When are facial extractions recommended? For those suffering from chronic acne or other skin conditions, consistent professional skin care will not only improve the skin’s appearance but will serve to boost the client’s self-confidence. According to a 2018 study compiled by The British Journal of Dermatology, the risk of depression increases in people suffering from acne by more than 60 percent compared to those who do not battle acne or other visible skin conditions (Vallerand, 2018). Always be mindful that estheticians and cosmetologists cannot diagnose or treat skin conditions and clients needing medical attention should be referred to a board-certified medical doctor. Facial extraction procedures are specifically recommended for those with oily and/or acne-prone skin types, as the buildup of oil contributes to persistent skin issues like pimples, whiteheads, and/or blackheads. However, clients with normal or dry skin types can also benefit from regular facials and pore extraction procedures. Being prepared means having the necessary tools to perform extractions, including sterile gauze, lint-free wipes, nitrile gloves, comedone extractors, curettes, and lancets, as well as professional skin care products that are essential for prepping the skin prior to the extraction and for soothing the skin after the extraction procedure is completed. An astringent should always be used at the end of the facial extraction to clear any remaining residue from the skin. Add a moisturizing cream or serum after an extraction to soothe any redness or irritation. Infection control and safety during facial extractions For all procedures performed in a professional environment, proper infection control and safety is a top priority. Adhering to sanitation and sterilization guidelines defined by your state’s regulatory agency is essential for a safe facial extraction procedure. Infection control protocol must be followed at every stage of the facial extraction, including before, during, and post treatment. An autoclave or other approved sterilizer is recommended to properly sanitize and sterilize implements used during facial extraction procedures. Autoclaves use a combination of UV rays and heat to kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, fungus, viruses, and bacterial spores. Sterilization devices use steam to eliminate these pathogens. The device you choose should be based on a combination of personal preference and guidelines set forth by the agency that governs cosmetology licensing in your state.
Preparing the skin for an extraction procedure varies slightly depending on the professional performing the procedure and the type of facial recommended for the client. Some skin care professionals utilize a glycolic acid facial cleanser to gently soften the skin, which serves to make the extraction process easier for the professional and more comfortable for the client. Using steam on the skin before an extraction produces the same results as a glycolic acid cleanser. Deciding which one to use will be based both on the professional’s preference as well as the client's skin type. During manual extractions, the professional sterilizes her hands, applies gloves, and wraps his or her fingertips with gauze or cotton before applying gentle pressure to either side of the clogged pore with the sides of his or her fingertips, not her fingernails. As a general rule, manual pore extraction usually works for most cases of clogged pores. However, if manual extraction is ineffective, the affected area can be gently worked from different angles with two medical-grade cotton swabs or a curette. As a professional, you may find that some blemishes cannot be effectively extracted, which may necessitate gentle manipulation of the affected area with a disposable lancet that is held horizontal to the skin. Take extra care when using a lancet so as not to puncture the skin and ensure that the use of a lancet is approved by your governing regulatory agency. Each permanent surface should undergo sanitization treatment between each client as well as at the end of each workday. Disposable items such as gauze, gloves, and disposable extraction tools should be thrown away immediately if possible. If immediate disposal is not possible, used items should be properly stored in a sterile container until disposal can be handled. Any sebum or debris from clogged pores should also be disposed of promptly. Failure to follow strict infection control protocol can result in the transfer of bacteria and other pathogens. For metal tools or those deemed sanitizable, skin care professionals should disinfect these tools with a hospital- grade, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectant. Using an EPA disinfectant is essential for proper infection control and can prevent the spread of bacteria like staphylococcus and tuberculosis. techniques, tools, or products on a client. Facial procedures begin with cleansing the face to remove any surface oil, dirt, or other contaminants. Sometimes, steam is then introduced to soften the skin and open the pores, allowing for easier removal of clogged the pores. While steam is the easiest method of preparing the skin for facial extraction, those with certain skin conditions, such as rosacea or eczema, should not use steam. Using steam with people with certain skin issues may cause dryness and could exacerbate the skin condition. In these cases, it is safe to apply a warm towel to the skin to open the pores. of professional licensure are all avoidable if standard health care guidelines are followed. Consequences can also arise when using the wrong could irritate the skin causing short-term swelling or even long-term scarring. In addition, frequent extraction may weaken the pores and lead to further infection. Finally, the pressure of an incorrect extraction may push bacteria deeper into the skin leading to further breakouts.
Potential consequences of not following safety precautions As a professional, there can be dire consequences for failing to observe established sanitation rules and regulations – consequences that range from mild to catastrophic, both professionally as skin care professionals and personally for the client. Disregarding health guidelines, such as wearing gloves, not reusing disposable lancets, and immediately collecting and throwing away pore contents could lead to the spread of bacteria. At the very least, it could cause the client to experience an increase in acne rather than a decrease. It could also mean the client is exposed to bacteria from the esthetician, other clients, and other staff members. Outcomes ranging from terrible infections, lawsuits, and loss
Benefits vs. risks of facial extractions Facial extraction promotes healthy skin by managing and removing debris and bacteria. However, there are some risks involved. The most common risk associated with facial extractions is scarring. When facial extractions are performed improperly, the procedure or products used
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