What is HydraFacial and Why This Treatment is Revolutionizing Skincare
HydraFacial, also known as hydradermabrasion, is a non-invasive aesthetic treatment that combines deep cleansing, exfoliation, and intensive hydration in a single session. Unlike traditional microdermabrasion that uses abrasive crystals, this patented technique employs an aqueous vortex system to extract impurities while infusing the skin with active serums.
This treatment targets individuals seeking visible improvement in skin quality without resorting to invasive procedures. Hydradermabrasion addresses several skin concerns: dull complexion, enlarged pores, dehydration, fine lines, and imperfections. Clinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness on different skin types and phototypes.
Find trusted clinics offering HydraFacial treatment in Belgium →
Clinical Indications: When to Choose HydraFacial Treatment
HydraFacial effectively treats several dermatological concerns:
- Mild to moderate acne
- Dull complexion and lack of radiance
- Skin dehydration
- Enlarged pores and comedones
- Fine lines and early signs of aging
- Irregular skin texture
- Mild hyperpigmentation
- Oily or combination skin with excess sebum
A multicenter clinical study evaluated treatment efficacy in 20 adult patients with mild to moderate acne. After six sessions over 12 weeks, 65% of patients had no acne or almost clear skin according to medical assessment, compared to 20% at baseline.
How HydraFacial Works: Hydradermabrasion Mechanism of Action
Hydradermabrasion relies on patented technology combining mechanical stimulation and dermal infusion. The Vortex-Fusion system uses controlled suction coupled with simultaneous application of active solutions.
At the cellular level, the treatment mechanically stimulates the basal layer of the epidermis. This stimulation is associated with epidermal thickening and smoothing. The fibroblast activity observed in studies may promote extracellular matrix deposition and dermal thickening. Antioxidants introduced during the procedure hydrate the skin, may reduce inflammation, and contribute to protecting lipid membranes, collagen fibers, and enzymatic systems.
Histological analyses revealed statistically significant increases in epidermal thickness, papillary dermal thickness, and polyphenolic antioxidant levels in patients treated with hydradermabrasion combined with antioxidant serums. A study using optical coherence tomography imaging objectively measured a decrease in average stratum corneum thickness from 9.42 to 6.67 µm immediately after treatment.
Find trusted clinics offering HydraFacial treatment in Belgium →
HydraFacial Session Protocol: Step-by-Step Procedure
Preparation
The skin is first cleansed and makeup removed. A skin analysis allows protocol customization according to skin type and therapeutic objectives.
Step 1: Cleansing and Exfoliation
Application of a cleansing solution to prepared skin. The HydraFacial system performs gentle epidermal exfoliation to remove dead cells and sebum using patented solutions.
Step 2: Gentle Chemical Peel
A mixture of 7.5% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid is applied. This low-concentration solution releases impurities and debris lodged in pores without causing significant irritation.
Step 3: Suction Extraction
Vortex-Fusion technology uses controlled suction to extract blackheads, sebum, and impurities directly from pores. This extraction is performed without manual compression, minimizing discomfort.
Step 4: Hydration and Serum Infusion
Infusion of customized serums containing antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. This step intensively nourishes the skin and optimizes active ingredient penetration.
Step 5: Protection (Optional)
Some protocols include 8 minutes of blue LED therapy and application of final protection. LED therapy is used adjunctively in some studies, although its specific contribution to overall HydraFacial treatment results has not been isolated in available research.
Total duration ranges from 30 to 45 minutes depending on the chosen protocol.
Find trusted clinics offering HydraFacial treatment in Belgium →
HydraFacial Results: Clinical Efficacy and Timeline
Immediate Results
Effects are visible from the first session. Skin appears smoother, more hydrated, and radiant immediately after treatment. This immediate improvement results from dead cell elimination and intensive hydration.
Medium-Term Results
In the acne clinical study, 100% of participants reported cleaner, healthier-looking skin after the six-session protocol. The proportion of patients with no acne or almost clear skin increased from 5% to 55% according to patient self-assessment. Investigators also noted improved radiance and skin clarity in all participants.
