Extractions

Extractions are the part of the facial where an esthetician removes blackheads and whiteheads. Extractions take place after the skin has been thoroughly cleansed, exfoliated and sometimes steamed, which helps soften up the plug of hardened sebum that makes up the blackhead (also called a comedone). Extractions are one of the most important part of a facial if you have blackheads or whiteheads, because a skilled esthetician can remove them more safely than you can. But it's important you find a good esthetician to work with.

Here's What You Need To Know About Extractions

• Look For The Gloves. The esthetician should always wear gloves when performing extractions. The esthetician is dealing with body fluids, and if she doesn't wear gloves, it means she's not that clean or careful in her work.


• Extractions Can Hurt. Different people have different pain thresholds. People with thicker, oiler skin are usually less sensitive, while people with thinner skin are usually more sensitive. Estheticians vary in how aggressive they are. Speak up if it hurts too much.


• Extractions Can Cause Damage If Not Done Correctly. Too much pressure can cause broken capillaries on people with sensitive, reddened skin (called couperouse). It can cause dark spots called hyperpigmentation on people with black skin. And inflamed areas should not be extracted, because the infection might spread.


• Don't Have An Extraction Marathon. Extractions shouldn't last more than five or ten minutes. If you have a lot of blackheads, don't expect to get rid of them in one session. Too many extractions at one time can be traumatic to the skin.