BEAUTY & THE BASICS: HydraFacial®

I’m sure if we could have our post-acne/puberty youthful skin forever, we would totally all be onboard, right? Unfortunately, we start producing less and less collagen at the ripe age of 20! Can you believe that? I was in shock when I found that out. And basically, I’ve been trying to take the best care of my skin ever since.

To be honest, I used to be flat out awful at taking care of my skin. I would go to sleep with makeup on my face every night and really only washed my face when I took a shower. And I wouldn’t even always do that! SO GROSS. I seriously look back in DISGUST at how often I would fall asleep, wake up rinse off (purposely missing my face because I didn’t want to spend that much time putting on makeup), and slap on some more powder and mascara and call it a day.  Like it seriously makes me cringe when I think about that.

Thankfully, my senior year of college I got a job at a facial manufacturing company (coincidentally enough, it was at HydraFacial® corporate offices), and I quit that bad habit ASAP. I seriously thank my lucky stars that I worked there when I did, because I learned so much about skincare and how much of what we do in our young age can affect our skin for the rest of our life.

Now, not only do I not go to bed without taking my makeup off every night, but I have worked in other products and services to my skincare routine. Really hoping that when I am 40, I don’t look a day over 25 😉 Here’s hoping!

Of course – a good skin regimen is key (I’ll get into that more soon!), but adding in other things, such as the HydraFacial® is so important! They really stress skin maintenance and skin health, which I couldn’t agree with more! It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Although it comes at a luxury price (trust me…just because I used to work there doesn’t mean I get them for free!), it is so worth it if you can make it work with your budget.

So as I mentioned, yes I worked for HydraFacial® for almost 2 years during and right after college. I learned a ton about good skin health, taking care of your skin, good skin maintenance and of course about the treatment. I used to get them for free during my time there because I was there HydraFacial® host (peep the throwback pic of me below haha). However, when I left – I still wanted to get them because they were THAT good! Now I live 6 hours away from their headquarters and go to a spa here that offers the HydraFacial treatment, Urban Aesthetics. You can find locations near you, here.

Just so everyone knows, let me repeat, I no longer receive these treatments for free. I have budgeted them into my skincare routine and pay full price for them because they are that good!

A little bit more about HydraFacial®: 
It is so great because it works on all skin tones & types. I have pretty sensitive skin and fairly dry skin and it works great on me! Previous coworkers had darker and oilier skin and it worked great on them too! It also addresses all skincare needs! Fine lines & wrinkles, even skin tone, texture, dark spots, congested skin, enlarged pores – you name it! You also have the option to add on a boost that can help discoloration or minimize signs of aging or dark spots.

More about the HydraFacial® Treatment:
HydraFacial® is a non-invasive and invigorating treatment. It delivers immediately noticeable results with no downtime or irritation (Keep in mind, if you do have sensitive skin, it may be a little pink when you’re done – but it will fade quickly and that is it!). “The HydraFacial® removes dead skin cells and extracts impurities while simultaneously bathing the new skin with cleansing, hydrating, and moisturizing serums.” It is meant to be quick – can be done in under 30 minutes. However, the one I scheduled takes about 60 because they do some other additions, such as creams and masks prior to the HydraFacial®.

The treatment itself is a few step process. The first step is a cleanse and peel. First, the skin will be cleansed and then a light peel applied. It is very light but this is where some itchiness may come in if you do have sensitive skin. Next is extractions. Probably my favorite part because it is literally sucking out all your impurities and congested skin (My old boss is probably cringing at my wording – some of this is not on-brand for the company, but definitely how it feels to me!). After the skin is nourished with moisturizers (this usually helps any irritation as well). Finally the skin will be saturated (I believe the term we used to use was “vortex-infused” – don’t quote me, it’s been like 6 years) with antioxidants to protect your skin and help it glow!

Nothing about the process hurts at all! The first time or two that I received the treatment, it actually tickled a little bit because the feeling was so different to me! It feels like this little vacuum pen that is pen that is suctioning to your face. There is constantly serum being used so it does feel wet, but I actually really like the feeling, and I think you will too!

As it is supposed to be noninvasive with no downtime, the goal is that you can go out and go about your day. Personally, I feel more confident with makeup so haven’t quite gotten there yet! However, I do try to refrain from putting any makeup on for the rest of the day after receiving the treatment. I have also had people comment about my face or skin looking great after receiving the treatment, completely unknowing, so it DOES work! It will help make skin look plump and dewy. I believe they recommend going every 4 weeks. To be honest – I can’t afford that and I’m not always as consistent as I should be. Realistically I like to go every 6-8 weeks. Consistency is key and the more you go, the better results you will see!

Moral of the story – skincare is important! It’s never too late (OR TOO EARLY!) to start investing in your skin health.

For more information about HydraFacial. 
For more information about the treatment. 
To find a provider near you!