“Facials that include extractions are beneficial because they help deep cleanse pores. This helps to keep skin clear and smooth out bumps. Most skin types can get extractions, but some may need more extractions than others—still, most people can have them.
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.
Most people need at least a couple of extractions during each facial, though you may require more extractions if this is your first facial. Comedones (blackheads) are the most common reason for extraction. A blackhead is not necessarily "dirt in the pores" as many people think.
There's a huge chance you will end up damaging your skin further. This will result in raw, infected skin and possibly scarring. Extractions are very different from picking and are OK as long as they are done correctly. Prepping your skin for extractions is a very important step to prevent damage to the skin.
Acne extraction can quickly clear up unsightly acne, and over time, even help prevent future acne breakouts when other preventive measures, like proper skin cleaning, are also used. But, time and cost can be a factor when visiting a dermatologist or spa to have the procedure done.
“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.
While blackheads can be professionally extracted, you should never have whiteheads removed. Extracting these comedones can cause impurities to spread which can actually cause more whiteheads or blackheads to form. Similar to popping blemishes, extracting or picking at whiteheads can also leave a mark or dark spot.
While technically you can do them yourself, you're at greater risk of messing with a blemish that isn't ready to be extracted (such as deep, painful blemishes, cystic acne, and blemishes without a head), and causing your skin to scar, or worse.
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.
The bottom line. Removing a blackhead once in a while is safe for most people, but it's important not to make a habit out of removing them yourself. If you have recurring blackheads, make an appointment with a dermatologist who can help you address them with more permanent treatment options.
"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.
Estheticians can do extractions.
Extracting, or cleaning out, non-inflamed pore blockages will help your skin feel smoother and can help stop inflamed pimples from forming.
Does the procedure hurt? No, despite what you may have imagined, you having nothing to worry about. Having a tooth extracted, whether surgically or not, should not hurt. Usually you'll feel a slight pinch as the area is numbed using anesthetic, then after this you will not be able to feel the procedure.
Salicylic acid works to treat acne by unclogging blocked pores. It does this by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells so that they can release from the pore more easily, and breaking down oils, such as sebum. Salicylic acid also decreases the skin's sebum production, leading to fewer breakouts.
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!
Extract: During the extraction phase, your esthetician will remove blackheads and possibly whiteheads if you have any. Your esthetician will likely use a lighted magnifying glass to examine skin as she is extracting, unless you have specified that you solely want an relaxing facial or to skip the extractions.
Although it might feel good to pop a pimple, dermatologists advise against it. Popping a pimple can cause infection and scarring, and it may make the pimple more inflamed and noticeable. It also delays the natural healing process. Due to this, it is usually best to leave pimples alone.
They're called "extractions," but really it means "popping pimples." An esthetician is a step down from being a dermatologist.
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.
Dead skin cells occur naturally as your skin constantly generates new ones to replace them. Oil (sebum) is made in your pores and is designed to keep your skin hydrated. But too many dead skin cells and the over-production of oil can combine to make your pores a breeding ground for whiteheads.
By dislodging the buildup caused by oil and dirt, extractions help to clear pores giving you a clean canvas for your products. When your skin is freshly extracted, all the products you use at home and during the rest of your facial are more effective. That means clear skin, faster.
Don't pop or squeeze pus-filled pimples
You can cause the bacteria to spread and the inflammation to worsen.