (as part of more serious treatments)," explains Dr. Marmur. "Although beneficial to many skin types, those with active rashes, sunburns, or rosacea, along with pregnant patients, should abstain from this treatment."