The Hydrafacial is one of the most popular in-office facial treatments right now. HydraFacial claims that you’ll have the best skin of your entire life in 30 minutes and in 3 steps. As a HydraFacial enthusiast, I can tell you that I have to agree. It is by far my most favorite in-office skincare treatment.

3 Steps. 30 Minutes. The Best Skin of Your Life. Real Customers, Real Providers, Real Results.

One is performed every 15 seconds around the world. That stat alone is impressive, but the treatment's become the go-to facial for celebs, your co-worker, and Facebook friend from high school because it targets many of the most common skincare concerns like dryness and signs of aging with little to no side effects.

For those unfamiliar, the HydraFacial is a medical-grade resurfacing treatment that clears your pores out, plus hydrates your skin. It's offered across the country at licensed medical professional facilities, or where a certified HydraFacial esthetician is present. The four-step treatment includes cleansing, exfoliating, extracting, and hydrating the skin with serums that are infused into pores with the HydraPeel Tip, pen-like device.

The HydraFacial literally removes dead skin cells with a suction, and somehow at the very same time, infuses the skin with hydrating and moisturizing serums. Depending on your personal skincare concerns, the serums have anti-aging and antioxidant properties that’ll leave your skin looking dewy AF.

It’s no wonder everyone and their stepmom is obsessed with it. Let’s break down everything you need to know about getting a HydraFacial, from what the treatment does to your skin to how much it will cost you:

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TREATMENT?

The HydraFacial treatment starts with cleansing by removing the dead skin cells and excess sebum from the skin. Next, a mix of salicylic and glycolic acids are applied to the skin to break up any dirt and oil that's clogging pores. Then, the HydraPeel Tip is used to essentially vacuum out blackheads, dirt, oil, and impurities, while hydrating, plumping, and nourishing serums are simultaneously applied to the skin.

WHAT DOES THE TREATMENT DO FOR YOUR SKIN?

A HydraFacial treatment can improve your skin in a ton of ways. The HydraFacial’s many benefits include a more hydrated, bright, plump, and clear complexion. It can also improve signs of aging. The treatment reduces fine lines and wrinkles, increases firmness, evens tone, texture, and brown spots, plus reduces enlarged pores.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

How many times have you told a facialist to skip the extractions for fear of redness or next-day eruptions (or simply because, duh, they hurt like hell, and...isn't this supposed to be relaxing)!? HydraFacial has a strict no-torture policy. It's one of the most popular procedures at Laser Touch Aesthetics (where I get my HydraFacials) because it combines elements of workhorse treatments, like microdermabrasion and chemical peels, but also because it truly is a relaxing, feel-good experience. The treatment combines vortex pressure with a clog-purging solution of salicylic acid, willow bark extract, and anti-inflammatory Tasmanian pepper. The device legit suctions gunk from pores — no squeezing or pressing required — and, at the end, you can actually see all that was removed (if that’s your type of thing).

HOW SOON DO I SEE THE RESULTS OF A HYDRAFACIAL?

Think of a HydraFacial as more than a basic spa facial, but less than a laser treatment. A rare unicorn among the few no-downtime offerings on the market, the HydraFacial’s results are immediately apparent. Prepare to see an improvement in texture and tone without any residual irritation or peeling. The treatment has unparalleled radiance-imparting properties, which makes it highly coveted before red-carpet events and weddings. The only downside for me? I never want to ever wear makeup after the treatment. My skin looks way too good to trash with any products.

No filter. No makeup. Just my skin 20 minutes post-HydraFacial at Laser Touch Aesthetics in Manhattan.

WHO SHOULD GET THE HYDRAFACIAL?

Everyone! One of the HydraFacial's biggest draws is that the treatment is suitable for virtually any age and skin type — save for a few exceptions.

This treatment is actually nice for teenagers with acne, adults with pimples, wrinkles, and hyper-pigmentation, and for older patients with sun damage and even flaky pre-cancerous spots (as part of more serious treatments). Although beneficial to many skin types, those with active rashes, sunburns, or rosacea (although the peels are light and can be used on rosacea, but be warned), along with pregnant patients, should abstain from this treatment.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU NEED TO GET A HYDRAFACIAL?

Although your skin looks dewy and glowy following a HydraFacial, the treatment isn't a quick fix. It's intended to improve skin's appearance over time. That being said, its effects do last longer than other facials. Laser Touch Aesthetics recommends getting a HydraFacial treatment every four to six weeks. However, I’ve heard from the horse’s mouth in Los Angeles that the treatment is a favorite among celebrities who are chain smokers. Chain smoker celebs are known to get the treatment weekly.

IS THE HYDRAFACIAL CUSTOMIZABLE?

You can switch up the serums used during the treatment to specifically target your personal skincare concerns such as aging or dullness. Even better, the dermatologist and esthetician may offer additional treatment add-ons like LED light masks.

HOW MUCH DOES THE HYDRAFACIAL COST?

The cost of the treatment will vary depending on where you live and the medical spa or dermatologist that performs it, but both dermatologists say that $150-$300 per session is the general price range.