Reveal Clear, Smooth, and Event-Ready Skin with Catara Med Spa
You deserve skin that looks clear, smooth, and event-ready—without guesswork. At Catara Med Spa in Algonquin, we combine advanced devices (like Sylfirm X RF microneedling, HydraFacial®, gentle chemical peels, and photo facials/IPL) with licensed providers and medical oversight. Results vary, and we’ll guide you through what’s realistic for your concerns and schedule.
Why clients come to us
Dull, uneven texture. Visible pores. Fine lines. Sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Melasma that keeps returning. Acne scars that won’t budge. If any of that sounds familiar—and you want a smooth, even tone with minimal downtime—our team can help with a precise, step-by-step plan.

How Catara helps (and what’s different)
You get a licensed, medically supervised team, FDA-cleared technologies, and a clear path from today’s concerns to tomorrow’s goals. We match modalities to your skin type and sensitivity, then lay out a realistic timeline, care tips, and maintenance so your results last.
- Licensed providers under medical supervision
- Device transparency (Sylfirm X RF microneedling, HydraFacial MD, chemical peel options, IPL/photo facial)
- Safety screen and contraindications before treatment
- HIPAA-aware intake and private rooms • Local, long-standing practice in Algonquin

Benefits you can feel and see
- Glowing hydration : that “dewy, plump” look people notice
- Smoother texture : refined pores and softened acne scars
- More even tone : help for sun spots, melasma* and redness
- Collagen support : firmer, springier skin over time
- Lifestyle-friendly : options with little to no downtime

What we use
RF Microneedling with Sylfirm X
Targets texture, laxity, acne scars, and stubborn redness/brown patches. Many clients report treatments are designed for comfort with topical numbing. Expect a series for best results.
HydraFacial®
Deep cleanse, exfoliation, extractions, and infusion for an instant “glass skin” glow. Great before events; no downtime.
Chemical Peels (strengths customized)
From light refreshers to power peels, we improve dullness, spots, and fine lines. Some flaking is normal with stronger options.
Photo Facial/IPL
Helps reduce brown spots and redness from sun damage. Feels like a quick “rubber band snap.” Typically a short series.

The Catara process
1. Skin consult & plan (30–40 min)
We review your goals (glow, even tone, pore size, scars, laxity), assess skin type/tone, and discuss downtime tolerance and budget. You leave with a written plan and timeline.
Downtime: none.
2. Your first treatment
- Sylfirm X RF Microneedling : Numbing ~30 min; treatment ~30–45 min. Redness up to 1–2 days; makeup next day for most. Early textural changes in 1–2 weeks; collagen remodeling builds 6–12+ weeks.
- HydraFacial: 30–45 min. No downtime. Immediate “Zoom-ready” glow.
- Chemical Peel : 20–30 min. Light peels: little to no flaking; medium peels: 3–5 days flaking.
- IPL/Photo Facial : 20–30 min. Brown spots can darken (“pepper”) then flake over ~5–7 days.
3. Series & stacking (weeks 2–12)
Most clients see best results in a series. We may stack modalities (e.g., HydraFacial for clarity between RF sessions, or peel + IPL on separate visits) based on your plan.
4. Maintain & protect (ongoing)
We set realistic maintenance (quarterly HydraFacial, seasonal peel or IPL, yearly RF refresh) and simplify home care for pigment control and collagen support.
Not sure which treatment you need? Start here.
Quick concern → best first step
- “Large pores, uneven texture, acne scars” → that “dewy, plump” look people notice
- “Dull, dehydrated, event-ready glow” → HydraFacial
- “Sun spots, redness” → IPL/photo facial series
- “Melasma or blotchy pigment” → Gentle, staged plan (often Sylfirm X + SPF + pigment care)
- “Fine lines + mild laxity” → RF microneedling series; consider peel support

Transparent packages (typical ranges; exact pricing at consult)
- HydraFacial : single or membership pricing; event-day add-ons available
- Chemical peels : light to advanced; series savings apply
- IPL/photo facial : packages of 3–5 commonly recommended
- Sylfirm X RF microneedling : packages of 3; savings on add-on areas
Ask about credits toward services when you book a consultation and about membership perks for maintenance.

Safety & candidacy
Treatments are performed by licensed providers under medical supervision using FDA-cleared devices. Before we begin, we review your health history and medications, discuss sun care, and share contraindications (e.g., pregnancy, active infections, isotretinoin, certain photosensitizing drugs). We’ll always recommend the safest option for your skin type and tone. Information on this page is educational and not medical advice.

What clients say
“Quick and fairly comfortable. I was surprised by how little redness I had.”
— Ava C.
“My skin looked dewy and pores were less visible the same day.”
— Lena P.
“I wanted real change for texture and spots—this plan gave me both.”
— Nora T.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RF microneedling hurt?
We apply topical numbing. Most clients describe brief heat/pressure. Comfort varies by person and area.
Is there downtime?
HydraFacial and many IPL sessions have no downtime. RF microneedling brings 1–2 days of social redness for most; stronger peels may flake 3–5 days. Results vary.
How many sessions will I need?
Many plans use 3-session series for RF and IPL. HydraFacial can be monthly. Peels vary by strength and goal.
Are these treatments safe for darker skin tones?
Yes—when matched correctly. We choose settings and modalities for your Fitzpatrick type and pigment history, and we stage pigment care carefully.
How soon will I see results?
HydraFacial = same-day glow. IPL = clearer tone as spots fade over 1–2 weeks. RF microneedling = steady improvements over 6–12+ weeks as collagen builds.
How much does it cost in Algonquin?
We’ll share exact pricing and package savings at consult. Most clients choose series for best value.


Ready to bring back your natural glow?
CATARA Medical Spa
Address: 308 S. Main St, Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: (847) 658-1300
Serving Algonquin (and nearby)
We welcome neighbors from Lake in the Hills, Huntley, Crystal Lake, Cary, and beyond. You’ll find us on S. Main Street with easy parking and flexible hours.
