A new non-invasive skincare treatment, known as the HydraFacial, designed to treat congested pores, acne and dehydration, is proof that innovation in the beauty sector shows no signs of slowing down in 2023
At a time when there seems to be an ever-increasing choice of oils, creams, serums and essences on supermarket and pharmacy shelves, knowing which products to select for your skincare routine can be an overwhelming task. Our desire for innovative skincare treatments shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.
According to consumer research platform Attest, the global skincare industry was worth more than £125bn in 2022, and there are a number of new complexion-boosting procedures beginning to push the industry forward. One of them is the HydraFacial, which is being used to treat a variety of skin concerns, ranging from congested pores to dehydration and acne.
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What is it?
Facials tend to fall into two main camps. The first is a more traditional and relaxing treatment, often accompanied by soothing spa music (think birdsong and crashing waves). The second brings a powerful combination of high-tech gadgets and complementary products (a little more ‘industrial’, you might say).
Falling firmly into the second category, HydraFacial has become increasingly popular due to the fact there’s very little downtime, which means you can get back to normal day-to-day life relatively quickly after treatment. And there’s no need to step into the world of injectables, either.
“This is one of our most popular treatments and it’s suitable for every age,” says Claire Griffiths, clinic manager at the Brentwood branch of SK:N clinic. “It’s an excellent hydrating treatment with instant results and it leaves your skin bright and glowing. When used alongside a good homecare routine, you will see lasting results.”
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How does it work?
The six-step treatment uses a patented machine with changeable tips to exfoliate, extract, and deliver a variety of rejuvenating serums before attempting to remove dead skin cells and impurities and then hydrating the skin with antioxidants and peptides.
After cleansing, the therapist employs a suction tip to encourage lymph drainage and removes toxins as it moves down the face. The treatment is painless and you can chat freely or close your eyes and relax. You can even take peek at the dirt and dead skin cells after they’ve been sucked away. After exfoliation, glycolic and salicylic acid are left on your face for two to three minutes as a mask.
The finale is a vitamin C-infused moisturiser (Daily Radiance Vitamin C by Medik8) massaged all over for a final layer of hydration.
By the end, the skin should appear poreless, shiny and smooth, with congested areas (a nice term for blackheads) decluttered. All this without needing to step into the world of injectables.
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What’s the verdict?
“The HydraFacial is a really interesting treatment,” explains author and journalist Alice Hart-Davis, one of the UK’s leading independent experts in non-surgical procedures and founder of The Tweakments Guide.
“Surprisingly, it’s long been a favourite of aesthetic practitioners. It might seem an odd fit with a clinic that offers injectable fillers and wrinkle-relaxing toxins, but such places find that regular HydraFacial treatments are a good way to encourage their patients’ skin into better shape, which could enhance the results of other cosmetic treatments.”
HydraFacial is available nationwide and at SK:N clinics. Treatments start from £150. Visit sknclinics.co.uk for more information
Words by Jo Fernández; Main image: Getty
