At the heart of the HydraFacial system is Vortex-Fusion® technology. The handpiece uses a spiral/vortex action combined with controlled vacuum and fluid flow. This allows the device to work on the skin while simultaneously moving treatment solutions through the handpiece.

Think of it as three things happening together:

1. Controlled vacuum → helps loosen and remove impurities

2. Fluid/serum delivery → delivers the selected solution onto the skin

3. Specialised tip → controls how the solution interacts with the skin

1. The machine creates controlled suction

The handpiece is connected to the machine through tubing. When the vacuum is activated, the tip creates controlled suction against the skin.

This suction helps lift and remove oil, debris and impurities from pores, while the treatment solution is being applied. The strength of the vacuum can be adjusted according to the treatment protocol and skin area.

2. The HydroPeel tip works on the skin

The handpiece uses specially designed HydroPeel® tips. These tips have different configurations that allow the practitioner to customise the level and type of exfoliation.

The tip moves across the skin while the machine controls the flow of solution and vacuum. HydraFacial currently describes nine patented precision HydroPeel tips for customised treatments across the face, body and scalp.

3. Exfoliating solution loosens dead skin cells

During the exfoliation stage, a treatment solution is delivered through the handpiece. This helps loosen accumulated dead skin cells and surface debris.

The result is a cleaner and smoother skin surface, allowing the subsequent treatment steps to work more effectively.

4. Vacuum-assisted extraction removes impurities

The machine then uses controlled vacuum suction to help remove loosened debris, excess oil and congestion from the skin.

One interesting feature of the system is that the extracted material is collected into a waste canister, rather than remaining on the skin. The manufacturer refers to this as the “Gunkie” waste canister.

5. The machine simultaneously delivers serums

This is one of the key differences between HydraFacial and a conventional facial.

The HydraFacial system uses a closed-loop delivery system in which the handpiece can simultaneously remove impurities and deliver selected treatment solutions/serums to the skin.

Depending on the treatment protocol, these solutions can contain ingredients intended to support hydration, antioxidant protection and skin conditioning, such as hyaluronic acid and other active ingredients.

6. The treatment can be customised

The machine isn’t operated with exactly the same settings for every patient. With systems such as Syndeo, the practitioner can select treatment protocols, solutions, tip types and vacuum settings according to the treatment plan. The system can also provide on-screen guidance for treatment steps and stroke patterns.

This allows the dermatologist to adapt the treatment according to concerns such as:

• Dehydration
• Congested pores
• Excess oil
• Dull-looking skin
• Uneven texture
• Uneven skin tone
• Fine lines
• Signs of ageing