For anyone looking to unclog their pores, there\u2019s nothing more satisfying than a good extraction. Even dermatologists agree they can be beneficial for our skin.<\/p>\n
But if not done correctly, you could end up hurting your skin more than helping it. Before you dive head (or nose) first into the world of extractions, there are a few things you should know. <\/p>\n
What exactly are extractions? They sound terrifying.
\nAn extraction is exactly what it sounds like: It is a literal extraction of the gunk inside your pores, which could be dirt, makeup, sweat and\/or excess sebum. Sebum is an oily substance produced by your body\u2019s sebaceous glands that actually helps protect your skin from certain bacteria and keeps it hydrated. An excess of sebum, however, could lead to acne and those dreaded blackheads. <\/p>\n
The process of extractions usually involves an experienced professional (whether it be a dermatologist or a facialist) using special tools or sometimes their hands to apply pressure around a clogged pore to help release what\u2019s inside.<\/p>\n
Dr. Michele Farber, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, said that in her professional opinion, extractions should always be done with an extracting tool, never hands. But Jenna Walsh, skin therapist at Heyday in New York, said the skin therapists where she works use their hands to extract only \u201cwhat is ready.\u201d <\/p>\n
What comes out usually looks like one of two things, Walsh told HuffPost. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s either a hardened ball of oil, which sort of resembles a little sesame seed, coming out of the skin. It feels really hard and almost just rolls off the skin once it\u2019s extracted,\u201d she said. \u201cAlternatively, if the client has a great hydrating routine and is taking care of their skin properly, but still has that buildup from oil and pollution and makeup, what comes out might be really soft, it almost wiggles out and can be wiped away.\u201d <\/p>\n
The whole point of extractions, according to Farber, is to get that goop out to help clear up the skin and\/or help acne heal more quickly. Extractions can also be done to remove milia, a buildup of protein under the skin that results in small white bumps, Dr. Melda Isaac, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington, D.C., told HuffPost. <\/p>\n
Can anything go wrong?
\nYes. As Isaac and Farber explained, if extractions aren\u2019t done properly, you could definitely make things worse. For instance, you can be left with scarring or end up pushing the bacteria further into the skin, which may lead to more breakouts. <\/p>\n
Isaac told HuffPost, \u201cIf you\u2019re pushing in the wrong direction, or pushing too aggressively, you can push the contents \u2015 which you have all the best intentions of getting out \u2015 down into the skin and cause the follicle to become more inflamed, which then triggers more of an acne-like reaction, because you still have that plug in there that fuels more inflammation and bacterial infection.\u201d <\/p>\n
Additionally, Farber added that if you\u2019re prodding at the same spot too often, you\u2019ll likely increase your risk of scarring. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re in the right hands and they\u2019re not pressing too hard and you have nice even pressure, you should be OK,\u201d Farber said. <\/p>\n
Active acne lesions or pustules with a living infection inside them should not be extracted, Isaac said, noting that if it\u2019s \u201cred and juicy, [it\u2019s a] no-no.\u201d<\/p>\n
As we all know, popping pimples that aren\u2019t ready to be popped is a rule to live by, as you could end up spreading bacteria or giving yourself a scar. <\/p>\n
How often should you get extractions?
\nThe amount and frequency of extractions will vary from person to person. Walsh said that many of her clients come in for facials including extractions once a month, while those with oilier skin come in twice a month.<\/p>\n
Of course, as Farber noted, you should still always be careful with your skin and assess what\u2019s going on with it before you let someone poke and prod it. And, as noted above, you want to avoid doing extractions on the same spot repeatedly to reduce any risk of scarring. If extractions are keeping your skin clear, she said, they\u2019re totally fine. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou just have to be in the right hands,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
You probably shouldn\u2019t do them at home.
\nAll three experts we spoke to agreed that you should avoid doing extractions on your own and instead seek help from a professional.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone will probably try at some point to do their own extractions. I would say not recommended,\u201d Walsh said. \u201cI\u2019ve seen so much scarring resulting from a fingernail or even those extracting tools that they sell at beauty stores.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Isaac explained, you don\u2019t necessarily need to go to a dermatologist for extractions, but you want to make sure that wherever you\u2019re going is reputable and clean. <\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t be going to the neighborhood place that also does nails and threading all packaged in for a discounted rate,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
According to Isaac, you want to make sure the staff has been properly trained, their equipment and tools are properly sterilized, and that the office has regulations in place to ensure proper training has been completed. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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