A couple of weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to have a HydraFacial at the beautiful and peaceful Bella Santé Day Spa on famed Newbury Street in Boston.
Bella Santé Day Spa on Newbury
First, let me tell you a little about Bella Santé Day Spa. It’s one of the premier day and medical grade treatment spas in Boston, but they also have two other suburban locations. When my hair salon, Vidal Sassoon, was located on Newbury Street, I used to pass Bella Santé when I’d come in to get my hair colored. I always wondered about it. This time, I got to try it out myself!
I took the elevator upstairs and entered a dimly lit, peaceful environment with soothing spa music playing softly in the background. There are comfortable chairs and couches that you can relax on while waiting or after your treatment if you like.
Plus there are different types of teas and fruit-flavored waters available in addition to apples, nut/fruit mixes etc. I helped myself to a perfect green apple and citrus water.
The changing area was impressive and clean. It’s a large room with secure lockers, showers, sauna and steam rooms, hair dryers and large mirrors for drying your hair or applying makeup afterwards.
They gave me a clean, thick, comfy terrycloth robe, serious spa flip flops (not the cheesy disposable ones) to wear, and thick grey towels and facecloth. I was nice and warm on a still wintry day.
Then I headed to one of the treatment rooms. (Sorry the bed isn’t “made”. I took this photo after I got out of the comfy, warm bed.)
HydraFacial
What’s a HydraFacial, you ask? A HydraFacial is a facial that combats dryness, redness, acne, fine lines, pigmentation using a unique machine and HydraFacial tip that sucks impurities from the skin while delivering antioxidants and hydration. And there’s no downtime afterwards. You can go about your business looking bright and rested.
It is called a “liquid dermabrasion-like” process. It applies glycolic acid, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acids and antioxidants at different stages during the facial. LED light completes the treatment to help further reduce oily or congested skin, while calming irritation and redness.
The HydraFacial machine has an applicator wand (located on the lower right of the photo below) with a clean tip that creates a “vortex” that sucks out skin impurities and also delivers the good stuff deeper into the layers of your skin than if they are applied by hand. The applicator tip (there are two different strengths: blue for normal used on me, red for maximum strength) feels a little abrasive but not the least bit painful.
My medical aesthetician, Jill, told me that they describe the feeling as “being licked by a cat’s tongue”, and I think that describes it perfectly!
The HydraFacial device cleaned my skin, exfoliating dead skin cells on the surface as well as extracting and unclogging my pores. The technician also did some of the work with her hands to clean out the pores that the HydraFacial wasn’t able to get.
One of my goals was to see if the HydraFacial would help with my stubborn hyperpigmentation. The technician said that having a series of HydraFacials would help fade the hard to remove spots, but that other techniques including IPL would be more effective for my spots. OK.
So how did my skin look and feel afterwards? It looked and felt super clean as well as tight (in a good way) and firm after the HydraFacial. My fine lines and the few areas where you can usually see my pores seemed less obvious. The dark spots I have were still there, and I don’t know if they were lightened at all. The last step in the HydraFacial is applying a high percentage hyaluronic acid as well as moisturizer to combat dryness, so my skin did not feel parched. However, the next day, my skin did feel dry. I used a richer moisturizer and a sleeping mask at night and after that my skin felt great.
Spas throughout the U.S. offer the HydraFacial. Bella Santé Day Spa is the leading day spa in the Boston area that has it. Bella Santé Day Spa offers two different HydraFacials based on time: 30 minutes for $175 and 50 minutes for $225. I forgot to look at my watch or phone so I don’t know which one I had. All I can say is that it was so relaxing that time had no meaning! The HydraFacial is definitely something you can do on your lunch hour.
I wish I could afford to sign up for a series of HydraFacials because I’d love to see the effects over time. I was given a discount card for 20% off my next procedure at Bella Santé so I hope I can have another one in May or June.
Here is a video that I found on YouTube from a different spa that shows you the device and does a great job explaining and demonstrating the process. It’s definitely worth watching.
Bella Santé Day Spa serves both women and men. In fact, I saw quite a few guys checking in. They provide many other spa services in addition to HydraFacial including traditional facials, resurfacing peels, medical grade treatments for a range of skin issues, massage, manicure/pedicure, and hair removal. They also have a hair salon. Check out the Bella Sante Day Spa website for the complete list and prices. The staff is both very nice and professional. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bella Santé Day Spa at 38 Newbury Street in Boston and hope to be back soon for another HydraFacial.
Have you had a HydraFacial? How were your results?
This sounds like exactly what I need! I hope they offer this in the UK – I thought at first it might be really painful, but I’m so relieved to hear it isn’t.
Steph – http://nourishmeclean.blogspot.com
Stephanie Hartley recently posted…ASOS Spring Fashion Wishlist
There is a different facial called MicroNeedling that sounds too painful to me, but the HydraFacial was just great! I really enjoyed it. I think they do offer HydraFacial worldwide!
I have read about these before. My skin is going crazy from all these extreme weather changes. What an enjoyable way to spend some me time. Glad you got to experience this!
