If you’ve been in the treatment room long enough, you know that the skin doesn’t always need aggressive techniques to thrive. The Aqua Peel (aka hydradermabrasion) is a skin-refreshing, barrier-safe treatment that checks all the boxes for glow, hydration, and texture refinement. It combines water-based exfoliation, vacuum suction, and targeted serum infusion in a single session that feels more spa than med-spa—but still delivers real results.
How It Works
Step 1: Vacuum-Powered Exfoliation
The Aqua Peel device uses a gentle vacuum to exfoliate the stratum corneum while simultaneously suctioning out sebum, dead cells, and blackheads. It’s not abrasive like crystals or diamonds, so it’s great for sensitive clients or Fitzpatrick IV–VI.
Step 2: Deep Serum Infusion
Here’s where the magic happens: as the skin is exfoliated and cleared out, it’s immediately flooded with actives—think hyaluronic acid, peptides, antioxidants—that go deeper thanks to the suction-assisted delivery.
Best of all, the Aqua Peel is a non-invasive treatment, enabling you to create amazing results for your clients without the discomfort of harsher approaches.
Why It Works (Backed by Studies)
The Aqua Peel is so effective because it:
Boosts Circulation
The vacuum-induced microcirculation increase during hydradermabrasion enhances nutrient and oxygen delivery, contributing to faster cellular turnover and repair (Razi et al., 2024).
Supports Collagen Production
A controlled study found that six sessions of hydradermabrasion led to measurable increases in epidermal and papillary dermal thickness, collagen hyalinization, and fibroblast density—improvements not observed with manual serum application alone (Freedman, 2008).
Homogenizes the Stratum Corneum
LC-OCT imaging shows that the Aqua Peel treatment significantly reduces stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis) thickness right after treatment, then prompts a rebound thickening by the 2-week mark—indicating both exfoliation and barrier repair. It also homogenizes the stratum corneum and smooths the dermal-epidermal junction (Razi et al., 2024).
Translation?
Aqua Peel treatments can improve the skin’s natural repair and regeneration process by providing the skin with increased hydration and nutrition. The Aqua Peel also stimulates collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing fine lines over time.
What You Can Treat with Aqua Peel
Texture and Fine Lines
It smooths out rough patches and plumps up fine lines by delivering hydration where it counts. Combined with peptides or gentle acids, the Aqual Peel provides extra resurfacing.
Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
The vacuum removes congestion, and the right serums (like salicylic or niacinamide) calm inflammation and regulate oil. Bonus: it doesn’t leave the skin raw, so it’s safe for acneic clients with compromised barriers.
Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation (PIH)
For melanin-rich skin, it’s a great way to gently resurface without triggering pigment. Just make sure to pair with tyrosinase inhibitors and SPF post-treatment.
Bottom Line
Aqua Peel is one of those rare treatments that truly does it all—cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, and boosting collagen—without stressing the skin. It’s safe, customizable, and fits into almost every skincare goal: whether your client’s focus is texture, oil, aging, or just needing a refresh. Add it to your menu, and your clients (and their skin) will thank you!
