The two most requested treatments at the clinic do different jobs. Here is how to tell which suits your skin, your week and your budget.
The difference in one paragraph
A HydraFacial is a device-led protocol: a patented spiral tip cleanses, gently resurfaces, performs painless vortex extractions and infuses a booster serum, in a consistent 60 minute sequence. A prescription facial is practitioner-led: Cheryl chooses the cleanse, exfoliation, extraction technique, massage and mask on the day, based on how your skin is behaving that week.
Put simply, HydraFacial delivers a reliable, repeatable result. A prescription facial delivers a tailored one.
Choose HydraFacial if
You want visible glow with zero unpredictability before an event, you have congestion that responds well to extraction, or you like knowing exactly what will happen in the appointment. It is also the better choice if you are new to facials and want a comfortable introduction.
The Platinum version adds lymphatic drainage at the start and Dermalux LED at the end, which is worth it if you hold fluid around the eyes and jaw or if your skin flushes easily.
Choose a prescription facial if
Your skin changes noticeably through the month, you have a mixture of concerns in different areas, or you want longer hands-on massage work. The 90 minute version allows proper time on extractions and lymphatic massage rather than rushing either.
It is also the better route if you want the appointment to double as a review of your home routine, since there is time to talk through what you are using.
Can you have both?
Yes, and many regular clients alternate. A common pattern is a prescription facial every six weeks with a HydraFacial slotted in before a wedding, a holiday or a photographed occasion. Neither has downtime, so both can be booked close to an event — ideally three to seven days beforehand rather than the morning of.