Living with acne can have a profound effect on our self confidence and behaviours, effecting our work and social lives. Millions of people around the World struggle with acne, but are there really solutions that are pain-free, pill-free and accessible on the High Street? YES!

As a Medical Aesthetics clinic, we have acquired years of knowledge in skin health, and strive for constant improvements in skin and acne treatments on offer at our clinic. We have been offering Hydrafacial for many years, as a particularly good treatment for acne, but more recently, Hydrafacial is delving deeper into their 'Customisable and targeted full skin health solutions', alongside the launch of their new Wet Diamond Tip - their deepest penetrating tip yet, reaching skin layers more akin to microdermabrasion - a popular technique for treating acne scarring.

It is time to blow Hydrafacial's trumpet again as an amazingly effective, non-invasive treatment for both acne and acne scarring. Hydrafacial offers immediate and long-term improvements for clearer, healthier skin. Its multi-step process addresses the root causes of acne, such as clogged pores, excess oil production, and bacteria, while also targeting textural issues and discoloration left by acne scars.

How does Hydrafacial work for Acne?

Hydrafacial is a six step advanced facial, each step being customisable to your skin's needs, whether it is acne, dehydration, ageing or pigmentation. Hydrafacial is a gentler treatment than other more invasive options such as microneedling or skin peels, but with the new protocol launched at the end of 2024, the Hydrafacial is medical-grade, and pushing the boundaries of what a facial traditionally does.

Step 1: Deep Cleanse & Exfoliation

The treatment begins with a deep cleanse and exfoliation step that removes dead skin cells and debris, which are common contributors to acne breakouts. Using a specialized exfoliating tip and serums, HydraFacial unclogs pores and preps the skin for more intensive treatment. This process not only reduces the likelihood of future breakouts but also smooths the skin’s surface, improving its texture. New Wet Diamond tip offers the most abrasive tip to penetrate deeper into the dermis reaching more severe acne scarring. Read more on Wet Diamond in our recent blog - What is Hydrafacial Wet Diamond?

Step 2: GlySal Peel

Next, the GlySal peel, a gentle combination of glycolic acid and salicylic acid penetrates the pores to loosen congestion and dissolve oil buildup. Salicylic acid, in particular, is known for its ability to reduce acne by exfoliating inside the pores and preventing further blockages. This step also minimizes inflammation and helps to fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars.

Step 3: Extraction

The extraction step uses vacuum-powered suction to painlessly remove blackheads, whiteheads, and other impurities from the pores without damaging the skin. Unlike traditional extractions, this process is non-irritating, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Clearing out congested pores not only treats current breakouts but also reduces the risk of future ones.

Step 4: Targeted Clarifying Booster

For acne scarring, HydraFacial incorporates customizable boosters that deliver targeted ingredients to improve skin tone and texture. For example, peptides and growth factors can stimulate collagen production, which helps to reduce the appearance of acne scars by promoting skin regeneration. These boosters also hydrate the skin, which softens the look of scars and enhances overall skin smoothness.

Step 5: Hydration

Your skin is now clean and clear, it's time to replenish moisture. The HydraFacial delivers a potent blend of hydrating serums, typically containing hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants. These ingredients penetrate deeply into the skin, plumping it up and restoring its natural moisture barrier.

Step 6: LED Light Therapy

The treatment concludes with LED light therapy, which further enhances the results. Blue light kills acne-causing bacteria and helps control active breakouts, while red light reduces inflammation and stimulates collagen, improving the skin’s ability to heal scars and regenerate itself over time.

When might Hydrafacial not be suitable for acne?

You may be advised in your consultation with one of our Medical Practitioners to undergo a combination of treatments, particularly if your acne scarring is deep in colouration. Treatments such as Microneedling work brilliantly at delivering treatment deeper into the layers of the skin, rejuvenating from within and further increasing cell turnover, and may be a better treatment for you.

There may be occasions when a clinic treatment is not the best solution, for example, Hydrafacials and other acne treatments such as Microneedling cannot be done on skin that is cystic, so wait until your acne breakouts are under control before embarking on Hydrafacial. Get in touch with your GP who will be able to assist you with acne that is cystic, treating it through medication to calm the skin.

Does Hydrafacial really work at treating acne?

One of our clients came along with moderate acne breakouts and scarring. Some of the acne had quite severe scarring and pigmentation. After the recommended 6 Hydrafacial treatments, her skin is clear, only leaving behind small almost unnoticeable pigmentation. Hydrafacial isn't a single treatment solution, so you can expect to be recommended between 4 - 6 Hydrafacials to treat acne effectively.

We understand how difficult daily life can become as acne does nothing for your self confidence. There is a solution, and we truly know that Hydrafacial is a brilliant option for many people suffering acne breakouts and scarring. Make Hydrafacial a regular treatment to keep your skin clean and clear of breakouts, scars, and leave the skin healthier, more balanced, and visibly rejuvenated.

Hydrafacial Treatment for Acne