Treatment comparison
Hydrafacial vs Custom Facial
A Hydrafacial follows a set machine-based sequence. A Joanna Vargas custom facial begins with a skin analysis, then combines techniques according to what your skin needs that day. We prefer the custom approach when a client has specific concerns or wants the treatment to change as their skin changes.
Last updated October 7, 2026
Hydrafacial
The standardized glow
The Hydrafacial is a franchise treatment: the same wand, the same serums and the same sequence in every office that offers it. It cleanses, exfoliates and infuses in about 30 minutes, which makes it a reliable quick refresh.
A quick refresh, clogged pores and trying a professional facial for the first time.
A vortex wand serially cleanses, exfoliates painlessly and infuses set serums.
None.
Monthly, with roughly the same result each time.
Not offered at our spas
Our approach
Custom Facial
Built around your skin
Every Joanna Vargas facial starts with a skin analysis. Your esthetician then combines exfoliation, extractions, oxygen, LED light therapy and infusion steps in the order your skin needs, and adjusts each visit as your skin changes.
Specific concerns like dullness, congestion, redness or fine lines, and results that last.
A skin analysis sets the plan, then targeted steps are layered for your skin that day.
None for most custom facials; deeper exfoliation may leave a brief glow-flush.
Monthly works for most skin, with the plan evolving as your skin improves.
The difference
Why a custom facial is the better choice
A Hydrafacial offers a consistent machine-based service. A custom facial gives the esthetician more ways to respond to your skin during the appointment.
- Treatment plan: Extractions, oxygen, LED and exfoliation are selected according to your skin rather than included in a fixed sequence.
- Specific concerns: The esthetician can spend more time on congestion, dryness, redness or fine lines as needed.
- Ongoing care: The plan can change from one visit to the next as your skin responds.
- Hands-on assessment: Your esthetician can adjust pressure, products and treatment steps throughout the appointment.
Not sure which path is right for you?
Every face is different. Our senior estheticians build each treatment around your skin, and the two-minute Skin Code Quiz points you to the right starting place.
Take the Skin QuizQuestions about Hydrafacial vs Custom Facial
Is a custom facial better than a Hydrafacial?
A Hydrafacial offers a quick, consistent refresh. A custom facial is more flexible because each step can be selected for your current concerns.
How often should I get a custom facial?
Most clients come monthly. Your esthetician will tell you after the first visit whether your skin needs a shorter or longer gap, and the treatment plan changes as your skin improves.
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About the expert
Reviewed by Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist, founder of the Joanna Vargas spas and skincare line, and author of Glow From Within.