Extractions: The Right Way

f recently you’ve said or thought, “My pores are too large” or “What is that?”, you may have clogged pores in the form or whiteheads or blackheads. If you’re having trouble getting rid of these (and those pore strips aren’t working), it may be time to consider extractions.  You’re in good company. Extractions are one of the most popularly requested treatments during facials.

Extractions are the removal of whiteheads or blackheads on your face (my favorite part to perform and receive).  Blackheads are actually whiteheads that have been oxidized.  They might look like specks of dirt that are clogging your pores, and they could be difficult to get rid of.  Whiteheads are filled with the same material as a blackhead but are open at the surface, remaining white.  Any time you have a nasty whitehead on your face, don’t pop it!  It could spread bacteria and cause you to break out more.  However, if it’s boiling to come out and you are getting a facial, your esthetician can properly extract it so there’s less chance of spreading that bacteria and a better chance of it healing faster.  This treatment may be a bit painful, but is definitely tolerable and worth it to help clear out your pores.  There are a couple of things to keep in mind when extracting such as the proper techniques, sanitation, and precautions.

WHEN TO EXTRACT, WHY TO EXTRACT, WHEN TO STOP, WHAT NOT TO DO

When To Extract: Extracting is best done during a facial or right before a purifying mask.  If you notice your skin is clogged or you notice some whiteheads, having extractions would help reduce the risk of breaking out into more blemishes.  It is a great treatment to decongest your pores and remove dirt and plugged sebaceous follicles.  It will help your skin appear more radiant and fresh.  You should leave it to your esthetician to perform extractions because picking at your own skin can cause scarring and flaking.  Teenagers would benefit from extractions as well.  I remember that was my favorite part of my teenage acne facials.  My skin always felt so smooth, acne cleared up, and my pores never looked clearer.

When To Stop: I would not extract for more than 10 minutes because over doing it might cause irritation and redness to the face.  It’s really easy to keep going, but you do not have to get every single blackhead or whitehead, that’s what the rest of the facial is for! If your client’s face starts getting red, you should stop the extractions.  It is important to distinguish between a whitehead and milia. Milia is a whitehead that is trapped under dead skin cells rather than exfoliated properly.  These can only be removed by a lancet and should be removed by a physician or physician’s assistant since it is illegal in some states for estheticians to remove milia with a lancet. It is important not to squeeze the whiteheads and blackheads out, but to gently wiggle them out.  You won’t be able to extract every blackhead, some may be stubborn and unable to come out.

One of my favorite ways to incorporate extractions would be with the PCA detox gel under the 3-step oxygenating trio.  The PCA detox gel is a great treatment to massage into the skin before any extractions.  It is also the only facial by PCA which involves steam.  The detox gel will help to expand the pores and also contains glycolic and lactic acids that will aid in clearing up acne and purifying the skin.  After the detox gel is massaged into the skin, you may give your client the 3-step oxygenating trio which will be beneficial for anyone looking to rejuvenate and clear up their skin leaving it purified and detoxified.

What Not To Do: After extractions, it is necessary you stay out of the sun or tanning beds.  Wearing an SPF 30+ daily is essential and it is also best to avoid steam or sauna.  Ideally, you do not have to cleanse your face that same night after your facial and I would not exfoliate for at least 2 weeks post facial/extractions.  Make up can be applied a few hours post facial, as long as it is pure mineral makeup. – N.K.