HydraFacial vs. DiamondGlow: Which Facial Is Right for You?

HydraFacial and DiamondGlow both cleanse, exfoliate, and infuse serums with no downtime. Here is how they differ, and why HydraFacial is offered in Meridian and Hailey while DiamondGlow is offered at our Coeur d'Alene office in Hayden.

HydraFacial and DiamondGlow are both no-downtime facials that cleanse, exfoliate, clear out pores, and infuse serums in a single visit, and for most people they leave skin looking similarly fresh and bright. The main difference is how they exfoliate: HydraFacial uses a gentle vortex suction tip with mild peel solutions, while DiamondGlow uses a diamond-tipped wand for a more physical polish. At PURE, where you live matters too. HydraFacial is offered at our Meridian and Hailey locations, and DiamondGlow is offered only at our Coeur d’Alene office in Hayden.

We get asked about these two all the time, so here is an honest side by side to help you know what to expect.

HydraFacial and DiamondGlow at a Glance

Key point HydraFacial DiamondGlow
Where to get it at PURE Meridian and Hailey Coeur d’Alene office in Hayden only
How it exfoliates Vortex suction tip with gentle peel solutions Diamond-tipped wand for a more physical exfoliation
What else happens Cleansing, extraction, hydration, and antioxidant serums Extraction and infusion of SkinMedica Pro-Infusion serums
Treatment options Signature, Deluxe, and Platinum Signature and Deluxe, with neck and décolleté add-ons
Time in the chair About 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the option Plan on about 60 minutes
Downtime None for most clients None for most clients
How often Many clients come about once a month Many clients come about once a month

How Each One Works

Both treatments follow the same basic idea: clear away what is sitting on the surface, empty out congested pores, then feed the skin with serums while it is clean and ready to drink them in. The difference is in the tool doing the work.

Aesthetic provider in black gloves gliding a HydraFacial suction tip across a client's forehead at PURE Medical Spa
A HydraFacial in progress. The vortex tip cleanses and lifts away buildup with gentle suction.

HydraFacial

HydraFacial uses patented Vortex-Fusion technology. A spiral tip moves across your skin with gentle suction while mild peel solutions loosen dead skin and debris. The same system then extracts what is clogging your pores and infuses hydrating, antioxidant serums. Many clients describe it as a cool, soothing feeling, a little like a tiny vacuum working across the skin. We offer three versions. The Signature takes about 30 minutes, the Deluxe about 45, and the Platinum about 60, with each step adding a bit more to the treatment.

If you want a closer look at each step, our post on the HydraFacial process walks through it.

DiamondGlow

DiamondGlow uses a wand with a diamond tip that physically exfoliates the surface of your skin while suction pulls debris out of the pores. At the same time, it pushes in SkinMedica Pro-Infusion serums chosen for your skin goals. Because the exfoliation is more hands on, many clients feel their skin looks extra smooth and polished afterward. DiamondGlow can be used on the face, neck, décolletage, hands, and back. Plan on about an hour.

Close view of a DiamondGlow diamond-tipped wand moving along a client's cheek during a facial
DiamondGlow uses a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate while it infuses serums. It is offered at our Coeur d’Alene office in Hayden.

What Results Feel Like

With either facial, most people walk out with skin that looks clean, hydrated, and glowing. You can put makeup on and get back to your day. Both are good for concerns like dullness, clogged or enlarged pores, oily or textured skin, uneven tone, and the early look of fine lines.

A single facial gives you a nice refresh. If you are working on something more stubborn, like ongoing breakouts or texture, a regular schedule usually does more than a one time visit. That is why many of our clients book about once a month. Results vary from person to person, and your aesthetic provider will tell you honestly what a facial can and cannot do for your skin.

Who Each One Suits

Honestly, most skin types do well with either one. Here is how we usually think about it:

  • HydraFacial may be a good fit if you like a gentler, more hydrating feel, if your skin tends to be sensitive or easily flushed, or if you want a quick 30 minute option over lunch.
  • DiamondGlow may be a good fit if you want a more thorough physical exfoliation for rough texture or dullness, or if you want to include your neck, chest, hands, or back.
  • Either one is a great first step into medical grade skin care, and a nice way to keep your skin on track between bigger treatments like chemical peels or laser.

If you have active skin conditions, are using prescription retinoids, or are pregnant, mention it at your visit so your provider can adjust the plan.

Why Each Location Offers One

We want to be upfront about this. Each office carries the facial device that fits it best, so you will not find both machines under one roof.

  • If you live in Boise or the Treasure Valley, or in Sun Valley, Ketchum, or the Wood River Valley, HydraFacial is your option at PURE.
  • If you live in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, or North Idaho, DiamondGlow is your option at PURE.

The good news is that the two visits are more alike than different. Both clean, exfoliate, and infuse in one appointment with no downtime, so you are not missing out by going with the one closest to home.

What About Cost?

The cost depends on which version you choose and whether you add areas like the neck or chest. We keep everything in one simple guide so there are no surprises. Request our pricing guide and we will send it right over.

Where to Get HydraFacial and DiamondGlow at PURE

Bright front desk and lobby at the PURE Medical Spa Coeur d'Alene office in Hayden, Idaho
Our Coeur d’Alene office in Hayden is the place to go for DiamondGlow.
  • Meridian, 3969 E. Overland Road, serving Boise and the Treasure Valley. HydraFacial. Call 208-853-7873.
  • Hailey, 400 S. Main Street, Suite 103, serving Sun Valley and Ketchum. HydraFacial. Call 208-788-4747. This location is closed on Fridays.
  • Coeur d’Alene office in Hayden, 8191 N. Loch Haven Drive, serving Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho. DiamondGlow. Call 208-762-1133.

Every facial is done by one of our trained aesthetic providers, who will look at your skin first and choose the serums and steps that make sense for you. You can see all of our options on our facials page.

Ready for your glow? Book an appointment at the location nearest you and we will take it from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HydraFacial or DiamondGlow better?

Neither one is better across the board. Both cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and infuse serums in one visit with no downtime. HydraFacial feels a little gentler and more hydrating, while DiamondGlow gives a more physical exfoliation. Your aesthetic provider can help you decide what fits your skin.

Can I get DiamondGlow in Meridian or Hailey?

No. At PURE, DiamondGlow is offered only at our Coeur d’Alene office in Hayden. Our Meridian and Hailey locations offer HydraFacial instead, which gives a very similar no-downtime facial experience.

Can I get a HydraFacial in Coeur d’Alene?

Not at PURE. Our Coeur d’Alene office in Hayden offers DiamondGlow instead of HydraFacial. If you are in North Idaho, DiamondGlow is a great choice for clean, bright, hydrated skin.

Is there any downtime after either facial?

For most clients, there is no downtime with either one. Some people see a little pinkness for a short time afterward. You can usually put on makeup and go right back to your day.

How often should I get a HydraFacial or DiamondGlow?

Many clients come about once a month to keep their skin on track. Others book before a big event. Your aesthetic provider will suggest a schedule based on your skin and goals.