How to Prepare For A Hydrafacial – Before and After

Who doesn’t want beautiful glowing skin, we know we do! HydraFacial is an excellent way to clean and hydrate the skin simultaneously without needing much time to recover. It works well for all skin types and can help with issues like fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, dullness, and acne. This article discusses how to prepare for a Hydrafacial.  

Before delving into the steps you should take both before and after your Hydrafacial, it's important to understand the procedure itself. This understanding can help you see the guidelines and precautions as practical advice rather than strict rules to be avoided.

What is a Hydrafacial?

Hydrafacial offers a comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation. This involves cleansing, exfoliating, extracting, and replenishing your skin through a patented resurfacing technique. By utilizing a Vortex-Fusion® serum delivery system, we effectively remove surface impurities and infuse your skin with beneficial antioxidants.

While the procedure may seem complex initially, it shares similarities with traditional skin treatments, albeit with added rejuvenating benefits. We start by cleansing and gently peeling the skin, revealing fresher, healthier layers beneath. Next, we use a painless suction method to extract debris from your pores and follow up with the application of potent moisturizers for nourishment and hydration.

To enhance your complexion's radiance, we then introduce antioxidants and peptides that penetrate the skin's surface. Throughout this process, we use water microdermabrasion instead of crystals, as it offers a gentler approach while simultaneously improving skin elasticity and promoting an even skin tone.

Now you have a better understanding of the Hydrafacial process, it’s time to look closely at what you should and shouldn’t do before and after treatment.

How to prepare for a Hydrafacial – What to avoid before treatment

Before getting a HydraFacial, you need to stop using some of your regular skincare products as these could mess with the process and damage your skin. First off, if you're using an Isotretinoin product like Accutane, then lay off this at least 6 months before your Hydrafacial. These medicines change the skin’s chemistry and might not work well with your Hydrafacial. But if a doctor has given you the all-clear, then that’s fine. 

Similarly, it's best to steer clear of exfoliating treatments like glycolic acid and generic tretinoin creams for at least 48 hours before your session. These products have the potential to disrupt the HydraFacial process, leading to undesirable outcomes rather than improvements. We also advise against using wax or hair removal creams.

If you suffer from acne, then avoid any over-the-counter acne medicines with salicylic acid for 48 hours before your treatment.

What you should do before a Hydrafacial

Before your Hydrafacial, take it easy and avoid anything that could mess with your skin. For instance, try not to spend too much time outside in the sun. Over-exposure to the sun can burn your skin or damage it, which might affect how well HydraFacial works. Also, stay away from tanning beds for at least 72 hours before your treatment.

Let your skin be itself. We want to enhance your natural, healthy skin, so it's best not to do any other treatments or changes before your appointment. If you've had Botox in the past two weeks, it's better to delay your Hydrafacial. Botox affects how your muscles move, and we need them to move properly during the treatment.

But don't worry about small flaws and imperfections - that's what the Hydrafacial is for! Along with avoiding other treatments and too much sun, don't shave your face or trim your eyebrows on the same day as your appointment. If you do this just before your Hydrafacial treatment it could damage the new skin cells that you’ve uncovered yourself. 

Things to avoid after Hydrafacial treatment

After your Hydrafacial, it's important to keep up with the precautions you followed before the treatment. Many of the same products and activities can still interfere with your skin and reduce the effects of the treatment. Your new, healthy skin cells are more delicate, so it's crucial to protect them.

Continue to avoid too much sun exposure, and steer clear of tanning beds for at least 72 hours after your treatment. Sun and heat can harm your skin, so stick to lukewarm showers and skip saunas. Also, avoid intense workouts like heavy cardio or weight training, as they can cause bruising and swelling.

Along with being careful with sun and exercise, for 48 hours before the treatment, avoid using acne medications, generic tretinoin creams, exfoliating treatments, waxing, or hair removal creams. Don't opt for chemical peels or laser treatments for at least two weeks, and wait at least a day before applying makeup. When you do, keep it light—no heavy makeup for a while.

After treatment care

Now that you're aware of what to avoid, let's focus on what to do to keep your new skin in good shape. First off, the morning after your treatment, wash your face with a gentle face wash or exfoliating cleanser. Then, for the next 3 to 5 days, make sure to apply SPF 30 sunscreen daily. Also, use a hyaluronic boosting serum every day, both morning and night, for the next month.  It might seem like a lot, but it's crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of your skin. Our providers will be happy to recommend products from our store.  

Following these Hydrafacial treatment tips is key to ensuring lasting rejuvenation. Besides caring for your skin before and after the treatment, it's important to choose a reputable spa that offers quality treatments. At Gilded Leaf MedSpa, we specialize in providing gentle and restorative HydraFacials. You'll leave with nourished skin and a radiant glow.

Get your glow on

If you want to get your skin ready for the summer why not schedule a consultation with the friendly experienced team at Gilded Leaf MedSpa or click here to find out more about the service and our money-saving Membership Plan.