Hydrating Facials: What “Hydration” Means in the Treatment Room

Ask a group of people what they want from a facial and “hydration” will come up quickly. In a treatment room, the word has a fairly specific meaning.

Two jobs, two kinds of ingredient

Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, attract and hold water in the upper layers of the skin. Emollients and occlusives help smooth the surface and reduce water loss. Hydrating facials usually layer both.

What a session tends to include

• A gentle cleanse.
• A mild exfoliation, if your skin tolerates it.
• Water-binding serums and a calming mask.
• Light massage and a rich finishing moisturiser.

Keeping expectations realistic

The fresh, dewy feeling after a hydrating facial is lovely, and often temporary. Daily habits such as a gentle cleanser, a suitable moisturiser and sunscreen do most of the long-term work.

At home, hyaluronic acid serums are usually applied to slightly damp skin and then sealed with a moisturiser. No single ingredient does everything: think of it as the hydration step, not the whole routine.

Worth asking

• Which products will you use, and what are the key ingredients?
• Is a patch test advisable for my skin?
• What should I use at home afterwards?

General information only, not medical advice. Speak to a qualified professional about your own skin.