Review of the HydraFacial at Spa Imagine
Every year in January after the Christmas rush, my husband and I like to take some time out just for us and vacation somewhere warm and tropical. We have a big family and while the Christmas period is exciting, afterwards we feel totally drained. Not to mention we live in Denver, Colorado and December is the coldest month there, so it is nice to enjoy a winter escape and go off in search of sunshine. Our favorite spot to travel to is Mexico. This year, we stayed at Garza Blanca Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta. While we were there, I made a couple of trips to the spa and wanted to write a review of the HydraFacial experience I had at Spa Imagine.
Garza Blanca Resort is Superb
Before I delve into my review of the HydraFacial, I would like to first give an overview of Garza Blanca Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta. As soon as you walk into the lobby of this stunning beachfront resort, you are met with friendliness. The bellboy greeted us immediately and took our luggage for us. We waited in the lobby on a comfy sofa and were welcomed with a signature drink and a refreshing towel while they checked us in.
We booked the Honeymoon Suite since our vacation also coincided with our wedding anniversary. We felt at home as soon as we walked into the spacious and airy suite. The décor gives off a vibe of contemporary Mexican cool and the suite was comfortable with a king-size bed, en suite bathroom with a whirlpool tub, plush sofa and chair, fully stocked minibar, large flat-screen TV, and luxury toiletries. The best thing about the suite is its oversized balcony with spectacular ocean views, cozy hammock, and bubbling jacuzzi.
Spa Imagine is Among the Best Luxury Spas
After a stressful Christmas season and the usual travel frustrations, I just could not wait to get to the spa to relax and unwind. As part of my husband’s Christmas present, I booked us the 80-minute “Anahata” Couple’s Massage Ritual at Spa Imagine. This was exactly what I needed to soothe my aching muscles, tired mind, and weary soul. The cabin was extremely cozy and inviting with a soothing ambience. Our ritual began with a side-by-side relaxing massage, where the expert therapists massaged out every muscle kink and left us feeling brand new. After the massage, we enjoyed some alone time in the cabin with sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Before we were leaving the spa, I saw a big poster for the HydraFacial. It said, ¨Just don’t call it a HydraFacial¨. I was intrigued so I asked the receptionist more about it. Everything that she explained sounded good and my curiosity was piqued, so I booked a HydraFacial treatment for the following morning.
Everyone who has spent any time in a cold country knows how dehydrated and tight your skin can get. It is an icky feeling. The receptionist assured me that after the treatment I would leave with glowing skin.
HydraFacial Elite – 5 Easy Steps
The HydraFacial Elite is a non-invasive treatment that is gaining popularity. It is currently used mostly by dermatologist clinics and only offered at around 5% of spas. It is a medical grade treatment using patented technology that must be administered by a trained professional and is the only FDA-approved equipment of its kind. Garza Blanca Resorts only recently started promoting this revolutionary spa technology, which is designed to improve the texture and tone of the skin. My therapist told me that Spa Imagine is always on the lookout for groundbreaking technology in order to provide the very best experiences, and offering this high-tech treatment is a way to address common wellness concerns.
The total treatment time was 50 minutes, but there are also 80-minute sessions available. During the treatment, I lied down on an extremely comfortable adjustable bed and got cozy under the sheet. The therapist came in and showed me the special HydraFacial machine that she would be using and explained how it worked. There are four stages to the HydraFacial machine and one device manages each phase. She showed me the different machine settings and the HydraPeel Tip, a pen-like device with a spiral tip that utilizes vortex technology and the tips and settings can be changed for each stage of the treatment. She also explained the areas of application, which are the face, around the eyes, and there is a special applicator to increase hydration on the lips.
1. Cleanse
The first step of the HydraFacial is the cleanse and peel. The procedure begins with a deep cleansing with gentle exfoliation. During this stage, cleansing products are applied to the face using the pen. For the peeling phase, medium suction is used to remove dead skin cells and help prep the skin for the next step.
