There’s a certain kind of disappointment that comes with booking a facial, lying there for an hour, and walking out thinking, Was that it? Sometimes, the whole thing feels more like a face massage than a treatment—no extractions, no deep cleanse, just a few serums and some soft background music. You leave relaxed, sure, but your skin? Mostly unchanged.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Traditional facials can feel soothing in the moment but underwhelming when it comes to results. That’s where AquaFacials come in.
These treatments are a complete shift in how your facial skin concerns are treated. Think of a regular facial as a basic car wash, while AquaFacials are the full detail: cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, and active serums that actually target what your skin needs.
Let’s dive into the differences between AquaFacials and regular facials.
What’s an AquaFacial, Anyway?
An AquaFacial is a non-invasive, multi-step skin treatment that uses hydrodermabrasion technology and targeted serums to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, and address visible skin concerns—all in one session.
At Laser Clinics Australia, AquaFacials use professional suction-based handpieces to clear out congestion, lift away dead skin, and push skin-loving ingredients deeper for better results.
What’s in a Regular Facial?
A regular facial can vary from place to place, but the general flow goes something like this: cleanse, steam, exfoliate, mask, maybe some light massage, moisturiser, and SPF.
Most traditional facials focus on relaxation and maintenance rather than targeted skin correction. You might get a manual exfoliation or light enzyme peel, and if you’re lucky, a quick extraction (though some skip that altogether). Products used depend on the clinic, but they’re often standard creams and serums—not clinical-grade actives or tools that drive ingredients deeper.
A Quick Look at the Differences Between AquaFacial and Regular Facials
|
AquaFacial |
Regular Facial |
|
|
Technology Used |
Hydrodermabrasion with suction-based handpieces and targeted serum infusion |
Manual application of skincare products; may include steam and massage |
|
Type of Exfoliation |
Mechanical exfoliation via suction + optional chemical peel (AquaRenew step) |
Manual exfoliation or light enzyme-based exfoliants |
|
Serums Used |
Clinical-grade actives: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Peptides |
Standard spa-grade serums or creams, often not tailored by concentration |
|
Skin Concerns Treated |
Dullness, pigmentation, dehydration, fine lines, congestion, uneven tone |
General skin maintenance, mild dryness or dullness |
|
Immediate Results |
Visible glow, smoother texture, refined pores, reduced redness |
Temporary softness or glow; results may vary |
|
Long-Term Benefits |
Collagen stimulation, improved elasticity, reduction in pigmentation and lines |
Minimal; generally supportive but not corrective |
|
Treatment Duration |
20–30 minutes |
45–60 minutes |
|
Downtime |
None; slight redness for a few hours possible |
None; may experience redness if extractions are done |
|
How Often to Get It |
Every 2–4 weeks for best results; monthly for maintenance |
Every 4–6 weeks for general upkeep |
|
Makeup Post-Treatment |
Can be worn immediately |
Usually allowed after treatment unless otherwise advised |
|
Pain/Discomfort Level |
Minimal; mild tingling during exfoliation, followed by cooling serum infusion |
Usually none; may feel slight discomfort during extractions |
|
Extraction |
Impurity removal through suction (no manual squeezing) |
May include manual extractions (if offered) |
|
Best For |
Clients seeking visible results for targeted skin concerns |
Clients seeking relaxation or basic skin refresh |
How AquaFacial Addresses Different Skin Concerns
Now that we’ve broken down the basics, let’s get into what really matters: which facial actually works for your skin concerns.
- Dullness: AquaFacials use a targeted serum selected based on your skin needs (vitamin C or niacinamide-containing serums). Combined with exfoliation, the treatment helps fade pigmentation and revive a dull complexion. Regular facials may include a scrub or mask, but without the same ingredient strength or delivery method.
- Dryness/Dehydrated Skin: For hydration, our AquaFacials can pair exfoliation with a hydrating serum that binds water in the skin and smoothens texture. The AquaGlow step helps infuse hydration deeper, especially when combined with the cooling handpiece. Regular facials can moisturise temporarily, but often lack the multi-depth hydration effect.
- Fine Lines & Wrinkles: The Expert Firming 6 Step AquaFacial includes a peptide-infused serum powered by Firma-Peptide Complex, designed to stimulate collagen and improve skin firmness. It’s combined with microcurrent stimulation to enhance lift and elasticity. Regular facials may hydrate, but rarely contain clinically proven peptides or skin-tightening technology.
- Uneven Skin Tone: Depending on the underlying cause—whether it’s pigmentation, post-acne marks, or general blotchiness—therapists may choose either the Vitamin C Super Serum for brightening or the Niacinamide Power Serum for calming and tone correction. These are delivered through the AquaFacial handpieces post-exfoliation, which penetrate better than surface-level masks used in traditional facials.
- Congestion & Oily Skin: AquaFacials use vacuum-powered suction to clear out excess oil, debris, and build-up from pores—especially effective during the AquaCleanse and AquaRenew steps. Regular facials may include steam and manual extractions, but can’t match the precision or consistency of AquaFacial suction.
- Acne Scarring: For clients with post-acne marks and textural issues, the Niacinamide Power Serum helps to reduce inflammation and improve skin clarity. The treatment also supports mild resurfacing through exfoliation, helping smooth skin over time. Traditional facials are not typically equipped to address long-term post-acne scarring.
Final Thoughts
Not all facials are created equal. If your skin goals go beyond relaxation—if you're targeting dullness, congestion, fine lines, or uneven tone—AquaFacials offer a clear edge.
And the best part? No downtime, no guesswork, and no wondering “Did that actually do anything?”
Ready to see the difference for yourself? Book a complimentary consultation at Laser Clinics Australia and find the AquaFacial treatment that suits your skin best.
