Introducing the HydraFacial

by Meg Lombardo | 06.09.17

As I’m noticing in several areas of my life, as I get older, change is getting harder. So when Sarah Akram, owner of Sarah Akram Skincare, suggested that I try the HydraFacial based on my skincare needs, I was, of course, skeptical. After all, in working with Sarah for almost two years, there has been a significant improvement in my overall skin health, and if you’re anything like me, you might approach facials with mixed feelings. While for many they are considered a spa treatment and immediately evoke the feeling of complete bliss and relaxation, sometimes that’s not exactly the way it works.

Depending on your skin’s needs, facials can often be a fairly intense, but incredibly necessary part of your skincare and overall whole-body health. I’ve gotten used to my facials, the different parts of my treatment, and how they all work together. Why would I want to try something new, now, not knowing how my skin would react or what the effects might be? I’m a big believer in “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

But trusting Sarah as I do, and knowing that she and her team at Sarah Akram Skincare are always seeking the most innovative skincare technologies available, I agreed to try the treatment…and, as usual, she was right. The HydraFacial is something that I have now incorporated into my skincare routine.

Usually found in plastic surgeons’ offices, HydraFacial MD is a patented skincare system that cleanses, extracts, and hydrates using proprietary technology that includes both the treatment products as well as the treatment machine. Yes, that’s right, this facial treatment is essentially a one-stop-shop…machinery and serums included! The solution incorporates some key terminology, too, as the word “vortex” is used throughout the six-step process. The vortex is the suction created on the skin when the specialized tips of the HydraFacial machine interact with and deliver treatments into the skin.

How HydraFacial MD Works…

An advanced version of a professional facial and microdermabrasion, the hybrid treatment can be customized and works on all skin types and is pain-free. The patented “Vortex Fusion” serum delivery system and the Hydro Peel Tips are what differentiates the HydraFacial from other procedures. The multi-step treatment cleanses, exfoliates, and extracts to remove impurities and dead skin cells while replenishing with anti-oxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid — all super-foods for the skin! These types of ingredients mitigate environmental damage, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and plump and firm skin. While my treatment was an hour, a HydraFacial can be effective on many skin types in as little as 30 minutes and is gentle enough to incorporate monthly into your skin care routine. Each HydraFacial follows the same six basic steps to achieve maximum results:

Vortex Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells to uncover healthy skin
Vortex Peel: Glycolic and salicylic acids deliver the benefits of a peel without post-peel scaling
Vortex Extraction: Suction painlessly cleans out pores
Vortex Boost: Delivers targeted skincare serums to address specific skin concerns
Vortex Fusion: Nourishes and protects with hyaluronic acid and anti-oxidant serum
Extend and Protect: Maintain results at home as part of your daily skincare routine

…And How It Works for Me

Each step of the six-step process was comfortable. I could feel the difference in the various tips that were used for different purposes — from exfoliating, to extracting, to moisturizing. Perhaps one of the biggest differences was that most extractions were performed with the HydraFacial machine and a specialized tip rather than by hand. Extractions are a big part of my facial, and I almost consider myself a pro at getting through very long extraction sessions, so I’m all for anything that makes this part of the process a little bit easier but is just as effective. After the extractions ended I saw the remnants that appeared in the treatment solution. There is an odd sort of gratification when you can visibly see the impurities and “gunk” that is removed from your skin during a treatment like this…it’s almost like a feeling of accomplishment!

Perhaps the biggest difference was in my skin the day after the treatment. There was very little redness or irritation, which is a big change for me. Given the intensity of some of my treatments, my skin is typically irritated for several days. The blemishes on my skin were noticeably reduced, as was my acne scarring. The scarring also noticeably faded in color — to the point where I’ve significantly reduced the amount makeup that I use. I continue to follow my same daily routine using my regular skincare products and have incorporated the HydraFacial into my routine monthly.

Most of us know that a consistent skincare routine becomes increasingly important as we continue to age. In addition to a morning and nighttime cocktail of serums, moisturizers, and treatments, a complete skin routine should also include regularly scheduled professional skincare treatments. If your skincare treatments are with true professionals, like Sarah Akram Skincare, each facial is customized around your skin needs and goals. As these needs evolve and your skin changes, a professional aesthetician will ensure that your treatment regimen evolves and will also identify and suggest innovative approaches to advance your overall skin health.

If you’re looking for a proven treatment that drives almost immediate results yet is gentle enough to receive monthly, give Sarah Akram Skincare a call and inquire about the HydraFacial. You’ll be glad that you did!