A microscopic imaging study objectively measured epidermal and papillary dermal thickening immediately after treatment. However, these structural modifications were no longer visible at two-week follow-up, highlighting the need for regular sessions to maintain results.
Duration of Effects
The "glow effect" can last several days to a few weeks after a single session. For lasting skin quality benefits, regular maintenance is recommended. Clinical studies demonstrating significant efficacy used protocols of six sessions spaced two weeks apart.
Find trusted clinics offering HydraFacial treatment in Belgium →
HydraFacial Recommended Frequency and Treatment Protocol
For treating mild to moderate acne, the clinically validated protocol includes one session every two weeks for 12 weeks, totaling six treatments.
For general skin maintenance and sustaining results, a session every four to six weeks is generally recommended. This frequency can be adjusted according to individual objectives and skin responsiveness.
There are no clinical data establishing a maximum number of sessions. Treatment can continue long-term as part of a skin maintenance routine.
HydraFacial Pricing in Belgium: Price Range per Session
In Belgium, rates vary according to the chosen protocol and establishment:
- HydraFacial Signature (basic protocol): €155 to €220 per session
- HydraFacial with customized boosters: €200 to €250 per session
- HydraFacial with lymphatic drainage: €245 to €275 per session
- HydraFacial face, neck, and décolleté: €250 to €275 per session
These rates correspond to 30 to 90-minute sessions depending on the formula. Multiple-session packages may offer reduced rates. HydraFacial is considered an aesthetic treatment and is generally not covered by health insurance.
Find trusted clinics offering HydraFacial treatment in Belgium →
Contraindications and Precautions: When to Avoid HydraFacial
Absolute Contraindications
- Active skin lesions or open wounds
- Active skin infections (impetigo, active herpes)
- Active rosacea flare-up
- Sunburn or burned skin
- Active facial eczema
- Aspirin allergy (salicylic acid)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (due to chemical agents used)
Relative Contraindications
- Extremely sensitive or reactive skin
- Severe cystic acne
- Recent isotretinoin treatment (wait at least six months)
- Recent use of topical retinoids or strong exfoliating acids (stop 3 to 7 days before)
Post-Treatment Precautions
It is recommended to avoid excessive sun exposure for 72 hours following treatment and apply SPF 50 sun protection. Use of aggressive or exfoliating products should be suspended for several days.
Find trusted clinics offering HydraFacial treatment in Belgium →
Possible HydraFacial Side Effects: What You Need to Know
HydraFacial is generally well tolerated. In the acne clinical study, no participants reported acne breakouts, skin irritation, dryness, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after treatment.
Reported side effects are minor and transient:
- Mild redness (usually resolving in 2 to 5 hours)
- Temporary tightness sensation
- Slight skin sensitivity
In rare cases, a "purging" reaction may occur in the days following treatment, characterized by temporary appearance of small imperfections. This phenomenon reflects the surfacing of deeply lodged impurities.
Individuals who underwent moderate to intense treatment may present visible redness for 2 to 5 days. Inappropriate technique or unsuitable settings could increase the risk of irritation or broken capillaries, emphasizing the importance of consulting a trained practitioner.
Find trusted clinics offering HydraFacial treatment in Belgium →
HydraFacial vs Microdermabrasion: Comparative Differences and Advantages
Traditional microdermabrasion uses abrasive crystals or a diamond tip to mechanically exfoliate the skin. HydraFacial, in contrast, combines exfoliation with simultaneous infusion of hydrating serums.
While both techniques stimulate cellular renewal, hydradermabrasion presents certain advantages according to available data:
- Gentler exfoliation, better tolerated by sensitive skin
- Simultaneous hydration during treatment
- Infusion of active ingredients (antioxidants, peptides) optimizing results
- Immediate recovery without persistent redness in most cases
- Customization possible through different serums
A comparative study showed over 30% increase in cutaneous antioxidant levels when serums are applied via hydradermabrasion compared to manual application. However, additional direct comparative studies would be necessary to definitively establish the superiority of one technique over another.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About HydraFacial
Find trusted clinics offering HydraFacial treatment in Belgium →
