What type of treatment is considered hydrating and exfoliating prior to more aggressive exfoliation?

The treatment that is considered hydrating and exfoliating prior to more aggressive exfoliation is ultrasonic treatment. An ultrasonic treatment utilizes high-frequency sound waves to gently exfoliate the skin while also providing hydration. This process causes the skin to vibrate, lifting away dead skin cells and impurities in a non-invasive manner, making it an excellent preparatory step before undergoing more intensive treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion.

Additionally, ultrasonic treatments facilitate better product penetration, enhancing the effectiveness of any subsequent hydrating serums or masks. The gentle nature of this technique makes it suitable for various skin types and skin conditions, providing an initial layer of exfoliation that is less aggressive, yet effective in preparing the skin.

In contrast, microdermabrasion is more aggressive and may not have the same hydrating capacity as ultrasonic treatments. Chemical peels are also more intense and can lead to increased skin sensitivity, making them unsuitable for pre-treatment before more powerful exfoliation. Facial masks typically serve to nourish or hydrate the skin but do not have the same exfoliating action as ultrasonic treatments.