HydraFacial and dermaplaning both leave skin smoother and brighter, but they work differently. HydraFacial cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and hydrates in several steps. Dermaplaning removes dead surface cells and fine vellus hair with a blade.
Update Aesthetics also offers HydraPlane: dermaplaning followed by a Deluxe HydraFacial and LED light therapy. Choose based on whether your priority is congestion and hydration, a smoother surface for make-up, or both.
Is HydraFacial or dermaplaning better?
Neither is better overall. It depends on your skin and your goal:
HydraFacial: congestion, blackheads, oil build-up, dehydration, dullness and an all-round refresh.
Dermaplaning: rough texture, fine facial hair and a smoother base for make-up.
HydraPlane: both sets of goals in one visit, if your skin can tolerate combined exfoliation.
How HydraFacial works
Update Aesthetics' HydraFacial menu follows a multi-step process that cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and hydrates the skin. Depending on the level you choose, it can also include lymphatic drainage, personalised boosters and LED light therapy.
It refreshes the skin rather than resurfacing it, and can be adapted for dullness, dehydration, congestion and uneven texture.
How dermaplaning works
Dermaplaning uses a sterile blade to remove dead surface cells and vellus hair. It does not change the hair follicle, so hair does not grow back thicker.
Skin feels smoother straight away and make-up sits more evenly. Because it is an exfoliating treatment, irritated or inflamed skin may need a different approach.
What is HydraPlane?
HydraPlane combines dermaplaning with the Deluxe HydraFacial. Dermaplaning comes first, followed by the HydraFacial cleansing, extraction and hydration stages, and the appointment finishes with LED light therapy.
Because it layers two exfoliating treatments, it is not automatically better than either one alone. Choose it because you need both benefits and your skin is calm enough, not because it sounds like the most complete package
| Facial | Best for | What it does | Downtime | Typical rhythm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HydraFacial | Congestion, dehydration, dullness | Cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and hydrates | Usually minimal for suitable skin | Often monthly as a course or maintenance |
| Dermaplaning | Surface texture and make-up finish | Removes dead surface cells and vellus hair | Usually minimal; temporary sensitivity possible | Commonly around every four weeks |
| HydraPlane | Both sets of goals | Dermaplaning + Deluxe HydraFacial + LED | Usually minimal for suitable skin | Before an event or as maintenance |
Kayleigh Garbutt,
Update Aesthetics' Clinic Manager and Advanced Skin Therapist
Match the facial to your skin on the day: Her approach is to choose the treatment based on what your skin needs at that appointment, rather than repeating the same facial every month.
Congestion, dehydration, sensitivity and recent use of active products change from visit to visit, so the plan should change with them.
Who should be cautious with these facials?
Check with the clinic before booking if you:
have active inflammation, an acne flare or a rosacea flare
have broken or very reactive skin
have recently had a peel, waxing or laser treatment
use strong retinoids, prescription skin treatments or other active ingredients
For sensitive skin, a gentler facial or waiting until irritation settles may be the better choice.
Before treatment, Update Aesthetics advises stopping active skincare ingredients and avoiding chemical peels for three days.
Which facial is best for first-time clients?
A standard HydraFacial is often the easiest first appointment, because the steps can be adjusted while the therapist sees how your skin reacts. Dermaplaning can also suit a first visit if your skin is calm and your main concern is roughness or fine hair.
Do not book your first treatment right before an important date, because any facial can cause unexpected redness or sensitivity.
When should you book before an event?
All three are popular before events because downtime is usually minimal for suitable skin. For a wedding or photoshoot, have a trial treatment first so you know how your skin responds. The skin team can then time your final appointment around the date.
Aftercare and what to avoid
Treat your skin as freshly exfoliated:
Avoid heat and friction straight afterwards.
Keep your routine simple, and use bland, hydrating products if your skin feels tight or warm.
Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen and protect your skin from the sun.
Avoid other exfoliating treatments.
Reintroduce active products only when your aftercare advice says to.
Overdoing your home routine afterwards can cause irritation, which matters most before an event.
Your next step
Choose HydraFacial for cleansing and hydration, dermaplaning for a smoother surface and fine-hair removal, or HydraPlane for both in one appointment. Let your skin on the day decide, especially if you use retinoids, have reactive skin or are planning around an event.
Visit Update Aesthetics
Truro, Cornwall
Knighton House, 47 Lemon Street, Truro, TR1 2NS
Our Truro clinic is on Lemon Street in the city centre and offers a wide range of aesthetic and skin treatments.
Harley Street, London
101 Harley Street, Marylebone, London, W1G 6AH
Our London clinic is at 101 Harley Street, within walking distance of Regent's Park, Oxford Circus and Baker Street Underground stations.
Frequently asked questions about Hydrafacial
Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker?
No. Dermaplaning cuts vellus hair at the surface and does not change the follicle. Regrowth can feel different because the hair has been cut bluntly, but it is not thicker.
How often should I have a HydraFacial?
Update Aesthetics recommends a course of six treatments at monthly intervals, followed by maintenance as needed. Your frequency should reflect your skin and goals.
Is HydraFacial good for acne-prone skin?
It can help with congestion and oily skin, but active inflamed acne may need a different plan. A skin assessment on the day decides whether extraction and exfoliation are appropriate.
How much does a HydraFacial cost in Truro?
Update Aesthetics offers several HydraFacial levels, so the price depends on the treatment you choose.
Can I have HydraPlane before a wedding?
Yes, if your skin tolerates it and you leave enough time for any redness or sensitivity to settle. Do not make your first HydraPlane appointment the one right before the wedding.