Taula de Continguts
- Hydrafacial in a nutshell: a device-assisted cleansing
- What a conventional facial cleansing usually includes
- Hydrafacial versus a conventional cleansing, point by point
- Extraction: suction versus manual pressure
- Sensations and redness: what to expect from each
- When one or the other makes more sense
- How we help you choose at Santé Madrid
- Frequently asked questions
Hydrafacial is a hydradermabrasion treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, extracts impurities from the pores with suction and hydrates the skin with serums in a single device-guided process. A conventional facial cleansing, by contrast, usually relies on manual work: preparing the skin, extraction with pressure from the fingers or an instrument, and a final mask. In this article we compare the two options point by point, explain what sensations and skin reaction to expect from each, and give you criteria for choosing, with a consultation at Santé Madrid as the starting point.
Key points
- The main difference lies in extraction: Hydrafacial uses suction through a tip, while a conventional cleansing usually relies on manual pressure.
- Hydrafacial combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction and hydration in one process; in a conventional cleansing each step depends more on the technique of the person performing it.
- Neither is superior for everyone: it depends on your skin, on what concerns you and on how well you tolerate it.
- Sensation and redness afterwards vary from person to person in both cases.
- Results vary from skin to skin, and the choice is made after an assessment.
Hydrafacial in a nutshell: a device-assisted cleansing
Hydrafacial is the trade name of a hydradermabrasion system. A study using optical coherence tomography describes it as an alternative to traditional microdermabrasion with abrasive crystals, in which a handheld wand emitting a stream of water is moved across the skin while applying suction, combining gentle cleansing with water and serums (Razi et al., 2024).
According to the manufacturer, its Vortex-Fusion technology cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and hydrates the skin in one continuous treatment, and the provider can choose between tips with different exfoliation levels depending on each skin's needs (HydraFacial, the treatment). In other words, much of the work is done by the device in a standardised way, and the provider adjusts the tip, the intensity and the serums.
If you would like to know each step and the available protocols in detail, we explain them in our guide to Hydrafacial in Madrid. Here we focus on a different question: how it differs from the classic facial cleansing and when one or the other makes sense.
What a conventional facial cleansing usually includes
There is no single protocol for a conventional facial cleansing: each centre approaches it in its own way. Even so, most share a similar structure, and knowing it helps to understand the comparison.
It usually starts with make-up removal and a surface cleanse. Then steam or warm compresses are often applied to prepare the skin, and in some cases a prior exfoliation, either mechanical or with a product. The central step is extraction: the person performing the treatment removes comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) by pressing around the pore with protected fingers or with a metal extractor. Finally, a mask is applied, often a soothing or hydrating one, followed by a final cream.
The American Academy of Dermatology explains that professional extraction is done with sterile instruments and that the skin sometimes needs to be exfoliated first; it also points out that blackheads and whiteheads can return, so a routine is needed to prevent them (AAD, comedone extraction). In a conventional cleansing, therefore, the outcome depends heavily on the technique, experience and judgement of the person performing it.
Hydrafacial versus a conventional cleansing, point by point
This table summarises the main differences. The conventional cleansing column describes what is usual, but each centre may work differently; the Hydrafacial column is based on the sources cited in this article.
| Aspect | Hydrafacial | Conventional facial cleansing |
|---|---|---|
| Skin preparation | Cleansing and exfoliation with a dedicated tip | Make-up removal, cleansing and, often, steam or warm compresses |
| Exfoliation | Tips with different levels and a gentle peel, according to the manufacturer | Variable: mechanical or product exfoliant, or none |
| Extraction | Controlled suction through the tip | Manual pressure with the fingers or an extractor |
| Hydration | Serums infused in the same process | Mask and cream at the end |
| Adjustment to sensitivity | The tip, the suction and the number of passes are adjusted | Depends on the pressure and technique of the person performing it |
| Reaction afterwards | Variable; mild, short-lived redness may appear | Variable; there may be localised redness around the treated pores |
The table is not meant to pick a winner. These are two different approaches to the same goal, cleaner skin, and each fits some situations better than others. Results vary from skin to skin.
Extraction: suction versus manual pressure
This is the central difference between the two. In a conventional cleansing, the comedone is extracted by pressing around the pore. A dermatology article on comedone extractors explains that conventional instruments work by applying pressure to the skin and that, when there are many lesions, the procedure takes longer and becomes uncomfortable for the patient (Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2022). Technique matters: the American Academy of Dermatology warns that, when people squeeze pimples at home, some of the contents are often pushed deeper into the skin, which increases inflammation and can leave scars or cause infections.
