Home Facial Extraction: When and How to Do it yourself
Despite knowing that this is not the most effective idea, some bad habits are hard to overcome. Case example: Popping blister. All of the world’s acne and skincare treatments may not be fast enough to clear your skin, fortunately, you cannot go to the dermatologist for every pimple that appears. That’s when we choose to take charge of things. If our doctors use instruments that extract skin cells on our own, is that possible?
The purpose of utilizing an extraction tool is to remove a pimple without causing any additional damage, such as bleeding, discoloration, or scarring, says board-certified Dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. And while you may believe that removing a blemish with a medical instrument is more effective than your fingers, using an extraction tool at home can have more negative consequences than positive (hello, pockmarks and scars). To accomplish this, we sought to bring in fellow medical professional Carl Thornfeldt, MD, and topesthetician Heather Wilson.
Keep scrolling to read their opinions of home-based acne removal tools.
Discover the Experts
Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified Dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
Carl Thornfeldt, MD, is a dermatologist and owner of Epionce Skin Care.
Heather Wilson is aesthetician and the leader of brand development at InstaNatural.
What are the tools used to extract acne?
Acne extraction tools (aka comedone extractor) are used to treat comedonal acne, which is a common form of acne that is not inflammation-based, these tools typically have a small metal rod with a Hook or loop at the end that is used to extract whiteheads (closed comedones) and blackheads via gentle squeezing, tapping, or piercing.
Risks and Opportunities
The risks of using an extraction tool at home include pain, redness, infection, discoloration, and scarring, says Camp. Despite the fact that you can purchase acne removal instruments anywhere, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. The utilization of a extraction device by a professional with a trained, legal license is typically safe. However, the capacity of anyone to purchase an extraction tool has increased in recent years. Consumers can purchase tools for extracting oil at various retailers that are mass marketed, but this doesn’t mean that at-home use is recommended, says Wilson.
For example, the improper use of an extraction tool can lead to damage to the skin (think: scarring, bruising, and capillary loss), she explains. Additionally, it may also promote the proliferation of bacteria to the depths of the skin, this will lead to a worse breakout. Thornfeldt mentions that the device is typically misused, the design of the device is lacking, and that deep puncturing of the lesion is typically followed by a severe response that is induced by the inflammation, these reasons are why damage typically occurs from the use of extraction tools at home. The truth is, even if you believe you can easily remove the whitehead’s content without incident, it’s more difficult to do than said. One significant issue is the proper placement of the device relative to the skin’s contour and shape, says Thornfeldt. He suggests that extractions should be performed in-office by your dermatologist, cosmetic physician, or esthetician for the greatest effect.
What to Do Alternative
” employing established methods of treatment should be the first approach to treating acne,” says Camp. He adds that acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and adapalene are common in over-the-counter products. If you can’t reach your skincare professional immediately, don’t utilize an extraction tool yet. Instead, pursue these preventative strategies and alternative therapies below.
Exfoliate often
Exfoliation should be incorporated into your typical skincare regimen. This is because there are numerous benefits to exfoliating, including clearing existing blackheads and preventing future ones from forming, notes Wilson. “Search for alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid or lactic acid, or enzymes like papaya or rice enzymes,” she suggests and recommends the daily use of ExfoliKate Cleanser for its AHAs and enzymes that promote radiance and reduce pores. These exfoliators are more gentle than scrubs (see below).
Apply a warm compress.
Camp suggests that a warm compress may sufficiently soften the content of a pimple to allow it to emerge, heals naturally, or is used as a form of torture. Take care not to over-exposure to the water, this can lead to additional irritation and dry out your skin.
Avoid the hassles
Chemical exfoliators are typically more lenient on the skin than physical exfoliators, but if you’re committed to using the latter, can we at least suggest that it not be a scrub? “Harsh scrubs will slough off the surface of the skin cells, but they lack the depth to remove blackheads,” says Wilson. If you have oily skin, your scrubs can even transmit the bacteria, which will only serve to increase the oilyness of your skin, she adds. The answer? Use a cloth that exfoliates, like the Tatcha Kinu Polishing Face Cloth, or a brush instead.
Don’t choose
Regardless of how attractive–plus satisfying–picking at and popping a pimple is, don’t do it. As a result, “popping acne” has a greater propensity to spread bacteria when forcibly erupted. Instead, she advocates the use of topical treatments with salicylic acid or carbon dioxide that are intended to reduce inflammation and eliminate bacteria. She advocates the use of the overnight spot treatment, which contains sulfur, this treatment is said to help with the treatment of acne.
Use a concentrated treatment area.
“Spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur can also facilitate the drying of a pimple without necessitating an extraction.” says Camp. “Acne patches are commonly used to address an acute flare of acne or a blemish, but the ingredients in these patches, namely hydrocolloids, create a healing environment that promotes the repair of damaged skin.” We enjoy the quick-fixing Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, if you’re on the go, you can try patches that contain Salicylic Acid that are intended to heal acne.
Use a steamer
If a ideal time for taking away acne ever existed, it would be following the shower. This is because following the bath, your skin is at its most soft. This can also be accomplished using a different method: For at-home blackhead removal that is gentle, consider a small facial steamer that will help to soften the skin, according to Wilson. After that, if you happen to observe blackheads migrating to the surface of the skin, utilize your fingers to pull out any extra skin congestion.
The Last Conclusion
While our experts advocate that extraction tools should be left to professionals, if you must utilize one at home (or already have one) be sure to wash your hands and tools before beginning. ” employ a steamer that uses steam to soften the content of your pores and melt the oils in your skin. Use mild pressure on the treated area followed by a healing ointment if there is any exposed, bleeding, or raw skin,” suggests Camp. You should also make an appointment with your dermatologist if you did more harm than good to your skin and are concerned about infection or if your acne does not respond to over-the-counter treatments, an in-office extraction may be necessary.
