Scar Free: Extractions Done Right

By Jennifer Hubbard, Esthetics and Nails Instructor

Everyone gets those nasty little blackheads or whiteheads that come up. You push and squeeze to try to get all that built in dirt out and all that happens is half of it comes out and your left with a sore area and possibly a scar. Well this blog will teach you how to properly extract them without leaving that scar.

The first thing you want to do before any extractions is take a warm shower or steam your face. You can best see blackheads and whiteheads right after this because the steam helps open up your pores. Make sure the lighting is good and use gloves when extracting.

There are 3 different ways to properly extract. You can use Q-tips, cotton/gauze or an extracting tool. All of these are used by professionals and if used correctly will help you avoid those dreadful scars.

Q-tips: When using Q-tips to extract you want to make sure you are wearing gloves. You will use 2 Q-tips and place one on each side of the area needed to be extracted, and roll the Q-tips down and then up towards the blackhead. Wipe off the area with the Q-tip and throw away then wipe the area with a toner best suited for their skin type.

Cotton/Gauze: Make sure you are using gloves and wrap a piece of gauze or cotton around your index fingers and follow the same procedure for Q-tips, using your index fingers.

Extracting Tool: With this tool you will place the hole of the extractor over the area to be extracted. Press down with the extracter and give it a little wiggle. Using this procedure you should be able to remove the debris without leaving any scars.

Now you can go and remove those random, stubborn blackheads and help your clients skin become more beautiful.