Clinical Considerations for HydraFacial Treatments

Learning Objectives

• Understand clinical considerations that influence HydraFacial safety and efficacy.
• Learn how to modify the protocol for specific skin conditions.
• Become familiar with the official treatment resources supplied by HydraFacial (white papers, studies, forms, MSDS sheets, etc.).

Acne Management

• Acne is classically divided into 4 grades.
  • Grades 3–4 (numerous papules/pustules, possible bleeding lesions)
    • Contraindicated unless the skin is first pre-conditioned.
    • Recommended prep sequence:
    ▫ Facial lymphatic drainage
    ▫ Blue LED (bactericidal against P. acnes)
    ▫ Red LED (anti-inflammatory, reduces erythema)
  • Grades 1–2
    • Considered safe for standard HydraFacial; outcomes are often “amazing.”
• Rationale: running a treatment tip across open pustules risks additional bleeding, bacterial spread, and post-procedure complications.

Infections, Lesions & Cold Sores

• Active herpes labialis, bacterial lesions, or any open infection → Do not treat.
• Clients with a history (but no active outbreak) should be advised to take a prophylactic antiviral 48 h before and 48 h after the session.

Sunburn

• Active sunburn = contraindication due to heightened pain and barrier compromise.
• Use the consultation to reinforce the importance of daily, broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Eczema, Dermatitis & Rashes

• Current flare-ups are contraindicated; the impaired barrier may worsen with vacuum-assisted exfoliation and acids.

Autoimmune Disease Considerations

• Up to 80\% of the U.S. population carries some autoimmune diagnosis.
• Most conditions do not automatically preclude treatment; however:
  • A meticulous intake & consent form is essential.
  • Probe for disease activity, medications, and skin reactivity.

Clients on Blood Thinners

• Anticoagulants increase bruising/sensitivity.
  • Lower the vacuum level and/or switch to Peel Sensitive.
  • First few test strokes guide further adjustments.

Suspicious Lesions & Scope of Practice

• Estheticians cannot diagnose skin cancer.
  • If a mole or growth looks atypical, document and refer to a medical professional without speculating.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

• No HydraFacial-specific safety data exist for pregnant or lactating women.
  • Hormonal shifts ↔ unpredictable skin reactivity.
  • Corporate stance: HydraFacial is not recommended; client should obtain physician clearance.
  • Ultimate decision rests with the individual provider and their legal counsel.

Sensitive-Skin Protocol Modifications

• Avoid:
  • Orange or Purple Aggression tips
  • Lymphatic drainage step
  • Solutions containing salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acids
• Technique tweaks:
  • Lower vacuum
  • Fewer passes
  • Skip areas of visible compromise

Systemic & Topical Medications

• Isotretinoin / Accutane
  • Skin is thinner, more fragile → wait ≥ 6 months after discontinuation.

Timing Around Injectables & Adjacent Procedures

*HydraFacial (full face) may be performed before injectables; many clinicians feel it enhances uptake and final result. Perk Lip/Eye should not be done within 24 h before injectable appointments.

Mature or Thinner Skin

• Strategies to prevent petechiae:
  • Lower vacuum & select Peel Sensitive.
  • Hold skin taut, treat in smaller sections.
  • Lighten hand pressure.

Neurological Disorders

• Epilepsy: LED light may trigger seizures.
  • Offer HydraFacial without LED—core exfoliation, extraction, and infusion benefits remain.

Lymphatic Drainage Contraindications

• Apply to face & body versions of the protocol.
  • Any active infection = defer lymphatic step.
  • Eye infection → skip Perk Eye.
  • Respect injectable wait times as listed.

Allergy Management

• Shellfish: Safe—HydraFacial uses plant-derived Glucosamine HCl at < 1\% concentration.
• Topical aspirin allergy: GlySal & Beta HD Clear contain salicylic acid (aspirin derivative).
  • Perform a patch test and monitor.

Resources & Reference Material

• HydraFacial is “central” to lasers, microneedling, peels, and even surgery—hydrated tissue heals and responds better.
• White Paper: combination-therapy case studies (available on HydraFacial Connect or The Drop).
• Latest acne clinical study: same portals.
• Client intake/consent forms: downloadable.
• Consumable Reference Guide & MSDS: complete ingredient disclosure.
• General rule: "When in doubt, patch test." (Topical products, not ingested.)

Ethical & Practical Takeaways

• Meticulous documentation (consult, intake, consent) protects clients and provider.
• Respect scope: refer medical concerns, avoid diagnosis.
• Customize vacuum, tip, and solution choice to match each client’s pathology, medication profile, and skin physiology.
• Educate clients on at-home measures (sunscreen, antiviral prophylaxis, post-care) to optimize outcomes and minimize risk.