HydraFacial is one of our most popular treatments for clearer, smoother, more radiant skin. It deeply cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates in a single session, making it a great option for congested, dull or uneven complexions. To keep that “HydraFacial glow” lasting at home—especially if you have oily or blemish‑prone skin—your post‑treatment routine matters just as much as what happens in the clinic.
One of our go‑to options at Cavendish Clinic for oily and combination skin after HydraFacial is SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF, a targeted antioxidant serum designed specifically for this skin type. It is a great antioxidant which helps to neutralise free radicals, which is one of the main reasons why we age and get pigmentation
HydraFacial uses hydradermabrasion to gently remove dead skin cells and impurities while infusing the skin with hydrating and nourishing solutions. The three key stages are:
Immediately afterwards, skin is smoother, more hydrated and more receptive to skincare—but also a little more vulnerable, which is why product choice in the first 24–48 hours is important.
Silymarin CF is a daytime antioxidant serum created for oily and blemish‑prone skin. It combines:
This oil‑free formula has been clinically shown to reduce oil oxidation by up to 76%, helping to reduce oiliness, smooth texture and improve clarity and fine lines over time.
Because HydraFacial already exfoliates and can leave the skin slightly more sensitive, we recommend a short “calm only” window before reintroducing stronger actives like vitamin C and salicylic acid.
For suitable patients (oily/combination, non‑sensitive), we then introduce or resume Silymarin CF as the morning antioxidant:
Used regularly between HydraFacial sessions, Silymarin CF helps keep pores clearer, oil more balanced and skin tone brighter, extending the benefits of your in‑clinic treatment.
Also Read: HydraFacial + SkinPen Microneedling: A Match Made in Heaven
Silymarin CF is positioned by SkinCeuticals as an antioxidant serum for oily and combination skin, especially where there are blemishes or visible pores as well as early signs of ageing.
It’s especially suitable if you:
Because it contains 15% L‑ascorbic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid, we’re more cautious using it on very dry, sensitised or rosacea‑prone skin types, particularly straight after active treatments. In these cases, our practitioners may suggest an alternative SkinCeuticals antioxidant or a purely soothing routine after HydraFacial instead.
For oily and combination skins, HydraFacial offers a deep reset: clear pores, smoother texture and an instant glow. Silymarin CF then steps in as your everyday “treatment‑preserving” antioxidant—helping to keep oil in check, reduce congestion and protect against environmental damage between appointments. Your Cavendish practitioner will always personalise the timing and product choices based on your skin type, the specific HydraFacial protocol used and any other active skincare in your routine.
Individual results may vary. A consultation at Cavendish Clinic is recommended to determine the most suitable treatment plan and post-treatment skincare routine for your skin type. All treatments are carried out by experienced aesthetic practitioners.
Not immediately. HydraFacial exfoliates your skin quite deeply, so it’s more sensitive than usual for the first day or two. We recommend sticking to a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid, a lightweight moisturiser and SPF 30+ for the first 24 to 48 hours. Once your skin has settled (typically from day two onwards), you can reintroduce Silymarin CF as your morning antioxidant. Your practitioner at Cavendish Clinic will confirm the right timing based on how your skin responds.
HydraFacial does a brilliant job of clearing out congestion and resetting your skin. But without the right aftercare, oil production and pore congestion can creep back in quickly. Silymarin CF picks up where HydraFacial leaves off. It contains 0.5% silymarin (milk thistle extract), which has been clinically shown to reduce oil oxidation by up to 76%. That matters because oxidised oil is one of the main triggers for breakouts and clogged pores. Combined with 15% vitamin C for environmental protection and 0.5% salicylic acid for gentle pore refinement, it helps extend your treatment results between appointments. It’s oil-free too, so it won’t leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy under SPF.
For the first 24 to 48 hours, keep things simple: gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, lightweight moisturiser and broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. From day two (once your skin feels calm), oily and combination skin types can follow this routine:
Your Cavendish practitioner will tailor product recommendations to your specific skin type and the HydraFacial protocol used during your session. Individual results may vary.
Silymarin CF is formulated specifically for oily and combination skin, particularly where breakouts, visible pores or early signs of ageing are a concern. If you have very dry, sensitised or rosacea-prone skin, it may not be the best fit, especially straight after an active treatment like HydraFacial. The 15% L-ascorbic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid could cause irritation on those skin types. In these cases, our practitioners may suggest an alternative SkinCeuticals antioxidant or a purely soothing post-treatment routine instead. A consultation is always recommended so we can match your aftercare to your skin’s needs.
Your skin has just been deeply exfoliated, so it needs a short recovery window. During the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, clay masks and strong vitamin C serums. Hold off on heavy makeup for at least the first 24 hours to let your pores breathe and absorb the nutrients from your treatment. It’s also best to skip hot showers, saunas, steam rooms and intense exercise that produces a lot of sweat, as excess heat can cause irritation on freshly treated skin. Stick to lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free products until your skin settles.
Most of our oily and combination skin clients see the best results with HydraFacial sessions every four to six weeks. That frequency aligns with your skin’s natural cell turnover cycle and helps keep pores clear and oil balanced on an ongoing basis. Between sessions, a consistent at-home routine with Silymarin CF as your daily antioxidant helps maintain the clarity and glow you leave the clinic with. Your Cavendish practitioner will recommend a treatment schedule based on your skin’s condition and goals. A consultation is required before booking your first session.
HydraFacial can improve the appearance of mild post-blemish marks by removing dead skin cells and encouraging a brighter, more even complexion. The vitamin C in Silymarin CF also supports this by helping to brighten uneven pigmentation over time. For deeper scarring or more stubborn hyperpigmentation, your practitioner may recommend combining HydraFacial with other treatments, such as SkinPen microneedling, for a more targeted approach. Individual results may vary, and a consultation at Cavendish Clinic is the best way to understand which combination of treatments would be most effective for your concerns.
We recommend waiting at least 24 hours before applying makeup. Your pores have been thoroughly cleansed and cleared during the treatment, so giving them time to settle means you’ll get the most from the serums and antioxidants infused during your session. When you do start wearing makeup again, opt for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t block your freshly cleared pores. Many of our clients find they actually want to skip foundation for a few days after HydraFacial because their skin looks so good without it.
