Hydrafacial is one of the most requested facial treatments at spas and dermatology clinics—and for good reason. It’s gentle, takes about 30 minutes, and gives immediate, plumper-looking skin. For the best results, though, you should avoid working out right away. Read on to learn why and how long to wait before exercising after a Hydrafacial.
What is a Hydrafacial?
A Hydrafacial is a three-step treatment performed with a device called the Hydrafacial MD. It exfoliates the skin, draws out impurities, and infuses hydrating serums, leaving skin brighter almost instantly.
Also called hydradermabrasion, it’s similar to microdermabrasion but works differently. Microdermabrasion uses a wand with mildly abrasive crystals to remove the top layer of skin. The Hydrafacial exfoliates, suctions out debris, and delivers serums into the pores all at once for deeper hydration and cleanup.
The Hydrafacial MD uses a handheld wand with three proprietary tips and “vortex” technology to extract impurities and infuse serums. It also offers interchangeable booster serums for targeted concerns beyond basic exfoliation.
Benefits of a Hydrafacial
– Gives immediate results that can last about a week if you maintain a good skincare routine; 4–6 treatments are recommended for longer-term improvement.
– Takes roughly 30 minutes and requires no downtime.
– Boosts hydration, reduces pore size, and evens skin tone and texture.
– Helps smooth fine lines and reduce hyperpigmentation.
– Generally safe for most skin types, though people with active acne, rosacea, or who are pregnant should avoid it.
– Can be combined with non-invasive procedures like injectables and non-ablative light or laser treatments on the same day.
Can you work out after a Hydrafacial?
Even though there’s no recovery time, it’s best to skip exercise for a short period after a Hydrafacial. Reasons to avoid working out include:
– Heat from exercise can irritate skin that was just treated—avoid heat sources for 24 hours.
– Sweating may interfere with results, so keep your skin dry after the treatment; this includes avoiding swimming.
How long after a Hydrafacial can I work out?
– Wait at least the rest of the day before returning to workouts—you shouldn’t run, lift weights, or attend the gym immediately after treatment.
– Keep your skin dry for at least 6 hours after the session; skip swimming and any water-based activities until the next day.
– Experts suggest waiting about 12 hours before resuming vigorous exercise like running, cycling, or heavy lifting.
– Gentle walking is fine since it’s unlikely to make you sweat heavily.