A HydraFacial leaves your skin feeling cleansed, hydrated and refreshed. What you do in the next few days helps you keep that glow and lets your skin settle comfortably. This guide follows the same HydraFacial aftercare advice we give our own clients after a Deep Cleanse HydraFacial.
At Pretty Perfect Beauty we bring professional facials to homes, offices and events across Sydney and surrounding areas, and every client receives written aftercare instructions to follow at home. Here is what to expect and what to avoid.
HydraFacial aftercare at a glance
- Apply a hydrating moisturiser daily and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid direct sun for at least 48 hours, and wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day, reapplying every 2 hours outdoors.
- Skip retinol, AHAs, BHAs, scrubs and chemical peels for at least 5 days.
- Use a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser.
- Avoid hot showers, steam rooms, saunas and strenuous workouts for 24 hours.
What your skin is like straight after
Most clients notice an immediate glow: skin looks brighter and smoother and feels plumper and more hydrated. Downtime is minimal, so you can carry on with your day.
Some people, especially those with sensitive skin, have mild pinkness or slight sensitivity straight after treatment. This usually fades within a few hours. Your skin also absorbs products more readily for a little while, which is why the products you choose over the next few days matter.
Your skin acts as a waterproof wrapping and a first line of defence against bacteria, and its outer layer protects the more delicate layers beneath (Better Health Channel). Gentle, hydrating care helps it settle.
The first 24 hours: HydraFacial aftercare essentials
- Keep it cool and calm. Skip hot showers, steam rooms, saunas and strenuous workouts for 24 hours, as heat and sweating can irritate freshly treated skin.
- Hold off on makeup. Let your skin absorb the nourishing serums first. We recommend avoiding makeup for at least a couple of hours; if you need coverage, choose a light, mineral-based makeup.
- Keep your hands off. Avoid touching, picking or rubbing your face.
- Drink plenty of water to help your skin stay hydrated.
Days 2–5: protecting your results
Cleanse and moisturise gently
Use a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser and a hydrating moisturiser every day. Stick to hydrating, non-irritating products. If your skin feels dry, a hyaluronic acid serum can help boost moisture.
Pause active ingredients
Avoid retinol, AHAs, BHAs, scrubs and chemical peels for at least 5 days after your HydraFacial, then reintroduce them gradually once your skin feels calm.
Space out stronger treatments
Avoid harsh chemical peels, laser treatments and microdermabrasion for at least 1–2 weeks after your HydraFacial.
Sun protection after your HydraFacial
Freshly treated skin can be more sensitive to the sun, so avoid direct sun exposure for at least 48 hours and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
- Choose a high SPF. Our aftercare guide asks for at least SPF30+, and Cancer Council recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen (Cancer Council Australia).
- Apply 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours, or straight after sweating or towel-drying.
- Use enough. Cancer Council recommends at least one teaspoon for your face, neck and ears.
- Add shade, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses: sunscreen works best alongside other protection.
When to contact your therapist
Mild pinkness that fades within a few hours is normal. If you notice swelling, burning, redness that gets worse, or any sign of an allergic reaction, contact your therapist. For a severe or unusual reaction, see a doctor promptly.
NSW Health publishes hygiene guidance for beauty treatment businesses (NSW Health), and we follow strict hygiene protocols, using sterile equipment and attachments.
How often to book
HydraFacial results usually last around 1–4 weeks, depending on your skin type, routine and lifestyle. To maintain your results, we recommend booking every 4–6 weeks.
Enjoy a professional treatment in the comfort of your own home: explore our mobile facial services or book an appointment. If you would love to offer this treatment yourself, our online HydraFacial course lets you study from anywhere in Australia, or you can browse all our online beauty courses.
Your next step
Love the idea of a HydraFacial?
Book a relaxing mobile treatment in your own home, or learn the treatment with our flexible online course.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash my face after a HydraFacial?
Yes. Use a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser with lukewarm water, then a hydrating moisturiser.
How soon can I wear makeup after my treatment?
Let the serums absorb first and avoid makeup for at least a couple of hours. If you need coverage, choose a light, mineral-based makeup.
When can I use retinol or acids again?
Wait at least 5 days before using retinol, AHAs, BHAs, scrubs or chemical peels, then reintroduce them gradually.
Can I exercise after a HydraFacial?
Avoid strenuous workouts, saunas, steam rooms and hot showers for 24 hours.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Always follow your therapist’s or doctor’s instructions and the product manufacturer’s guidance.
Sources
- Advice on how to choose, apply and store sunscreen | Cancer Council Australia
- Skin explained | Better Health Channel
- Beauty treatment businesses | NSW Health
- Pretty Perfect Beauty HydraFacial aftercare guide (client handout)
Google