Whats the best way to perform extractions?
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Fri Jan 23, 2004 9:43 am

I have had two facials recently at a salon, mainly for extractions, because I have seriously clogged pores. The first one, the girl use a tissue and pushed with her fingers to get all the gunk out. The second time a different girl used a metal instrument and pushed the stuff out. Which way is better, is more effective and extracts the best? thanks

ff

free skin care · Fri Jan 23, 2004 1:23 pm

Personally, I've had the same experience -- one spa I go to performs extractions with a tissue . . . like the lady wraps the tissue around her fingers and then pinches away at my nose area to remove blackheads. Another spa I go to performs extractions with a metal instrument.

At home, I usually perform extractions with the tissue method and my fingers. I bought a metal instrument but I have yet to figure out how it works -- perhaps because it doesn't work as well as my fingers.

I think the finger strength is most effective at removing blackheads -- but be careful not to overdo it. Sometimes, I think there's still a lot of dirt left, so I pinch harder -- but all I get left with is a nice red spot for a few weeks . . . not good. Definitely don't over-pinch your skin. Apply light pressure in the area and then move on to another area. I think the metal instrument is designed to remove only the blackheads that are right at the tip -- i.e., the blackheads that are really easy to remove. Using your fingers adds a little more pressure, but you have to be very careful not to overdo things -- clearly you can't get rid of everything in one sitting -- so don't try to. The extraction will inevitably leave redness, but stop at the initial redness -- don't keep on extracting until there's pain. After extractions, put on a soothing mask, like PTR's Cucumber Gel Masque to soothe the skin.

Hope this helps. Hope the EDS estheticians can add their advice, too.
Lisa

Sat Jan 24, 2004 12:37 am

Lisa,

I've got a Tweezerman blackhead remover thingy and I found that the only time it worked really well was if I steamed my face for about 15 minutes. Best time to do it is after a long warm bath I guess. Also, Blackmores makes a special "Blackhead remover lotion" that you use on a warm cloth for 15 minutes before doing the extractions. It actually works quite well but it rather tedious to use.

I think it also depends on the tool you have as well.... I bought a Body Shop blackhead remover years ago and I could not get a single thing out with it.

Mabsy

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