I hear you, Laura! Last night, I spent an hour and 20 minutes shoveling the driveway, and today the temperature is in the 20s! The weather can’t make up its mind. Definitely does a number on our skin. I lucked out getting the chance to have the HydraFacial. I’d love to have another one!
I haven’t had facial since my last trimester pregnant with my little one who is turning two end of this month! It’s been that long, OMG! LOL! This sounds like a treatment that my skin would appreciates, I think there’s a spa here that offers the same, will need to check it out.
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…First Monthly Favourite Post of 2016 ~ March Favourites
Yes, you do deserve a facial, Shireen! So rejuvenating and relaxing. The HydraFacial was an interesting procedure and left my skin feeling different from a regular facial.
Ooh my favorite type of post – a spa post! 🙂 This facial sounds pretty cool. But she’s right, this type of facial won’t fade hyperpigmentation. You really need high vitamin C treatments for that. (And make sure that they are a stable form of Vitamin C – otherwise they oxidize and are basically useless.)
Shannon recently posted…Must Have Aloe Vera Beauty Products
Thank you for the information, Shannon! At this point, I can’t afford a series of facials, and I know that’s what it would take to make a difference. But I enjoyed this one, and my skin definitely looked rejuvenated in spite of my dark spots
This sounds positively decadent! I love how nourishing it sounds, but that it would still help clear up oily skin problems. Sounds like a perfect lunch-break treat!
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…#Iwokeuplikethis
I think HydraFacial is very good for oily skin and for acne. They tailor the serums they use for individual skin issues. I loved it!
Sounds like heaven. <3 The place looks so perfectly appointed, every attention to detail is attended to.
Erika recently posted…Cyto-Luxe by Glo Therapeutics | My Notes
It was a wonderful spa. I hope I’ll be able to go back soon.
My best friend and I love Bella Sante!
The Beauty of Life recently posted…All Hands on Deck: Crabtree & Evelyn Lavender Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy
I’m so glad that you’re a Bella Sante fan too!
This seems like a mini vacation. I’m sure you enjoyed every minute of it. I think I need a facial like this to clean my pores and making me about 10 years younger. 🙂
MarciaF recently posted…Top Ten Eyeshadow Primers
LOL. I wish I could afford to go once a month!
I was actually supposed to get one of these done late last year, but was way too busy to get it organized and totally forgot to follow up. This place looks amazing!!
Chelsea recently posted…“Just Because” Gifts
You should try to follow up when you get a chance, Chelsea. It was such an interesting feeling, quite different from a regular facial. It definitely helped revitalize my skin and I glowed for a few days afterwards!
I love spa days. I am waaaay overdue for a facial.
Carleen recently posted…Awesome Diet Blueberry Muffins, Low Carb, Gluten Free, 21 Day Fix Approved
It’s such a wonderful treat, and it really help revitalize my skin!
Oh this takes me back to my Spa days! HA!! Working in a Spa is something I’m so glad I got the opportunity to do! Facials like this are great, but even better when you get them regularly. I think it’s always nice to splurge on them when you can! To help with your Hyperpigmntation, have you tried a Vitamin C? My guess is that you have, ha!
Christine recently posted…Sephora VIB Sale Haul Recommendations
Christine, someone else recommended a Vitamin C facial to me today as well. But I’ve never had one! I’ve been using vitamin C for a couple of years, and it’s done a great job getting rid of my cute freckles, but my serious hyperpigmentation from sun damage has faded a little bit but not much. I will have to look and see if a vitamin C facial is on the list of services at Bella Sante or at my local day spa. Unfortunately, I don’t have the $ right now to do a monthly facial so do you think it’s worth it to do a vitamin C facial even if I can’t keep it up regularly? Someone else said I need IPL. What to do?!
I’ve never heard of this procedure before, but it sounds cool. I got a facial with my friend once, but it wasn’t anything like this. Thanks for sharing! Good to know this kind of thing is out there!
Sammi the Beauty Buff recently posted…My Favorite Things: March 2016
I’m a big fan of facials. Now there are so many different techniques and targeted facials for different skin types and issues and different life stages. This was quite effective yet still relaxing. Loved it!
I’ve never had any kind of facial – they kind of freak me out! I’ve never heard of this procedure before.
Destany recently posted…Zoya Petals Collection
Why?
I’ve got an overactive imagination – it’s the writer in me. I see potential for lifelong trauma from facial accidents haha
Destany recently posted…Zoya Petals Collection
LOL. I’ve been having facials at spas and salons all over the U.S. and in Europe since I was 19 and never had a mishap anywhere. Take a chance!
Oh boy, colour me jealous! This sounds like an incredible experience and something my skin could definitely use.
Bailey recently posted…Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10 Supreme
I was so in the mood. And every few months, I have a couple of pores that need attention. But I was amazed at the overall exfoliation, tightening and glowing skin effect. Plus so relaxing. Loved it!
That spa looks awesome! Sounds similar to a treatment I get done here in Toronto call “Aquabrasion”!
