If you’re exploring treatments to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, or address fine lines, a Diamond Glow vs Hydrafacial comparison can help you weigh two of today’s most popular cosmetic options. Both offer exfoliation and extraction benefits using different techniques—one with a diamond-tipped wand, the other with a liquid-based vacuum.
Each facial treatment can be customized to suit specific skin concerns like redness, crepey skin, or uneven tone and texture. Whether your skincare goals include hydration, resurfacing, or brightening, understanding how DiamondGlow and Hydrafacial differ is a helpful first step.
What is the difference between hydrafacial and Diamond Glow?
The main difference between Diamond Glow and Hydrafacial is how they exfoliate and deliver serums. Diamond Glow uses a diamond tip for manual exfoliation and serum infusion, while Hydrafacial relies on a vortex suction system and chemical exfoliation with glycolic and salicylic acid to cleanse and hydrate the skin.
DiamondGlow treatment offers manual exfoliation using a diamond-tipped wand to resurface the skin while infusing medical-grade serums like SkinMedica. This process gently removes dead skin cells, improves skin texture, and addresses specific skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven tone. It is gentle and relaxing, suitable for the skin around the eyes, and leaves skin deeply cleansed and glowing.
Hydrafacial treatment, on the other hand, uses a closed-loop vacuum system for chemical exfoliation, extraction, and hydration. It is often recommended for oily or acne-prone skin due to its use of glycolic and salicylic acid. This treatment is known for being highly customizable with different boosters and is effective at reducing signs of aging, clogged pores, and dullness.
Both facials can be tailored during a consultation and aim to hydrate the skin, brighten tone, and support long-term skincare goals. DiamondGlow offers a more corrective and texture-focused approach, while Hydrafacial uses a more fluid system designed for overall refreshment.
Ready for smoother, more radiant skin? Book your Diamond Glow Chicago facial today.
Diamond Glow vs hydrafacial comparison chart
Here’s a breakdown of how Diamond Glow and Hydrafacial compare across key categories, from cost and exfoliation method to customizability and results. Each treatment has its strengths depending on your skincare goals and specific skin concerns.
| Comparison | Diamond Glow | Hydrafacial | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $$ | $$$ | Diamond Glow |
| Manual exfoliation | ✅ | ❌ | Diamond Glow |
| Chemical exfoliation | ⚠️ (optional add-ons) | ✅ | Hydrafacial |
| SkinMedica serum infusion | ✅ | ❌ | Diamond Glow |
| Hydration focus | ✅ | ✅✅ | Hydrafacial |
| Skin tone & texture improvement | ✅ | ✅✅ | Hydrafacial |
| Extraction quality | ✅ | ✅✅ | Hydrafacial |
| Gentle for sensitive skin | ✅ | ✅ | Tie |
| Customization options | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | Tie |
| Visible glow after treatment | ✅ | ✅✅ | Hydrafacial |
| Reduces appearance of fine lines & wrinkles | ✅ | ✅✅ | Hydrafacial |
| Targets dullness & dryness | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | Tie |
| Best for oily/congested skin | ✅ | ✅✅ | Hydrafacial |
| Free consultation availability | ✅ (with Visia skin analysis) | ✅ | Tie |
Hydrafacial vs Diamond Glow: A deeper look
Both Hydrafacial and Diamond Glow are popular, non-invasive facial treatments—but they aren’t interchangeable. Each offers its own blend of technology, technique, and skin-reviving benefits. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at how they compare across different factors, from exfoliation methods to hydration delivery and customization options.
Whether you’re interested in clearing pores, reducing fine lines, or boosting your glow before an event, understanding the distinctions between these two treatments can help you make the right choice for your skin goals.
Let’s break it down category by category.
Diamond Glow vs Hydrafacial cost
Diamond Glow typically comes at a lower price point compared to Hydrafacial. This is largely because Diamond Glow uses manual exfoliation and fewer consumable components. It delivers visible results without requiring as many steps or proprietary boosters, which helps keep the cost down.
