SISTER SITES
The Fashion Spot Momtastic
FOLLOW US
Skin Care

The Vacuum Facial That Clears Out Pores Painlessly

The hydrafacial promises to get the gunk out of your pores without the painful extractions

You know those little pinprick-sized dots that cover your face? I'm not talking about freckles. I'm talking about the 20,000 tiny indentations that morph into gigantic craters every time you look into a magnifying mirror. They're called pores, and some women are so concerned about their size (bigger is definitely not better), there's even a term to describe their pore neurosis (porexia).

Related: Must-Have Products to Make Pores Do a Disappearing Act

Here's the thing: You cannot get rid of your pores -- or shrink them. You can, however, keep them from getting bigger by making sure they don't fill up with oil, dirt and sebum -- you know, the gunk that blackheads are made of. Skin therapist Mia Holm, a senior educator at Dermalogica, says that pores are like rubber bands in that respect -- they stretch when filled with gunk, and over time, the elasticity of the skin wears out and they're unable to bounce back. That's why regularly cleaning your pores and making sure they don't fill back up with undesirable elements is so important.

Enter: The Hydrafacial. It's advertised as a completely pain-free way to perform extractions, while also making your skin look more youthful and refreshed. Since I'm usually whispering, "It's fine, just keep going," while tears roll down my face during extractions, I'm intrigued. I decide to test-drive the treatment.

On the left, the Hydrafacial machine. On the right, an example of the kind of gunk it's sucking out of your pores.
On the left, the Hydrafacial machine. On the right, an example of the kind of gunk it's sucking out of your pores.
First, the technician cleans and exfoliates the skin using a combination of lactic acid (to encourage skin cell turnover) and glucosamine (to treat hyperpigmentation).

Next, the technician applies a glycolic peel. Because I have sensitive skin that flares up at even the mention of a spray tan, this step causes me some mild discomfort and redness.

Then, the highlight of the treatment that got me in the door: vacuum extractions. Using suction instead of squeezing, the vortex-extraction tool acts like a magnet for skin gunk. The best part: All of the debris that's sloughed off and sucked up from your skin gets spit into a clear cup that you can see. If you get off on seeing the stuff that sticks to your Biore pore strips, you'll love seeing what kind of junk your pores have been housing.

Finally, the treatment is capped off with the vortex-fusion tool, which bathes your skin in a cocktail of hyaluronic acid (a humectant that keeps skin plump and hydrated) and antioxidants, which help prevent wrinkles and sun damage.

Related: Healthy Skin Diet: The Truth About Antioxidants

I left the Hydrafacial with pink cheeks, thanks to my sensitive skin, but they calmed down in an hour. My skin felt softer, and my coworker even commented that I looked "glowy." Over several treatments, the technician said some red marks I have from acne would eventually fade.

The 30-minute treatment is, as it's billed, a less irritating way to deep-clean pores, which makes them less noticeable. Over several treatments, it fades hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. And at $169, it's cheaper than more invasive laser treatments. Still, if you're seeking pores that are as squeaky-clean as your floors after mom's been visiting, the vacuum isn't going to cut it. You need manual extractions, which the technician can provide if your pores demand it.

Hydrafacial is available at dermatologist offices and skin-care spas. To find a Hydrafacial provider, check hydrafacial.com.

EDITORS' BEST OF

12 Best Acne Products for Your Clearest Skin Yet

Read More

11 Best Tinted Moisturizers for Easy, On-the-Go Coverage

Read More
leave a comment
Welcome to TotalBeauty.com!
Ready to unleash your inner beauty junkie? Enter your email and check the boxes below to get free samples, exclusive deals, discounts at Total Beauty Shops, and expert beauty tips delivered straight to your inbox!
Email to a friend



monitoring_string = "e4ea8133a649aad124e80f99f8831005"