Choose a custom facial when you want a treatment tailored to your skin each visit, and a HydraFacial® when you want a defined, no-downtime device protocol. Both are medical-grade facials offered at Skin Social Med Spa in Sandy Springs, GA, and many patients rotate between them depending on their skin, schedule and goals that month.
Key Takeaways
- A custom facial adapts to your skin each visit; a HydraFacial follows a specific Vortex-Fusion device protocol.
- Both run about 60-75 minutes and work best on a monthly cadence.
- A HydraFacial has no downtime; a custom facial mostly has none, with a few hours of mild redness possible after deeper work.
- A custom facial is $165 ($120 for members); a HydraFacial is about $220 for the Signature and about $240 for the Platinum, with member pricing available.
- Many patients alternate the two, or lean on one seasonally.
By Natalie Fenner NP-C, Director, Skin Social Med Spa, Sandy Springs GA. Medically reviewed by Dr. Brent Hayek MD, ABO Board-Certified Oculoplastic Surgeon. Last updated: August 13, 2026.
What Is the Difference Between a Custom Facial and a HydraFacial?
The core difference is flexibility versus a fixed device protocol. A custom facial is fully tailored using a range of products and modalities chosen for your skin that day, while a HydraFacial follows a specific patented Vortex-Fusion tip and protocol. Neither is objectively better; they simply solve the problem differently. Individual results vary.
Think of the custom facial as a treatment that adapts to you, and the HydraFacial as a proven, repeatable system you can count on to feel the same each time.
How Does Each Facial Work, Step by Step?
A custom facial typically moves through a deep cleanse, professional exfoliation, extractions, and targeted masks, serums or modalities selected for your skin that visit. Because the steps are chosen for you, the same framework can be steered toward hydration, clarity or early-aging concerns.
A HydraFacial uses its Vortex-Fusion tip across three signature steps: cleanse and peel, extract and hydrate, then fuse and protect. The Platinum tier adds lymphatic support, LED and boosters, and the Skin Social Signature is Platinum plus Natalie’s custom boosters, layering personalization onto the device protocol.
Custom Facial vs HydraFacial Comparison Table
| Feature | Custom Facial | HydraFacial |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Fully tailored using a range of products and modalities chosen for your skin that day | Specific patented Vortex-Fusion device and protocol |
| Typical steps | Deep cleanse, professional exfoliation, extractions, targeted masks/serums/modalities | Cleanse & peel, extract & hydrate, fuse & protect (Platinum adds lymphatic + LED + boosters) |
| Best for | Dry skin, early aging, dullness, acne/breakouts, congestion/blackheads | Fine lines, congestion/blackheads, dullness, dehydration, mild hyperpigmentation, acne-prone skin |
| Time | About 60-75 minutes | Signature and Platinum about 60-75 minutes |
| Downtime | Mostly none; a few hours of mild redness possible with deeper work | No downtime |
| Cadence | Every 4 weeks (skin turnover) | Monthly (skin cycle about 28-30 days) |
| Pricing (non-member) | $165 ($120 member) | Signature about $220; Platinum about $240 (member pricing available) |
Individual results vary. Your provider in Sandy Springs will confirm the right option and pricing at consultation.
Which Skin Concerns Is Each Facial Best For?
A custom facial can address dry skin, early signs of aging, dullness, acne and breakouts, and congestion or blackheads, and it shines when your skin needs change from month to month. A HydraFacial targets fine lines, congestion and blackheads, dullness, dehydration, mild hyperpigmentation and acne-prone skin with a consistent, no-downtime approach.
There is real overlap, so the choice often comes down to whether you prefer a treatment that flexes each visit or a defined protocol that delivers a familiar result every time. Individual results vary.
How Much Downtime Does Each Facial Have?
A HydraFacial involves no downtime, which makes it a popular choice before events. A custom facial mostly involves no downtime as well, though deeper exfoliation or extractions can cause a few hours of mild redness that typically settles the same day.
If you need to look camera-ready within hours, either option can work; tell your Sandy Springs provider about your timeline so they can set intensity accordingly.
How Much Does Each Facial Cost in Sandy Springs?
At Skin Social Med Spa in Sandy Springs, GA, a custom facial is $165 for non-members and $120 for members. A HydraFacial is approximately $220 non-member for the Signature and about $240 non-member for the Platinum, with member pricing available on both.
Because both facials work best on a monthly rhythm, our membership program can make either treatment more affordable over time, bundling member pricing with recurring perks including monthly facial benefits.
Skin Social’s estheticians start with your goals and calendar rather than the menu, because the right answer is usually the facial you will actually keep up with each month.
Can You Alternate Between a Custom Facial and a HydraFacial?
Yes, and many patients do. Because both are designed for a monthly cadence, some clients alternate them or lean on one seasonally, for example choosing hydration-focused treatments in winter and clarifying treatments in humid Atlanta summers. Your provider can build a rotation that fits your skin and schedule. Individual results vary.
Why Skin Social in Sandy Springs
Skin Social Med Spa is a Sandy Springs, GA practice led and owned by Natalie Fenner NP-C, whose team tailors every facial to the skin in front of them. We are proud to have been voted Best Facial in Sandy Springs by My Sandy Springs Magazine in 2024, 2025 and 2026, three years running, alongside 700+ five-star Google reviews.
To book a custom facial or a HydraFacial, call (470) 823-7842 or visit us at 5840 Roswell Rd #900, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a custom facial and a HydraFacial?
A custom facial is fully tailored using a range of products and modalities chosen for your skin that day, while a HydraFacial follows a specific patented Vortex-Fusion device and protocol. Both are medical-grade facials offered at Skin Social Med Spa in Sandy Springs, GA. Many patients rotate between them, and your provider can help you choose based on your goals. Individual results vary.
Which facial should I book if I have no downtime?
A HydraFacial involves no downtime and is a popular pre-event choice. A custom facial mostly involves no downtime too, though deeper exfoliation or extractions may cause a few hours of mild redness. At Skin Social in Sandy Springs, GA, tell your provider your timeline so they can set intensity accordingly. Individual results vary.
Is a custom facial or HydraFacial better for acne?
Both can help acne-prone skin. A HydraFacial addresses congestion, blackheads and acne-prone skin with a consistent protocol, while a custom facial can be tailored toward active breakouts and congestion at each visit. At Skin Social Med Spa in Sandy Springs, GA, your provider recommends the best fit after assessing your skin. Individual results vary.
How much do a custom facial and HydraFacial cost at Skin Social?
At Skin Social Med Spa in Sandy Springs, GA, a custom facial is $165 non-member and $120 member. A HydraFacial is about $220 non-member for the Signature and about $240 non-member for the Platinum, with member pricing available. Your provider confirms exact pricing and any add-ons at consultation.
How often should I get either facial?
Both a custom facial and a HydraFacial work best on a monthly cadence, roughly every 4 weeks, matching the skin’s natural turnover cycle of about 28-30 days. At Skin Social in Sandy Springs, GA, our providers may adjust the interval to your skin and goals. Consistency typically drives the best long-term results. Individual results vary.
Can I alternate between a custom facial and a HydraFacial?
Yes. Because both are designed for a monthly rhythm, many patients at Skin Social Med Spa in Sandy Springs, GA alternate them or lean on one seasonally. Your provider can build a rotation that fits your skin and calendar, such as hydration-focused treatments in winter and clarifying treatments in humid Atlanta summers. Individual results vary.
