Tried & Tested: The Hydrafacial

By: Ruth Kerrison
Created on 12th January 2010

In this issue, Ruth Kerrison puts the latest high-tech facial to the test

What is it?
The new Hydrafacial treatment is a super-hydrating skin resurfacing procedure - known in the industry as hydradermabrasion - which claims to give superb results including a visible reduction in fine lines, superficial brown spots and a dramatic increase in hydration and antioxidant levels after just one treatment. I went to see Debbie Thomas at Daniel Hersheson in Harvey Nichols, who has developed her own unique method, combining the benefits of a medical aesthetic procedure with the luxury of a beauty treatment.

What really happens?
After a brief, no holds barred, assessment of my current skin condition, I lay down on the treatment couch, feeling a little apprehensive about what was to come. Debbie started by gently cleansing my skin and massaging my shoulders.

This was followed by the hydradermabrasion itself - similar to microdermabrasion, this treatment exfoliates dead skin cells and extracts impurities with a vacuum-based skin abrasion tip, but the difference is that hydradermabrasion simultaneously replenishes the skin by releasing active serums to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate.

For my skin, Debbie used the deep cleansing serums Activ 4 and Beta HD. She then applied a GlySal peel, which combines Glycolic and Salicylic acid, to deep cleanse and brighten the skin. There was a definite tingling sensation when the peel was applied, which died down after a minute or so, although the peel is reactivated on contact with water, so it did sting a bit when the peel was removed!

To calm and rejuvenate my skin, she used red and blue light therapy, holding the lights against my face for several minutes, followed by further massage to stimulate blood flow to the skin. Finally, Debbie applied a hydrating B5 mask, then Vitamin C serum and a physical sun block, to prevent the elements undoing all her good work.

She also advised me to follow up with a thorough skincare regime at home in order to maintain the results - using an antioxidant, a moisturiser and a sun block every day. The whole experience lasted about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Worst bit
Being told everything that's wrong with my skin! I did also feel a bit like a naughty child when I confessed I don't necessarily use a moisturiser or sun block every day.

Best bit
Apart from some minor discomfort when the peel was applied, the whole experience felt more like being pampered at a luxury spa than having an aesthetic procedure. The massage was fabulous and at the end of the treatment I felt thoroughly relaxed - I very nearly fell asleep at one point.

Did it work?

Absolutely - my skin was positively glowing when I left the salon, and I've been receiving compliments on my complexion ever since! For really spectacular results or for serious problem skin, a course of six treatments at seven to ten day intervals is recommended, but one was certainly enough to boost my skin confidence.

CS&AM