Hydro Dermabrasion - All You Need to Know
Here’s everything you need to know before booking a hydro dermabrasion – what it is, how it’s done, what it can do, how much it costs, and more.
Image source: Instagram @skinco.beautybar
Explore more dermabrasion topics:
Swipe for more dermabrasion topics →
This cutting-edge treatment combines traditional microdermabrasion’s benefits with an added advantage of hydration.
Whether you’re looking to address fine lines or uneven skin tone or want a fresh glow, hydro dermabrasion can be your solution.
It is risk-free and pain-free, so you can’t go wrong with it. Here’s everything you need to know about this popular facial treatment.
Table of contents - Skip to a specific paragraph
What Is Hydro Dermabrasion?
Hydro dermabrasion is a facial treatment that offers exfoliation, deep cleansing, and plumping for anti-aging effects and improved skin texture.
It’s a variation of microdermabrasion that includes an infusion step for a deeper cleanse.
The infusion step in hydrodermabrasion involves the application of specialized serums or solutions with ingredients that penetrate deeply into the skin, promoting optimal skin health and appearance.
Image source: Instagram @vipcosmedics
What Can a Hydro Dermabrasion Facial Do?
Hydradermabrasion delivers several effects in 1:
- Exfoliates the stratum corneum – the layer of dead skin cells is removed, revealing better skin underneath
- Cleanses the pores – the content of pores is sucked out
- Disinfects the skin – a disinfecting solution is infused into the cleansed pores, preventing breakouts
- Provides deep hydration – a mix of hydrating and nourishing ingredients is injected deep into the pores
Basically, it evens out your skin tone and texture, leaving the skin smoother and healthier. The powerful infusions make the skin plumper, which diminishes fine lines and wrinkles for an anti-aging effect.
Who Is the Hydradermabrasion Facial Suitable For?
Hydra dermabrasion is suitable for everyone. It’s good for all skin types, from sensitive to oily skin tones (there’s no risk of hypopigmentation for darker skin tones).



How Exactly Does It Work?
The hydro dermabrasion facial is a non-invasive skin treatment that uses a handpiece connected to a tube and several tanks, serving multiple purposes, such as:
- mechanical exfoliation
- vacuum effect that removes dead skin cells and clears out pores
- high-pressure sprayer, ejecting solutions and infusing them deeply into the pores.
The whole treatment is done with the same handpiece, but the machine’s modes are switched to perform different functions.
@angelicskin_ HYDRADERMABRATION🫶🏼🤭 Infusing hyaluronic acid with a microdermabrasion at the same time 😍 #fypシ #viral #skincareroutine #hydradermabrasion #beauty #xyzbca ♬ Area Codes – Kaliii
What Does the Facial Look Like?
It combines several methods in 4 steps. So, let’s go through each step of the hydradermabrasion facial:
Pre-Cleansing
First, your skin is cleaned with a gentle tonic before the actual treatment starts, to remove all makeup or skincare residues.
Exfoliation
Usually, mechanical exfoliation is followed by a light chemical peel, where a low-concentration acid is applied and distributed over the skin using a handpiece.
Infusion of the Solution
The handpiece is used to apply a mixture of serums, acids, and water to loosen pores and dissolve their contents.
It then ejects and sucks back the solution through different channels to prevent the contaminated liquids from lingering on the skin.
Suction
Hydrodermabrasion involves adjusting the handpiece to intense suction to extract accumulated sebum, dirt, bacteria, and product residues from loosened pores.
This helps prevent post-facial breakouts and disinfects the pores to avoid bacterial development.
Hydrating Formula
A hydrating formula is applied to the skin using a handpiece, providing nourishment and anti-inflammatory effects.
The custom-mixed formula usually contains low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, known for intense skin moisturization. This method allows the serums to penetrate the pores deeper, maximizing skin volume and reducing fine lines.
Optional Add-Ons
Hydro dermabrasion can be combined with other facials, usually LED light therapy or an oxygen facial. This is optional.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
The treatment doesn’t take long – up to 1 hour. If you’re not getting any add-ons, it probably won’t take that long.
Does It Hurt?
No. Actually, most clients claim it’s quite pleasant and feels like a facial massage.
Are the Results Immediate?
YES. After the treatment, you will also notice reduced puffiness due to the lymphatic drainage from the handpiece motions.
You will also see additional effects: your pores will appear smaller because they are empty, and collagen production will increase, enhancing your skin’s glow.
How Often Should I Repeat the Treatment?
The hydro dermabrasion facial is a one-off, but if your skin is oilier, you can get it once a month to cleanse it and prevent acne breakouts.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Nothing major:
- After the procedure, your skin may be red, and there might be minor bruising if you have thin skin or take blood-thinning medication.
- Keep your skin moisturized, as it may feel dry, and you may experience some flaking.
- If you are prone to cold sores, consult your GP for a prescription for an antiviral medication.
After the procedure, wear SPF to protect your sensitive skin from sun damage.
How Does Hydro Dermabrasion Compare to Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion?
Think of these 3 treatments as a gradation:
- Dermabrasion is a highly aggressive treatment for severe skin conditions, requiring 1-2 weeks of downtime and performed by dermatologists or plastic surgeons.
- Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that exfoliates the epidermis with minimal hydration. It can treat minor scarring and hyperpigmentation and offers anti-aging benefits. It is performed in spas and salons and requires no downtime.
- Hydro dermabrasion is the gentlest option, providing deep hydration and skin-brightening effects, but it is less effective for deeper wrinkles and severe imperfections.
Read more about dermabrasion here, and more about microdermabrasion here.
How Much Does Hydro Dermabrasion Cost?
Hydrodermabrasion facial costs vary by salon, ranging from $100 to $300. Factors such as salon exclusivity, equipment brand, location, and add-ons can influence the final price.
Hydro Dermabrasion – Main Takeaways
Hydra dermabrasion, also known as the hydra facial, is a gentle skin resurfacing treatment that combines exfoliation, deep cleansing, and intense hydration to make the skin brighter, smoother, and more rejuvenated.
It improves skin texture and firmness but is not effective for moderate to severe cases of hyperpigmentation or scarring. In those cases, microdermabrasion is a better choice.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DERMABRASION
Explore more dermabrasion topics:
Swipe for more dermabrasion topics →
