Extractions, when done correctly, can clear closed comedones (AKA those tiny, flesh-colored bumps that never come to a head, yet never really go away), remove whiteheads and blackheads, and give your skin a newer, fresher foundation for your skincare products to penetrate.
While extractions are good for unclogging pores and potentially clearing the skin, they won't actually make your pores shrink, and there's a good chance all the buildup you remove will eventually come back.
Why you should leave extractions to your esthetician
Home extractions can damage your pores and spread bacteria, making the skin worse instead of better—you can break the pore wall inside the skin, pushing bacteria out into the surrounding tissue and spreading the breakout.
According to Rouleau, the average person requires extractions about every two months, but you can perform them as needed until you're able to see a professional. Also, keep in mind that blackheads are simply a fact of life for most people, especially on and around the nose.
You will no longer have blackheads, and your skin will look smoother, especially if the blackheads were large and obvious. Done regularly, extractions can also help reduce breakouts. That's because removing small pore blockages prevents them from turning into larger, inflamed pimples.
“Squeezing, picking, pulling, prodding—all of that can stretch the elastic around the pores, which makes them wider and larger, and they won't bounce back into shape. Ultimately, your pores will look larger and become increasingly more visible.
If you've ever had blackheads on your face, then you've probably noticed holes on your skin after they're removed. These are just enlarged pores, and they should heal on their own. However, if this is taking too long, then you might have a scar or loose pores. This sounds bad, but don't worry!
Extraction is the best way to deal with all types of acne. Blackheads, whiteheads and pimples are easily cleared using this process. Most times your pores are clogged when oil mixes with dirt. Extraction helps clear the pores, making your skin to function well and absorb the different products you use.
When to do it again
Extractions aren't a one-off thing. Pores tend to clog up again, meaning you may need regular treatments. Shainhouse, who practices at Beverly Hills' SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care, advises limiting extractions to once or twice a month.
When performed by a dermatologist, acne extraction is a safe way to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. Another technique that dermatologists use allows them to get rid of a deep, painful acne cyst or nodule.
I don't have a scientific answer for you on this; but, in my opinion, it's because the oil and clogging in some people's pores acts as a sort of “spackle” visually. It makes the pores look more level and not as deep. When the microdermabrasion removes that clog, it reveals the pore more.
When performed by a skincare professional with sterile tools, extractions can help clear up existing acne. If not performed correctly, it can cause unwanted scarring or additional breakouts.
"Because blackheads are hard and trapped inside pores they can't be 'scrubbed away' or washed off," Sarkar said. "Most often, they need extraction." But even if they're extracted, they could keep coming back because your nose — with all of its glands — will continue to excrete oil.
Scarring is not normal so if you have actual scars after extractions, your extractions were not done properly and you should find someone else. Just be careful to not confuse scars with dark marks because dark marks are a normal side effect of any trauma to the skin and they are temporary.
Yes, It's Okay To Extract Your Own Blackheads—As Long As You Do It Exactly Like This. "Don't pop your pimples" is among the golden rules of skin care. Any facialist, dermatologist, or beauty editor (hi) will tell you to avoid the temptation to squeeze your whiteheads at all costs.
Can a Facial Help with Adult Acne? If your acne is related to trapped dirt, oil, and dead skin, a facial may be the successful treatment you'll need to stop or minimize breakouts. If you have blackheads, whiteheads or other pore-clogging issues, during a facial treatment, the esthetician does extractions by hand.
Deep blackheads should be removed by a medical professional — usually a dermatologist or medical aesthetician. They use a small tool with rigid metal loops on the ends (blackhead or comedo extractor) to apply even pressure to your blackheads.
After five minutes, remove the washcloths and plastic wrap and keep the skin moist by applying a bit more moisturizer. The next step is to wrap tissue over each of your forefingers and gently squeeze to remove blackheads or clogged pores.
Why do some people break out directly following a facial? During a facial, skin is well stimulated and much of what's below the surface is encouraged to come up and out. If extractions are not done well then pores and pimples may have left over debris that come to a head in the following days.
While cellophane tape could possibly remove surface dead skin cells, it's unclear how effective this method is in removing clogged gunk in your pores. Don't use masking, duct, industrial, or any other type of tape that could be harmful to your skin.
Pores can become clogged with excess oil, dead skin, or dirt, or they can appear more prominent as a result of too much sun exposure. Other factors that can influence pores becoming clogged include genetics and hormones.
After you remove a blackhead, your pore will appear smaller. That's because the dirt and oil have been removed. Swipe a toner, such as witch hazel, over the area to kill any bacteria you may have spread and to condition your pores. You may want to avoid directly touching the area while your skin heals.
“Pore vacuums certainly can be an effective tool in helping to regularly clear pore congestion, however they're not essential component to a skincare routine,” says Dr. Reszko.
No pore is safe
Let's put it this way, most skin care pros don't even use metal extractors. Why? Because they are dangerous. They dent in the skin and have no "give," meaning they can push dirt and debris further into the pore, causing infections and even more breakouts.