By Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz
What exactly is a Hydrafacial — and is it worth the buzz it’s getting?
One in every 15 seconds: That’s how many of these trademarked, gunk-sucking, no prick Hydrafacials are reportedly being performed all over the world. That means by the time you’re done reading this article, more than a dozen people would have already started with their treatments.
Some of them might even be Hollywood A-listers. So popular are Hydrafacials that online sources claim that actresses such as Amy Poehler and Kate Winslet (to name a few) get this treatment right before they hit the red carpet. Some lists even include Queen Bey.
Of course, an A-list clientele normally comes with an A-list price tag. In the States, the treatment is pegged to range from around USD 150 to USD 300 per session. In the Philippines, it may cost you more than a few thousand bucks per pop, especially in well-recognized establishments such as, say, the Belo Medical Clinic.
Done in thirty minutes
Aside from not having any downtime — yes, you may apply makeup immediately afterwards — Hydrafacials, are rather fuss-free. Even with the somewhat intimidating machine and the armada of hard-to-spell boosters and serums that come along with it, Hydrafacials can be completed in as little as 30 minutes.
Like other facials, it starts with cleansing and peeling, sans the abrasive scraping. This way, new layers of skin are brought to the surface, without any pain or discomfort.
Afterwards, we move on to extraction and hydration. This is also a relatively less painful procedure, compared to say, diamond peels. Instead of pricking, specially designed suctions are used to draw out dirt and gunk from the face. In the meantime, moisturizers are applied on the skin, which simply feels amazing.
The last part, is called fuse and protect, wherein antioxidants and peptides are generously applied on the skin for that added glow. Specific serums are used in this stage, based on the desired outcome. For my treatment, Britenol is used to brighten and balance skin tone, while minimizing the appearance of dark spots and sunspots.
Altogether, the experience is relaxing and comfortable. There’s no wincing or nerves on my part, especially since this is a facial treatment that doesn’t require the attendant to scrape or prick the face.
Hydrafacial also comes in Deluxe (45 minutes) and Platinum (60 minutes) options. These treatments come with added perks and boosters, and wraps itself up with the use of LED light therapy — truly elevating the entire experience.
To help reduce wrinkles in the eye area and prevent them from developing quickly, I am given the eye replenishing serum. This is made of horse chestnut seed extract (antioxidants to protect and support skin’s elasticity) and Arnica flower extract (to soothe, hydrate and renew skin). While half of the vial is used during the procedure, the other half is given to the customer for personal use.
The result
At the end of the facial, my skin did have that noticeable glow from being cleaned, peeled, hydrated and moisturized in one sitting. The gunk jar, where excess sebum and residue from my face can be found, is solid evidence of how clean and rejuvenated my face has become. It’s both satisfying and disgusting to look at.
While my skin looks noticeably radiant and clearer after the session, it’s worth pointing out that even the fabled Hydrafacial is not a one-shot solution for all those aging-induced problems. Availing of it, ideally, once a month may deliver more lasting results, or as the brand promises “the best skin of your life!” Some even opt to use the machine and boosters to have their entire bodies (not just their faces) nourished ala Hydrafacial.
Spectrum of beauty
In the Philippines, Hydrafacial is supplied by SpectruMed Inc., a trusted provider of premium energy-based aesthetic devices that has operated in the country in the last 25 years. “Our clients trust us, not just because we carry the most famous aesthetic brands and technologies in the world, but because of our strong aftersales and clinical support,” says Doron Glazer, chairman of SpectruMed, which also carries the highlight RevLite and PicoSure brands, among others.
Of course, carrying such big names also comes with a downside – knockoffs! Doron shares that while there are 40 to 50 certified Hydrafacial centers in the Philippines, there are also some who use the brand name in vain. “Some of these low-end service providers offer ‘Hydrafacials’ for a few hundred pesos. Some claim they don’t know that it is a trademarked brand,” he says.
As such, one must do his or her due diligence before getting the coveted beauty treatment. Make sure to get it from a respected clinic that can easily present proof of authenticity for their machines and serums. “Some manufacturers may try and replicate the machines but the boosters and serums are something that only the real Hydrafacial can provide,” he concludes.
