A HydraFacial is a patented skin treatment available in medical spas and dermatology offices. It's also sometimes called 'hydradermabrasion' because it involves microdermabrasion-like exfoliation paired with hydrating serums.

Known for its three-step process, the HydraFacial works to deep-clean, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin. This professional procedure may help treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, dryness, and wrinkles.

The noninvasive procedure is similar in principle to a regular facial you might get from a spa but is said to provide more dramatic results. This is achieved by a mechanized wand used on your skin to deeply clean and exfoliate while delivering serums customized to your skin type.

If you're curious about whether a HydraFacial is worth the hype, read on to learn more about the potential benefits, the possible side effects, and how it compares to similar treatments.

HydraFacial benefits
The HydraFacial is said to help improve overall skin texture, tone, and appearance. This is due to the deep exfoliation that cleans your pores, removing debris and allowing for better penetration of face serums tailored to your skin type.

HydraFacial for acne
Currently, there are no clinical studies highlighting the benefits of the HydraFacial for acne.

However, microdermabrasion techniques have long been considered effective for treating both acne and acne scars. This is likely due to the deep exfoliation that helps remove pore-clogging skin cells.

HydraFacial for blackheads
Dead skin cells also contribute to blackheads. This noninflammatory type of acne may benefit from the same exfoliating and extracting methods used in the HydraFacial, but more clinical studies need to be done to confirm these benefits directly.

HydraFacial for rosacea
It can be difficult to find cosmetic treatments safe enough for this sensitive skin condition. While more research is needed to prove the safety and effectiveness of the HydraFacial for rosacea, a 2006 study revealed that similar techniques may benefit papulopustular rosacea.

HydraFacial for anti-aging concerns
A small 2008 studyTrusted Source of 20 women found that those who received HydraFacial treatments had greater decreases in signs of skin aging compared with those who used serums alone. The effects included decreased pore size, less hyperpigmentation, and decreased fine lines.