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DiamondGlow vs. Hydrafacial: Which Is Better?

Written by Nicole Butcher, LA, Licensed Aesthetician on August 23, 2021 2 Comments

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DiamondGlow and Hydrafacial are two of the most popular medical facials available today. DiamondGlow’s patented diamond-tipped vacuum offers advanced physical exfoliation and extraction, resulting in instant improvements in both skin tone and texture. HydraFacial’s innovative use of chemical exfoliation combined with a wet diamond exfoliator to nourish and hydrate, leaves the skin smoother, brightened, and renewed.

Both facials offer numerous benefits without the need for downtime (recovery time) typical of other treatments like chemical peels or laser resurfacing. But which is better? The answer usually depends on the skincare needs and goals of the individual patient. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between DiamondGlow and Hydrafacial treatments.

About DiamondGlow

DiamondGlow treatment provides manual exfoliation using a patented diamond-tipped wand. Differing wand shapes and sizes allow the treatment provider to select the perfect level of exfoliation for you and your skin. In addition, a range of serums address issues such as hydration, wrinkles, and discoloration.

DiamondGlow treatments include customized SkinMedica serums that target a range of skin conditions to purify, hydrate, smooth, and brighten. DiamondGlow can be paired with a variety of SkinMedica serums including:

  • TNS® Advanced+ for improved tone and texture
  • Skin Brightening for reduced pigmentation
  • Ultra-Hydrating for improved hydration
  • Vitamin C for brightness and antioxidant protection
  • Pore Clarifying for deep cleansing

Since DiamondGlow is a gentle treatment, it can pair nicely with Skinmedica chemical peels such as Illuminize and Vitalize to give the ultimate, results-driven skin treatment.

DiamondGlow Results

A DiamondGlow facial offers a deep, hydrating cleanse. DiamondGlow is recommended for those interested in preventing or slowing the signs of aging or evening skin texture. It’s an excellent clinical treatment for wrinkles, crepey skin, acne scars and dull or discolored skin.

About Hydrafacial

Hydrafacial treatments exfoliate chemically, using glycolic and salicylic acid. Chemical exfoliation loosens dead skin cells, clears pores, smooths and brightens skin. Gentle extraction follows, as does the use of customizable boosters, which provide nutrients, antioxidants or peptides.

Hydrafacial treatments include customizable boosters include the following:

  • Murad Retinol for anti-aging
  • Murad Vitamin C for discoloration
  • Regan GF for fine lines
  • Nassifmd Hydraglucan Intense for anti-aging
  • Alastin Trihex-pro for collagen and elastin production
  • Circadia Protec Plus to combat free radicals
  • Britenol for brightness
  • Senté Dermal Repair for reduced redness

Hydrafacial Results

Hydrafacial smooths and brightens skin, treats fine lines, and offers a hydrating cleanse. The goals of this gentle and relaxing treatment are more cosmetic than clinical. The treatment is recommended as part of an ongoing anti-aging or acne-fighting routine.

DiamondGlow vs Hydrafacial: Key Differences

While both DiamondGlow and Hydrafacial leave skin feeling brighter, smoother and healthier, there are some distinctions between the two:

Exfoliation: While both medical facials offer deep exfoliation, the methods differ. DiamondGlow uses a physical diamond-tipped exfoliator, while Hydrafacial uses glycolic and salicylic acid for chemical exfoliation.

Goals: DiamondGlow is more of a corrective treatment that results in deep exfoliation, extraction and cleansing. Serums are then applied to fresh, new skin for greater effectiveness. Hydrafacial achieves similar goals with a gentle cosmetic approach that’s more appropriate for ongoing maintenance care.

Unique Benefits: Hydrafacial can be applied to the scalp to promote hair fullness and hair growth, and may also address anti-aging on the hands and other body parts. DiamondGlow’s customizable level of exfoliation makes it particularly useful for addressing sensitive skin around the eyes and mouth.

Final Results: DiamondGlow will leave skin feeling freshly exfoliated, deeply cleansed, smoother and brighter. Hydrafacial will plump and hydrate skin, leaving you with a noticeable, brighter glow.

Customizations: Both DiamondGlow’s SkinMedica serums and Hydrafacial’s boosters address hydration, aging, discoloration and acne. However, their suitability can greatly depend on the current characteristics and needs of each individual patient. Your treatment provider will help you select the boosters or serums that best meet the needs of your skincare goals.

DiamondGlow + Hydrafacial

Some patients may benefit from a treatment plan that includes both DiamondGlow and Hydrafacial treatments. A DiamondGlow medical facial can kick off your skincare goals, with Hydrafacial providing regular, refreshing maintenance sessions. To learn more about creating a long-term skincare plan, discuss your desired end results with your dermatologist or medical aesthetician.


Nicole Butcher, LA

Nicole Butcher is a licensed aesthetician, having received her education at Dermalogica Academy and the International Dermal Institute in New York City. She specializes in laser hair removal, IPL, chemical peels, microneedling, dermaplaning, and eyelash extensions. She is also a certified technician with Coolsculpting, HydrafacialMD, and Ultherapy.


2 Responses to “DiamondGlow vs. Hydrafacial: Which Is Better?”

  1. Avatar Georgianne says:

    How much is a hydrafacial and a diamond glow facial. Can you do these in Marble Falls?

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