Who Should Not Get a HydraFacial and Why

The HydraFacial is appropriate for all skin types, according to the company. But you should avoid a HydraFacial if you have an active rash, sunburn, or moderate to severe acne or rosacea, says Gretchen Frieling, MD, board certified dermatopathologist in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Pregnant women should also skip it. “Some of the ingredients used during the HydraFacial, such as salicylic acid, haven’t been tested and proven safe during pregnancy,” she says. That said, there’s some controversy on this — the American Academy of Dermatology says salicylic acid may be safe to use for a limited time during pregnancy. The takeaway: Check with your obstetrician or dermatologist before getting a HydraFacial while pregnant. Another thing to take into consideration: You may have to tweak your normal skin-care routine before your appointment. “We recommend you stop using prescription creams for a few days before the treatment to avoid irritation,” says Akram.