Hydrafacial tends to cost more per session due to its multi-step vortex technology, medical-grade booster serums, and lymphatic drainage add-ons. While the added hydration and extra features may justify the price for some, it’s generally considered the more expensive option of the two.
Winner: Diamond Glow
It’s more budget-friendly without sacrificing core results like exfoliation and brightening.
Hydrafacial vs Diamond Glow for Areas That Can Be Treated
Diamond Glow targets the face, neck, chest, lips, and under-eye area using a gentle diamond-tipped wand and suction. It’s ideal for small or delicate areas because the wand pressure is customizable and non-irritating.
Hydrafacial expands its reach to include the scalp (using the Keravive system), back, and larger body areas thanks to specialized attachments. For those looking for an all-over glow or treatment beyond the face, Hydrafacial offers more versatility.
Winner: Hydrafacial
Its range of treatable zones goes beyond traditional facial boundaries.
Diamond Glow or Hydrafacial for Number of Treatments Needed
Both treatments show visible improvement after a single session. However, lasting results come from regular visits. Diamond Glow improves texture and brightness from the first session, especially when treating dryness or dull skin.
Hydrafacial also delivers immediate glow and plumpness, but the hydration and detoxifying effects are cumulative. Most providers recommend once-a-month visits for either treatment to maintain results and address ongoing concerns.
Winner: Tie
Both offer visible results from the start and perform best with consistent use.
Hydrafacial vs Diamond Glow Exfoliation Type
Diamond Glow uses manual exfoliation through its diamond-tipped wand. This type of mechanical exfoliation allows for precise removal of dead skin cells while the device simultaneously suctions debris and infuses serum.
Hydrafacial, by contrast, provides chemical exfoliation using glycolic and salicylic acid. Its vortex-fusion technology performs exfoliation and extraction gently and without abrasion, which many with sensitive skin prefer.
Winner: Tie
It depends on your skin needs. Manual exfoliation works well for texture and pigment, while chemical exfoliation excels at pore cleansing and acne control.
Hydrafacial or Diamond Glow Treatment Goals and Benefits
Diamond Glow focuses on brightening, texture smoothing, and pigmentation correction, especially when combined with SkinMedica serums. It’s great for evening skin tone and restoring radiance, making it ideal for mature or dull skin.
Hydrafacial prioritizes hydration, oil balance, and acne prevention. It cleans out pores deeply, softens fine lines, and provides instant glow through deep moisture infusion.
Winner: Hydrafacial
Its wide range of benefits—especially hydration and acne control—make it the better all-in-one option for many.
Diamond Glow facial vs hydrafacial End Result
Diamond Glow leaves the skin smooth, radiant, and clarified with refined texture and better tone. It’s especially good for those battling pigment, dryness, or a dull appearance.
Hydrafacial results include plumper, more hydrated skin with fewer fine lines and a noticeable glow. The effects are often longer lasting thanks to deeper moisture penetration.
Winner: Hydrafacial
Hydrafacial offers a more dramatic “post-facial glow” and longer-lasting hydration.
For Different Skin Types
Diamond Glow is ideal for aging, dry, dull, or pigmented skin. Its manual exfoliation and targeted serums work best on those needing resurfacing and tone correction.
Hydrafacial works well for acne-prone, oily, congested, and sensitive skin types due to its non-abrasive technique and customizable acid strengths.
Winner: Hydrafacial
It’s more versatile across a broader range of skin types and conditions.
Serums Used in Treatment
Diamond Glow uses medical-grade SkinMedica serums, which are infused into the skin during treatment. These serums are chosen based on individual concerns and include formulations for tone, acne, aging, and hydration.
Hydrafacial offers booster serums that can be added to the standard protocol. While also effective, they may not be as targeted or high-potency as SkinMedica’s options.
Winner: Diamond Glow
The SkinMedica serums offer more advanced, customized correction per treatment.
