HydraFacial is a brand-name treatment offered at chain med spas and dermatology offices across Lancaster. Alesca Aesthetics doesn't offer HydraFacial by that name — but we offer customized facials that do the same things (and more).
Here's how they compare — no BS.
The 30-second summary
HydraFacial: Machine-based, standardized 3-step treatment. Cleanse + acid peel + hydration serum via vacuum wand. Same for everyone. Fast, predictable.
Alesca signature facial: Custom-designed per client. Chose from add-ons like red light therapy, microcurrent, dermaplaning, chemical peel, LED masks, extractions, high-frequency treatment. Same time, more flexibility.
Different philosophies. Both work. Here's when to pick which.
HydraFacial — what it is
HydraFacial is a patented device made by BeautyHealth Company. The treatment uses a wand that:
- Cleanses + peels with a gentle glycolic/salicylic acid solution
- Extracts with vacuum suction to clear pores
- Infuses with proprietary serums (usually hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, peptides)
Standard: 30-60 min, no downtime, immediate glow, works for most skin types.
Add-ons available at most HydraFacial providers: - LED light therapy - Booster serums (targeted for hyperpigmentation, aging, etc.) - Perk lip and eye treatments
Alesca signature facial — what we offer
Alesca facials are custom-designed by Jordan based on:
- Your skin type (Fitzpatrick 1-6)
- Current concerns (acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, sensitivity)
- Budget
- Time available (60-90 min sessions)
Standard elements in every Alesca facial: - Deep cleanse (double cleanse method) - Custom exfoliation (chemical or physical based on skin) - Extractions if needed - Custom mask - Targeted serums (hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, growth factors — chosen for you) - Moisturizer + SPF
Popular add-ons ($50 each unless noted): - Chemical peel add-on - Dermaplaning - Red light therapy - Microcurrent stimulation - High-frequency treatment (for acne) - LED mask - Enzyme mask - Nanoinfusion (needle-free serum infusion)
Cost comparison — Lancaster PA
| Treatment | HydraFacial | Alesca Facial |
|---|---|---|
| Base treatment | $170-$250 | $129-$179 |
| With add-ons | $250-$400 | $179-$279 (typical) |
| Membership rate | $150/mo (some clinics) | Custom package pricing |
Alesca base + 1 add-on runs $50-$100 less than comparable HydraFacial with same add-on.
When HydraFacial is the right choice
- You want predictable, standardized results every visit
- You're a fan of the brand experience — HydraFacial has strong branding
- You have a specific goal that matches HydraFacial's booster serums (they do have targeted serums)
- Downtime NEEDS to be zero — you have a photo shoot in 4 hours
When Alesca signature facial is better
- You want a personalized approach — different every visit based on how skin's doing
- You have specific concerns the standardized approach doesn't fully address (adult acne, melasma, sensitivity)
- You want to combine treatments — chemical peel + dermaplaning + LED all in one session
- You value the esthetician-client relationship — Jordan gets to know your skin over time
- You want microchanneling to be part of your long-term plan — often paired with facials on rotation
- Budget matters — comparable results, lower cost
What both do WELL
- Immediate glow post-treatment
- Deep pore cleaning
- Improved skin texture over series
- No downtime (mild redness for a few hours)
- Great as event prep (2-3 days before)
What NEITHER can do (need different treatments)
- Fine lines/wrinkles: Need Botox or microchanneling
- Deep hyperpigmentation: Need medium chemical peel series or microchanneling with vit C
- Volume loss: Need filler
- Acne scars: Need microchanneling series
- Rosacea flare: Need medical management first
Realistic results timeline
Single facial (either HydraFacial or Alesca): - Immediate: brighter, softer, hydrated skin - 1 week: results fade back to baseline - Value: event prep, "glow up" for photo shoot
Series of 4-6 facials (every 4-6 weeks): - Cumulative texture improvement - Consistent glow - Fewer breakouts - More even tone
Ongoing monthly: - Long-term skin quality maintenance - Early detection of skin changes (Jordan catches things you miss) - Structured skincare accountability
The philosophy difference
HydraFacial: "Consistent, standardized experience anywhere you get it."
Alesca: "Custom every time, based on what your skin needs today."
Neither is universally better. Depends on what you value.
What Alesca charges
- Base facial: $129 (Nanoinfusion Facial — needle-free hydration boost)
- Chemical peel add-on: $50
- Red light therapy add-on: included in most services
- Dermaplaning add-on: $30
- Microchanneling (different treatment, same room): $199
- 4-facial package: contact for current pricing
When to book which
Book HydraFacial if you want: - Guaranteed same experience every visit - Brand-name recognition - Specific HydraFacial serum booster (e.g., DermaBuilder for anti-aging)
Book Alesca facial if you want: - Custom approach - Combining multiple modalities - Lower cost for equivalent result - Long-term esthetician relationship - Pairing with future our microchanneling service or injectables
Ready to book a facial?
Free consultation with Jordan. She'll assess your skin + recommend the right facial approach for your goals.
Book a facial or call 717-584-4912. Full details at our facials service page.