Aqua Facial in NYC

Your Questions,
Our Answers!

• How is Diamond Hydrodermabrasion different from standard microdermabrasion?

  The difference is the mechanism, not just the marketing. Standard microdermabrasion uses loose crystals—essentially sandblasting the stratum corneum. Diamond Hydrodermabrasion combines a diamond tip with pneumatic suction and simultaneous liquid infusion. We clear debris and flush pores without the friction, heat, or stray grit of older methods—resurfacing while replenishing, not one after the other.

  The Concierge Note: Think dry sanding a floor versus power washing it. Traditional crystal methods leave skin raw, dusty, and tight. Because this system hydrates while it exfoliates, you get the satisfaction of a deep clean without the stripped sensation.

• What skin concerns does an Aqua Facial treat best?

  Congestion, blackheads, dullness, uneven texture, and mild dehydration. The Aqua Facial combines controlled suction, aqueous exfoliation, and serum infusion to deep-clean pores without compromising barrier integrity. It's clarifying—not stripping.

  The Concierge Note: This is the facial for skin that feels heavy, tired, or clogged—not fragile. If your NYC lifestyle has your pores working overtime (pollution, stress, hard water), this resets the surface. You'll leave clearer, smoother, and wondering why you waited.

• Is Hydrodermabrasion suitable for sensitive skin?

  It depends on the source of sensitivity. For reactive or dry skin, we lower vacuum pressure and use finer diamond grit—sensitivity managed, not ignored. For rosacea or fragile capillaries, pneumatic suction can trigger vasodilation and exacerbate flushing. If the barrier is actively compromised, we avoid mechanical exfoliation entirely.

  The Concierge Note: Sensitive isn’t a hard “no”—it requires strategy. We can turn the volume down, but we won’t force it. Calm before clear. If you’re flushing or stinging, we pivot to a protocol that builds resilience instead of testing it.

• Will the suction leave marks or bruises on my skin?

  No—when performed correctly. Bruising (petechiae) occurs from static pressure, meaning the wand is held in one spot too long. We use a continuous gliding technique that stimulates drainage without rupturing capillaries. Vacuum pressure is constantly adjusted based on skin thickness by zone. Temporary pinkness from circulation is normal; bruising indicates technique failure, which we strictly avoid.

  The Concierge Note: The goal is a deep clean, not a hickey. We’re not trying to vacuum your soul out. You’ll leave flushed and refreshed—not marked.

• Is the Aqua Facial safe for acne-prone skin?

  It depends on the type of acne. Blackheads and congestion—yes. Pneumatic suction physically clears impactions and resets the pore. Inflamed pustules or cysts—no. Vacuum pressure can rupture the follicle wall and spread bacteria deeper into the dermis. We differentiate between clogged and inflamed because they require different strategies.

  The Concierge Note: The real question is whether your acne is congested or angry. If clogged, this is a reset button. If red and painful, suction is the enemy—like scrubbing a bruise. In those cases, we pivot to chemical exfoliation at our Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens locations, which clears bacteria without physical aggression.

• Can I wear makeup after an Aqua Facial?

  We recommend waiting 12–24 hours. Hydrodermabrasion removes the keratin plug that normally protects the follicle, leaving skin highly absorbent. Applying makeup too soon risks pushing pigments and binders deep into open pores, potentially triggering congestion. Let your skin absorb the serums we applied—not your foundation.

  The Concierge Note: You just paid to clear out debris—don’t immediately replace it with concealer. One makeup-free night protects the investment. Most clients find they don’t need coverage anyway; the glow does the work.

• Is there any downtime after Hydrodermabrasion?

  Minimal to none. The diamond tip exfoliates without thermal injury or chemical peeling, so the barrier remains intact. You may notice mild redness from increased circulation, similar to a post-workout flush, which typically fades within 1 hour. No peeling, no hiding.

  The Concierge Note: This is a “back to life” facial, not a “clear your calendar” situation. Most clients at our NYC locations head straight to work, dinner, or whatever’s next—just looking fresher than they did an hour earlier. Book it on your lunch break if you want.