Lymphatic Drainage
Diamond Glow does not include lymphatic drainage as part of its standard treatment. It focuses on exfoliation, extraction, and serum infusion without manipulating the lymphatic system.
Hydrafacial offers an optional lymphatic drainage step using glass suction tubes that gently promote fluid movement and reduce puffiness.
Winner: Hydrafacial
It includes an extra wellness feature not found in Diamond Glow.
Downtime After Treatment
Diamond Glow may result in mild redness or sensitivity immediately after, especially for those with thinner or sensitive skin. This usually fades within a few hours.
Hydrafacial is designed to be ultra-gentle. There is little to no downtime, making it a favorite for pre-event glow-ups or as a lunchtime facial.
Winner: Hydrafacial
It’s more gentle overall with almost zero recovery time.
Hydration Delivered
Diamond Glow hydrates the skin, but its main focus is on exfoliation and infusion. While it improves moisture levels, it does not saturate the skin the same way Hydrafacial does.
Hydrafacial uses hyaluronic acid and vortex infusion to deeply hydrate the skin. It locks in moisture and visibly plumps the skin for days.
Winner: Hydrafacial
No other treatment hydrates quite like Hydrafacial.
Free Consultation Availability
Diamond Glow is available with a free Visia Skin Analysis at select clinics, giving patients a detailed view of their skin health before beginning treatment. This analysis helps tailor the session to address specific concerns such as dullness, uneven texture, or fine lines.
Hydrafacial is also offered at many locations with free consultations, though availability can vary depending on the provider. For those comparing options, Diamond Glow stands out among Hydrafacial alternatives because it combines personalized diagnostics with treatment planning.
Winner: Diamond Glow
Its built-in consultation and diagnostic tools make it one of the most thoughtful Hydrafacial alternatives available today.
Is Diamond Glow better than Hydrafacial? Key takeaways
So, is Diamond Glow better than Hydrafacial? That depends on your skin type, goals, and preferences. DiamondGlow and Hydrafacial are two of the most popular facial options today, but each has strengths suited for different needs.
DiamondGlow offers manual exfoliation through diamond tip technology—a method known as “wet diamond” exfoliation. This skin treatment provides deep exfoliation and extraction while infusing SkinMedica serums, helping to remove toxins from the skin, boost blood flow, and slow signs of aging. The treatment is gentle and relaxing, especially ideal for those seeking texture improvement or a boost in luminosity. DiamondGlow facial uses advanced tools to target skin tone and texture concerns and can be a best treatment choice for patients dealing with congestion, dryness, or dullness.
On the other hand, Hydrafacial delivers chemical exfoliation using a closed-loop vacuum system and is especially effective at lifting impurities and delivering hydration quickly. It’s a go-to for oily skin, acne-prone skin, or those looking for a more fluid-based resurfacing experience. The treatment’s boosters help target specific concerns like fine lines and enlarged pores, and many enjoy the quick, no-downtime results.
If you’re unsure which facial is right for your needs, we offer a VISIA skin analysis for free to help you build a personalized treatment plan. You can also explore our full list of aesthetic treatments for face to see which services may suit your skincare goals.
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FAQs
Is Diamond Glow a hydrafacial?
No, Diamond Glow is not a Hydrafacial, though the two are often compared. The main difference lies in the method of exfoliation. Diamond Glow uses manual exfoliation with a diamond-tipped wand, while Hydrafacial uses chemical exfoliation and fluid-based suction to cleanse and resurface the skin.
Diamond Glow, formerly known as Dermalinfusion, offers manual exfoliation combined with SkinMedica serums, which are infused into freshly exfoliated skin. It also uses closed-loop vacuum technology to lift away dead skin cells, improve skin tone and texture, and leave the skin deeply cleansed and hydrated. Hydrafacial, on the other hand, uses glycolic and salicylic acid to perform chemical exfoliation and tends to be more fluid-intensive in delivery. Both treatments are gentle and relaxing, but the diamondglow facial is ideal for those looking for deep exfoliation through physical resurfacing.