In Hydrafacial, extraction is done by suction. A clinical study on its use in acne describes this step as suction that extracts dead skin cells, sebum and debris, and notes that the system is designed without harsh abrasive surfaces (Storgard et al., 2022). That study was small, open-label and without a control group, so its conclusions are limited.
Suction does not replace careful manual extraction in every case: a very compact comedone may need a different approach, and this is assessed in consultation.
Sensations and redness: what to expect from each
This is one of the most common questions, and the honest answer is that it depends on your skin and on the technique. Even so, there are differences in approach worth knowing about.
In a conventional cleansing, manual pressure on the pores can feel uncomfortable, especially in areas such as the nose or chin, and localised redness may appear around the treated pores afterwards. It is usually short-lived, but its intensity depends on how many comedones are extracted and on how your skin responds.
In Hydrafacial, the suction intensity and the number of passes can be adjusted to each person's sensitivity, as was done in the study by Razi et al. The manufacturer describes its extraction step as designed to clear pores without discomfort or visible redness (HydraFacial). That is its commercial description, and we prefer not to take it for granted: in the acne study the treatment was generally well tolerated, but sensation and skin reaction vary from person to person, and mild, short-lived redness may appear.
In both cases, if something bothers you during the session, it is worth saying so to adjust the intensity.
When one or the other makes more sense
There is no universal answer, but there are some general guidelines that are then confirmed in consultation.
Hydrafacial is usually considered when you want to cleanse and hydrate in the same session, when your skin feels dull or dehydrated, or when you prefer to avoid manual pressure. It can also fit in Madrid winters, when heating and dry air can leave the skin feeling tight, or as preparation for other treatments: according to the manufacturer, it can be used before, alongside or after other aesthetic procedures.
A conventional cleansing may make sense when there are very specific, compact comedones that need targeted extraction, or when the aim is simple maintenance care with a mask. Its outcome depends largely on the technique of the person performing it.
In these cases, the medical team will assess whether it is better to wait, adapt the treatment or refer you to a dermatologist if the acne does not respond to aesthetic management.
How we help you choose at Santé Madrid
Santé Clinics Madrid is at C. de Amador de los Ríos, 1, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid, and is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 21:00 and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 15:00.
The starting point is a free aesthetic consultation with a Beauty Coach, in which we review your skin, your routine and what concerns you. If there is a medical condition or a question that requires it, it is assessed in a medical consultation.
In our Madrid catalogue we work with Hydrafacial, as well as other skin options such as peels or microneedling. If after the assessment the team considers that your skin needs something other than Hydrafacial, we will explain it to you clearly. Every treatment is performed by the Santé Madrid team after assessing your case, and results vary from skin to skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hydrafacial the same as a facial cleansing?
They share the goal of cleansing the skin, but not the technique. Hydrafacial uses a hydradermabrasion device that cleanses, exfoliates, extracts by suction and hydrates in one process; a conventional cleansing usually relies on manual extraction with pressure.
Which of the two leaves less redness?
It depends on your skin and the technique. Mild, short-lived redness may appear with either. In a conventional cleansing, manual pressure can leave localised redness around the treated pores.
Does Hydrafacial extract blackheads the same way as manual extraction?
It does so by suction instead of pressure. For many skins this may be enough, but a very compact comedone may need a different approach, and this is assessed in consultation.
Do you offer conventional facial cleansing at Santé Madrid?
At Santé Madrid we work with Hydrafacial and with other skin options such as peels or microneedling. In the consultation we advise you on what suits your skin.
Can I have either of them if I have acne?
If you have mild acne with clogged pores, it can be assessed. If you have an inflammatory flare or painful lesions, a medical assessment comes first and, if it does not respond to aesthetic management, a consultation with a dermatologist.
Can I do a cleansing at home instead of in a clinic?
Your home routine is the foundation, but squeezing pimples or blackheads without proper technique can increase inflammation and lead to scars or infections. It is better to leave extraction to professionals.
How do I know which one suits me?
Start with a free aesthetic consultation with a Beauty Coach. We review your skin and what concerns you, and suggest the option that suits you after the assessment.
If you are unsure between Hydrafacial and a conventional cleansing, you do not have to decide on your own. In a consultation at Santé Madrid we review your skin calmly, explain what you can expect from each option and choose the next step together.
