HydraFacial Aftercare: What to Do in the First 24-72 Hours
In Chicago & Glenview, IL

Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago & Glenview, IL is led by Dr. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is quadruple board-certified.

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Medically reviewed for accuracy.

HydraFacial is one of those treatments that can make your skin look better immediately, with little to no downtime. HydraFacial results vary by person, especially if you’re sensitive, acne-prone, or using strong active ingredients.

Quick takeaways

A little redness or tightness can happen and usually settles within 72 hours.
Tingling during treatment is common and typically fades within a few hours.
Your skin is more sun-sensitive right after, so avoid direct sun and use at least SPF 40 (SPF 30+ is the dermatologist baseline).
Skip strong actives and aggressive exfoliation around your appointment, especially acids and Retin-A type products.
If something feels off or symptoms get worse instead of better, contact our office

What is HydraFacial

HydraFacial is a hydradermabrasion treatment that combines cleansing, extraction, and hydration at the same time. It’s non-invasive, generally non-irritating, and most people can go right back to life afterward. At Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa, HydraFacial treatments are performed by our esthetics team, including Alison Falada, Licensed Esthetician & Laser Specialist, and are commonly selected by busy Chicago patients who want visible refreshment without a recovery week.

What to expect during and immediately after your HydraFacial

Most patients find the treatment soothing and non-irritating, but it’s normal to have short-lived reactions: Temporary tightness, mild irritation, or redness can occur and typically resolves within 72 hours, depending on skin sensitivity. Tingling or mild stinging during the treatment can happen and generally subsides within a few hours.

Can I wash my face the same day?

Yes. Gentle cleanser, lukewarm water, fingertips. Skip scrubs and brushes

Can I work out after HydraFacial?

Usually yes, but if you want to play it safe, wait about 24 hours before heavy sweating or sauna/steam.

What should I avoid right after?

Direct sun, aggressive exfoliation, waxing in the treated area, acids, and Retin-A type products.

When is a chemical peel a better fit?

If your goal is stubborn pigment or more noticeable texture change, a peel may be better than HydraFacial alone.

Schedule your consultation at Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa.
310 W. Superior St, Chicago, IL 60654 | Call/Text: 312-846-1629

Chicago Aesthetics
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   Roberta Livingston 
 September 6, 2026
 
 
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Tom is amazing!! Caring and knowledgeable very, very excellent experience.
  
 
      
   Kim Jones 
 September 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been seeing Carol for 10 + years She’s the best and has a perfect eye for what’s needed and what is not. I’ve always trusted her completely and highly recommend!
  
 
      
   Mary S 
 August 29, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful service, everyone is knowledgable and friendly. Dr. Rachel is fabulous and quadruple board certified. I would not trust any other company.
  
 
      
   Laura Rosenhauer 
 August 28, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carol is the best in the business! She is professional, kind, and incredibly attentive throughout my experience. She took the time to understand my concerns and made sure I felt comfortable. I love my results! I truly appreciated her expertise and attention to detail. I highly recommend Carol!
  
 
      
   Angel 
 August 28, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nurse Carol always does an outstanding job no matter the procedure. She literally has light hands and you barely feel a thing. She brightens my day whenever I have an appointment with her. Very kind, professional and very knowledgeable. I have never had anyone as thorough as her. She communicates with me before and after all appointments and reaches out to ensure I safely drive there sooner due to the weather conditions. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I cannot say enough wonderful things about Nurse Carol Donohue. After four years as her client, I can genuinely say that the trust, care, and relationship we have built over the years means so much to me. Carol has always been incredibly easy to communicate with and accommodating with my schedule. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients—even coming in early before her shift to make sure she can see me when needed. That level of dedication and care does not go unnoticed. What I appreciate most about Carol is her integrity. She doesn’t simply recommend a cosmetic procedure because she can perform it. She takes the time to honestly tell me what would be beneficial, what may be unnecessary, and what she believes is best for me. My health, well-being, and safety have always come first, and that has given me an incredible amount of confidence and trust in her. Carol is knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. She explains everything in detail, makes sure I understand every step of the process, and always makes me feel comfortable and cared for. She values her clients as people, not just appointments. Beyond her professionalism, Carol’s kindness has touched me personally. There have been days when I walked into her office feeling at my lowest, and simply being met with her warmth, compassion, and kindness helped me leave feeling a little more confident and a lot better than when I arrived. That is something I will never forget. Thank you, Nurse Carol Donohue, for four wonderful years of professionalism, honesty, compassion, and exceptional care. I am incredibly grateful for the client-and-nurse relationship we have built, and I look forward to many more years to come. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a provider who combines expertise with integrity and truly cares about the people she serves.
  
 
      
   Julie Rosenhauer 
 August 28, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been getting Botox from Carol for several years now, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience! She is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and professional, and she always takes the time to make sure I feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. I truly trust her expertise and appreciate how carefully she listens to what I want while providing honest, thoughtful recommendations. My results have always looked natural and beautiful, which is exactly what I’m looking for. I highly recommend her to anyone considering Botox or looking for someone skilled, trustworthy, and genuinely caring!
  
 
      
   Diana T 
 August 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carol was great! She made the experience comfortable and pain-free while also being efficient. Would definitely return!
  
 
      
   Migz migz 
 August 24, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wasn’t sure what I needed to fill up my cheeks after 85lbs weight loss so I decided to visit Carol Donohue for her expertise. We decided to go with sculptura treatment and she made it virtually pain free. I see improvement but most of it from the bac water injection. Glad I found her Will post update after 4 weeks
  
 
      
   Dahlia Shapira 
 August 20, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm getting a tatto removed at the loop location. I did research and I had a good few consultations and this was the most transparent and professional. They have a good lazer with color frequency and the communication was good. I had a few consultations were they asked unnessasary personal questions and gave unrealistic expectations for treatment. She was very transparent about what to expect and how it works.
  
 
      
   Patty 
 August 14, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I go there to see Dr. Rachel, he's the absolute best! The nurses and staff are so friendly and make you feel very welcome and comfortable. I will always refer people to Dr. Rachel and Chicago Aesthetics!