Aquafacial vs. Hydrafacial: What’s the Difference?

By Leila Cunningham, Head of Skin Care Products at CLN Company

Clogged pores and dull skin? You're not alone. In the fight for a radiant complexion, we’re sure you’ve heard of both Aquafacial and Hydrafacial. But are they interchangeable, or do they offer distinct paths to achieving your skin care goals? Let's delve deeper and unveil the essence of each treatment.

What is Aquafacial?

Imagine a device that combines deep cleansing, extraction, and hydration – that's the magic of Aquafacial. This innovative at-home technology harnesses the power of water-based serums and gentle suction to purify your skin. The secret lies in Aquafacial’s custom formulated serums, and in interchangeable attachments that exfoliate, extract impurities, and deliver customized solutions, leaving your face revitalized.

What is a Hydrafacial?

Hydrafacial takes a professional approach. It utilizes a patented Vortex-Fusion system to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate. A multi-step handpiece equipped with hydra-dermabrasion tips and a vacuum delivers medical-grade serums tailored to your specific needs. This treatment, administered only by skin care professionals, addresses concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.

The Key Differences

While both Aquafacial and Hydrafacials have surged in popularity as effective methods for achieving a radiant complexion, key differences exist between the two. Understanding these distinctions can empower you to choose the option that best aligns with your budget, desired results, and lifestyle preferences.

Accessibility and Convenience

One of the most significant differences between the Aquafacial and Hydrafacials lies in their accessibility.

• Aquafacial:  Embracing a DIY approach, Aquafacial empowers you to take charge of your skin care routine at home. The Aquafacial device uses various attachments and a custom-formulated solution, allowing you to customize the experience to your skin's needs. The convenience factor of at-home treatment is undeniable. You can perform the treatment on your own schedule, as often as desired (we recommend 2-3x per week), and at a much lower cost. In fact, Aquafacial costs a little less than $4.00 per treatment.
  
  
• Hydrafacial: In contrast, hydrafacials require a visit to a licensed esthetician or dermatologist who operates a specialized hydrafacial machine. This professional setting offers the benefit of a trained expert tailoring the treatment to your specific needs. The esthetician can assess your skin type and concerns, select appropriate serums and boosters, and calibrate the machine's settings for optimal results. While lacking the on-demand convenience of at-home options, hydrafacials provide a level of personalization and expertise that might be preferable for those seeking a more clinical approach. 

Technological Nuances

Beyond accessibility, the core technology employed by each treatment distinguishes them further.

• Aquafacial:  A combination of pressure, vacuum technology, exfoliating attachments, and a proprietary serum work to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells and provide next-level cleansing and hydration for a radiant complexion.
  
  
• Hydrafacial:  The machines used for hydrafacials leverage what they call "Vortex-Fusion" technology to create a swirling vortex effect. This “vortex” effectively dislodges impurities while simultaneously delivering a customized blend of serums and boosters designed to address specific skin concerns. These devices are large and must be administered by a professional. Also, the serums used with these devices must also be prescribed and administered by skin care professionals and each address a very specific issue. 

The Aquafacial Advantage

Gentle Yet Effective

Unlike some traditional facial treatments that rely on harsh abrasion or chemical peels, Aquafacial offers a gentler touch. The treatment utilizes a combination of its proprietary Aquafacial Cleansing Serum and specialized tip attachments designed to remove impurities without causing irritation. This makes it a viable option for those with sensitive skin who might struggle with other facial treatments.

Tailored Care

The beauty of the Aquafacial lies in the ability to be customized to target specific skin concerns. Whether you're battling an oily T-zone or dehydrated cheeks, three specific tips have been designed for addressing these issues. 

Personalized Regimen

While professional Hydrafacials deliver fantastic results, the cost may be something many individuals cannot overcome. This makes repeat treatments and follow ups difficult.  Aquafacial empowers you to create a personalized skin care regimen that fits your schedule and budget. The various tip attachments allow you to customize each treatment and target specific concerns. In addition, you can customize your treatment frequency, duration and strength as-needed. 

The Verdict: It's All About You

Both Aquafacial and Hydrafacial offer unique benefits.  Hydrafacial shines with its professional touch and targeted solutions, while Aquafacial provides convenience, affordability, and long-term care. The choice ultimately depends on your needs and preferences.

With Aquafacial, you’re not going to eliminate visits to your dermatologist or esthetician completely. Much like going to the dentist even if you’ve been brushing your teeth, visits to the esthetician or dermatologist can offer a deeper clean, and it’s important to have a professional check in on your skin health at regular intervals. But while you don’t only have your teeth cleaned by a dentist, it may be just as important not to only have your skin cleaned by skincare pros.