If you’re looking for a deep-cleansing, results-driven facial that doesn’t require downtime, you’ve probably heard about Hydrafacial. It’s one of our most popular skin treatments, delivering immediate hydration, smoother skin, and a refreshed glow, all in one session.
But what exactly happens during a Hydrafacial at Self Skin Studio? How is it different from a regular facial? And is it actually worth it?
We’re answering the five most common questions about Hydrafacial to help you decide if it’s the right treatment for your skin.
1. What Is a Hydrafacial?
Hydrafacial is a medical-grade facial treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, extracts, and hydrates the skin—all in one session. It’s performed using a specialized device that gently vacuums out debris from pores while simultaneously infusing the skin with hydrating and nourishing serums (Hydrafacial, 2024).
What to Expect During a Hydrafacial at Self Skin Studio:
- Lymphatic Drainage: Helps reduce puffiness and detoxify the skin by promoting circulation.
- Deep Cleansing & Exfoliation: Uses a blend of glycolic and salicylic acids to remove dead skin cells and clear congestion.
- Painless Extractions: Uses vortex suction technology to pull out blackheads, oil, and dirt without irritation or redness.
- Hydration Infusion: The skin is infused with customized serums packed with antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid—tailored to your specific skin concerns.
- LED Light Therapy: Red light supports collagen production and anti-aging, while blue light targets acne-causing bacteria.

2. How Is Hydrafacial Different from a Regular Facial?
A common question is whether Hydrafacial is actually different from a standard facial. The short answer: Yes.
Hydrafacial is a technology-driven treatment that provides deeper exfoliation and medical-grade hydration infusion (Moy, J. et al., 2020).

3. What Does Hydrafacial Treat?
One of the biggest benefits of Hydrafacial is its versatility—it’s customizable and can address multiple skin concerns in one session.
- Dry, dehydrated skin → Restores moisture levels with hyaluronic acid.
- Fine lines and wrinkles → Boosts hydration and improves skin texture.
- Hyperpigmentation & sun damage → Brightening boosters help fade discoloration and even out skin tone.
- Acne & clogged pores → Deep cleansing and salicylic acid help reduce breakouts.
- Oily & combination skin → Helps regulate oil production while keeping skin hydrated.
- Dull, tired-looking skin → Exfoliation and hydration leave skin looking fresh and radiant.

4. Who Is Hydrafacial Good For?
Unlike some treatments that aren’t suitable for certain skin types, Hydrafacial is gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet effective enough for those dealing with acne, oiliness, or fine lines (Moy, J. et al., 2020).
- Anyone looking for a quick, no-downtime facial – Ideal before events or as part of a monthly skincare routine.
- Those with blackheads or acne-prone skin – Deep cleaning and painless extractions help clear congestion.
- Anyone noticing early signs of aging – Hydration and collagen-boosting serums help keep skin smooth.
- People with sensitive skin – Since there’s no harsh abrasion, it’s a great option for reactive skin types.

5. Is There Any Downtime After a Hydrafacial?
Nope—one of the biggest advantages of Hydrafacial is that there’s no downtime. Hydrafacial is designed to be effective yet gentle enough for all skin types (American Academy of Dermatology, 2023). You may experience some mild redness following your facial. Rarely, some acne-prone patients might experience a purging response and breakout after their first treatment
The only post-care recommendation? Wear sunscreen. Since exfoliation removes dead skin cells, your skin may be more sensitive to UV exposure. Other than that, you can go about your day as usual.

Final Thoughts: Is Hydrafacial Worth It?
If you’re looking for a treatment that combines deep cleansing and hydration—Hydrafacial is absolutely worth considering.
It’s a great choice for those wanting a monthly skin reset, or anyone looking for improved skin texture and hydration in a quick, painless, and effective way.
Thinking about booking a Hydrafacial in Wilmington, NC?
At Self Skin Studio, we offer customized Hydrafacial treatments to target your specific skin concerns. Book a consultation with our Esthetician, and we’ll create a treatment plan to reach your skincare goals.

References
- Hydrafacial Official Website. (2024). Hydrafacial Treatment Overview. Retrieved from https://www.hydrafacial.com
- American Academy of Dermatology. (2023). The Benefits of LED Light Therapy in Skincare Treatments.Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/phototherapy
- Journal of Dermatological Science. (2019). The Role of Chemical Exfoliation in Skin Rejuvenation. Retrieved from https://www.jdsjournal.com/article/S0923-1811(19)30057-4/fulltext
- Moy, J. et al. (2020). Non-Invasive Skincare Technologies and Their Effectiveness. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589909020300324
- Lupo, M. P., et al. (2021). The Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Hydration and Anti-Aging Skincare. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7724284/