AquaFacial vs. Hydrafacial
Understanding the Difference Between Wet Microdermabrasion Treatments
Many patients searching for a Hydrafacial are ultimately looking for the result—deep cleansing, hydration, glow, and no downtime—not necessarily a specific brand name.
An AquaFacial (also called wet microdermabrasion or hydrodermabrasion) delivers the same core treatment principles through medical-grade, water-based exfoliation and serum infusion—without being tied to a proprietary brand platform.
This page explains the similarities and differences so you can make an informed, confident decision about what’s best for your skin.
What Both Treatments Have in Common
Both AquaFacials and Hydrafacials are designed around the same foundational skin-care concepts:
Deep cleansing and exfoliation
Gentle extraction of congested pores
Hydration and serum infusion
Immediate glow with no downtime
Both treatments are:
Non-invasive
Comfortable
Safe for most skin types
Popular as monthly maintenance facials
From a skin physiology standpoint, the goals are very similar.
What Is an AquaFacial (Wet Microdermabrasion)?
An AquaFacial uses water-based exfoliation technology combined with controlled suction and targeted serums to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate the skin in one session.
Key characteristics of AquaFacial treatments:
Liquid-based exfoliation (not abrasive crystals)
Adjustable settings customized by the provider
Focus on hydration and barrier support
Flexible protocols tailored to skin condition
At Denver Dream Medspa, AquaFacials are customized by trained professionals—not locked into preset brand steps.
What Is a Hydrafacial?
Hydrafacial is a brand-name treatment platform that uses a patented device and proprietary serum system to perform a multi-step wet exfoliation and hydration facial.
Important to understand:
“Hydrafacial” is a trademarked brand, not a treatment category
Protocols are standardized by the brand
Serums and steps are brand-specific
While effective, Hydrafacial treatments are limited to the brand’s device settings and serum offerings.
Key Differences: AquaFacial vs Hydrafacial
Customization vs. Brand Protocols
AquaFacial
Provider-driven customization
Adjustable exfoliation, suction, and serums
Treatments adapted to skin condition, season, and goals
Hydrafacial
Standardized brand protocols
Limited flexibility outside brand system
For patients who value personalization, AquaFacials offer more flexibility.
Skin-First vs. Device-First Approach
AquaFacial
Focused on skin physiology and barrier health
Protocols chosen based on skin response
Hydrafacial
Device-driven treatment structure
Brand-defined steps
Both can be effective—but the philosophy differs.
Ongoing Maintenance & Frequency
Because AquaFacials prioritize hydration during exfoliation, they are:
Well-suited for regular maintenance
Gentle enough for frequent use
Ideal in dry, high-altitude climates like Denver
This makes them an excellent monthly skin reset.
Cost Structure
Hydrafacial pricing often reflects:
Brand licensing fees
Proprietary consumables
AquaFacials:
Focus pricing on professional care and customization
Often provide comparable results without inflated brand costs
Results: Is One Better Than the Other?
From a clinical standpoint, results depend more on:
Provider skill
Customization
Consistency
Skin type and concerns
Not the logo on the device.
Many patients who previously received Hydrafacials experience equal—or better—results with a professionally customized AquaFacial.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
An AquaFacial may be ideal if you:
Want deep cleansing and hydration without downtime
Prefer a non-abrasive, gentle approach
Value customization over brand names
Want a Hydrafacial-style result without being tied to a brand
A consultation ensures the treatment aligns with your skin goals.
AquaFacial Within Skin + Tox Club™
AquaFacials are a core option within the Skin + Tox Club™ Grande Membership, making them an accessible, consistent alternative to branded hydration facials.
Membership allows:
Monthly professional exfoliation and hydration
Provider-guided customization
Strategic pairing with dermaplaning, lasers, or microneedling
Consistent results without over-treating
For many members, AquaFacials become their go-to maintenance facial.
Why Denver Dream Medspa Chooses AquaFacial Technology
At Denver Dream Medspa, we prioritize:
Skin health over brand names
Customization over presets
Long-term results over trends
Our AquaFacial protocols are designed to deliver the benefits people associate with Hydrafacials—while giving providers the flexibility to treat your skin as it actually is.
The Bottom Line
Hydrafacial is a brand.
AquaFacial is a treatment approach.
If your goal is clean, hydrated, glowing skin—AquaFacial delivers the result without the brand dependency.
👉 Learn more about AquaFacials.
👉 Explore AquaFacial benefits.
👉 See how AquaFacials fit into Skin + Tox Club™.