2. Hydrate
The next step is extract and hydrate. The therapist uses the spiral tip for vacuum suction extraction, which removes debris, congestion, and dirt from blocked pores. The extraction process is completely painless and since a cup is attached to the end of the vacuum mechanism, you are able to see what is being extracted. After the extraction stage is finished, the therapist uses the HydraPeel Tip to infuse hydrating serums into the skin. The types of super serums used can be personalized for different skin types.
3. Protect
The third step of the HydraFacial is fuse and protect. During this phase, the therapist uses the spiral tip to saturate the skin’s surface with essential nutrients such as antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and peptides leaving the skin with a luminous and healthy glow.
4. Light Therapy
LED light therapy is used to target specific issues. The therapist uses red and blue LED lights and each color serves a different purpose. The blue light is designed to kill acne and bacteria and the red light boosts collagen and elastin, which helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and even skin tone.
5. Seaweed Face Mask
As part of the treatment offered at Spa Imagine, the last step of the HydraFacial is a refreshing seaweed mask that helps to reduce any redness and close the pores. The face mask is a nice end to the treatment and you leave with soft and deeply moisturized skin that feels so clean and refreshed.
The Benefits of the HydraFacial
There are several benefits to the HydraFacial. One of the best things about it is that there’s no downtime and the results are noticeable immediately. I have had facials in the past where when I left my skin was red and blotchy and it took several hours for the inflammation to go down and for my skin to return to its natural color. I was so impressed that when the HydraFacial finished my skin was immediately glowing. Another benefit is that the treatment helps to improve overall skin health. While the initial results typically only last for around 3 weeks and it is something you have to regularly maintain, I have noticed that generally the appearance of my skin has improved.
Another great thing about the HydraFacial is that it works on all skin types. Whether you have dry skin, acne prone skin, rosacea, dark spots, or just want to look younger, the HydraFacial was specifically designed to address these issues. It can treat dark spots, breakouts, reduce redness, and improve the appearance of fine lines.
The Results
The pursuit of flawless skin is a worthwhile one and after my treatment even though I have been feeling old and weathered, I emerged with fresh, healthy-looking skin. My husband even called me baby-face and told me that I looked amazing afterwards.
While the HydraFacial is not your typical facial, I still found it quite relaxing and also very worthwhile since it is a deep clean for your skin. While it does have some similarities to other facials with cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing as the key elements, thanks to the high-tech machine, it does these more efficiently and produces better results.
Always seeking to improve my appearance, I am no stranger to the world of skincare and the HydraFacial is literally the best treatment I have come across so far. In my opinion, it blows the rest of out the water. My skin was bright and glowing when I left the spa and the results lasted for several weeks. It has improved my skin tone and overall complexion, and one might even say, my marriage. It was totally worth the investment and my skin felt so clean, hydrated, and refreshed. I just couldn’t get over the difference in my skin.
While I opted for the 50-minute treatment, the 80-minute HydraFacial is essentially the same but includes a couple of enhancements. The longer treatment includes a lymphatic massage to drain fluid buildup. The machine uses a setting to provide a stimulating massage that revs up the skin’s natural process to eliminate toxins, which in turn improves complexion. The 80-minute HydraFacial also includes a special booster treatment and a foot massage.
The Ultimate Facial Experience
For luminous skin, I honestly recommend booking the HydraFacial come January when the cold weather can have your skin looking a little worse for wear. Spa Imagine at Garza Blanca Puerto Vallarta is absolutely one of the best luxury spas in Puerto Vallarta and indulging in one of their high-tech spa treatments will definitely be money well spent.
I hope that you have found my review of the HydraFacial useful. I am always searching for new facial treatments and products and when I tried the HydraFacial, I loved the experience so much that I wanted to shout about it so that others can discover it too.
Winter is the time to indulge in a pampering treatment that will rejuvenate your skin like never before. You deserve it.
Book an appointment at Spa Imagine in Puerto Vallarta by calling 1-877-845-3791 or online by clicking here.