Elaine recently posted…Cocoon Body Wrap Spa Treatment
I’ll have to look that up, Elaine, but I’m sure you’re right. Does it also use a wand that feels like a cat’s tongue? 😉
OOOhh! Lucky you! I’ve always wanted to try a hydrafacial. I had microdermabrasion way back when and it felt like the cat licking the face stuff too. I actually didn’t know that this was similar. Thanks for sharing!
Stacie recently posted…A La Carte Perfume
Yes, sounds the same! Cat licking the face, lol
I really want to know if it will help with the brown spots because I was careless on my last vacation and have tons of freckles now. I’m so happy that you got to relax and enjoy yourself.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…Bond No 9 Introduces Liberty Island
I would say not so much, Aleya. The med tech suggested their MicroNeedling facial for dark spots, but I don’t think I could handle that. The HydraFacial, I believe, is tailored for certain skin issues – mine was exfoliation, dryness, fine lines. But others have suggested Vitamin C Facial for hyperpigmentation though I haven’t tried it yet myself.
Looks like a great time! I could really use a spa day.
Phyrra recently posted…Honest Beauty Smoky Grey Look
It was such a treat!
Sounds so amazing and invigorating! I’m glad you got a chance to try it out!
Kat Dinges recently posted…Pacifica Nail Polish Trio for Spring
Yes, it was so different from a traditional facial. It made my skin glow!
Look who got pampered?! Isn’t it a nice feeling? Good to know you had glowing skin after
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…Hair Treatment For Frequently Colored Hair
Yes, we both lucked out with lovely pampering spa dates!
Having seen you just a few hours after your facial that day, I can vouch for it…. you were glowing! I’d like to try the procedure myself.
Thank you so much, Kim, for backing me up! I would like to go back one of these days. Bella Sante also is in Lexington. Maybe we could go to either location one of these days for a pick me up!
Oh wow, that is the ultimate pampering experience! I’m dying to go to the spa but my derm has banned it until further notice. A hydra facial sounds great for dehydrated but oily skin.
Renu recently posted…Clearogen 3-Step Acne Treatment Review, Results
Oh, you still have to take it slow, but someday I think you would enjoy a HydraFacial, and I believe they are an international company/technique.
This spa looks fabulous and the facial sounds wonderful. It’s been a few years since I last got a spa facial…. about 2 years since my last. I would love to check this out.
Honeygirlk recently posted…Enrich Not Exploit – The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector and Hemp Soap on a Rope
It had been about a year for me, too, Honey. This was my first time at this spa and my first HydraFacial. I thought the “wand” was fascinating in that it provided both suction for cleaning and exfoliating and also could be used to deliver the personalized serums. But with your super sensitive skin, even the “cat’s tongue” feeling of the wand might be too harsh.
That’s a beautiful spa! Look like you had a lovely time!
Babi recently posted…ellagee Game of Theories collection : Swatches and Review
I really enjoyed it, Babi. And I learned that HydraFacial is a worldwide technique. It was terrific!
What a spa experience and I although I do good job with OTC products I would mind a professional skin treatment like you did!
Ursula
http://www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com
I really enjoyed it. I hope the opportunity comes your way, too, Ursula
What an awesome experience! It sounds like you had a great time…now I want to go get a facial! 😛
Katie Garvin recently posted…Project Pan – Finish 7 By Spring RESULTS
It was such fun and so relaxing! I’m sure as a new mom you could use a little relaxation 🙂
I have never gotten a professional facial done. This sounds very relaxing and I like that it was gentile with no down time.
Kristina recently posted…OPI SOFT SHADES | PASTELS 2016
I’m sure you would love having a facial. It’s amazing what a great job a professional can do to clean one’s face/pores so well. Hopefully, an opportunity will come your way!
That spa looks so serene… now I really want to make a trip! I haven’t been to a spa in years but my birthday is coming up so maybe I should treat myself lol 🙂 This facial sounds amazing working on different ailments with so many great acids! I wish I had the funds to drop on of these— maybe someday down the road!
Megan T. recently posted…Tutorial: Megan’s 21st Springtime Birthday Makeup
I hope a spa treatment will come your way soon! It’s such a rejuvenating treat
This trip looks amazing! I need to go to the spa soon
Laura Gallaway recently posted…5 Easy Steps For Adding Texture To Your Hair
Going to the spa is such a treat!
WOW! What a great experience. I have yet to go to a spa and treat my skin. I’m going to research for a great spa near me because you’ve inspired me. Thanks for sharing Allison. xo
Brigette Ramos recently posted…Kick Start Your Skincare with The Power of Two from Elizabeth Arden New York + GIVEAWAY!
I’m somewhat surprised, Brigette! I know you’d enjoy it. It’s so relaxing. Although I have generally good skin, a couple of times a year I need a professional to remove the few blackheads I get 😉
I had no idea that you could continue with your day after getting a hydrafacial. It makes a huge difference if you don’t need to schedule the time to recover after a facial. It also would make a difference if you didn’t need to prepare for it.
Yes, I’m sure it’s the same at your medspa!
The entire HydraFacial is performed using a vacuum based skin abrasion tip which is loaded with various serums, specially formulated to target and combat different skin complaints.