Are you #teamdisturbed or #teamsatisfied?
Let’s admit it, some of us actively search for pimple-popping videos because they are just so oddly satisfying to watch and give us the tingles. While it may be riveting to some, others may be grossed out. No matter which team you belong to, there is no doubt that the urge to purge is a natural human disgust reflex.
Who hasn’t felt the compulsion to squeeze, pick, scratch, or pop a pimple? If you haven’t, feel free to move on.
If you’re still reading this, chances are you’ve tried (or are thinking of) squeezing and popping your siblings/friends/partners’ pimples as a personal indulgence.
But the real question is: to pop or not to pop? Before you say, “But I can’t help it!”, read this blog unless you want to end up with regrettable scars.
Let’s cut to the chase.
“Popping” is not an accurate clinical term. The correct name for it should be facial extraction, which is defined as the manual means of clearing a pore that has become clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells via hands or with tools/devices such as suction tools and diamond peel exfoliation. Sometimes, it is accompanied by some light puncture to release the fluids inside.
Facial extractions are necessary as they will be able to dislodge the dirt and excess sebum trapped in each pore to prevent inflammation and improve skin appearance.
While we commonly use the term “pimple” to describe an inflamed pore, there are actually many different types of acne that exist:
- Blackheads: An open-pore clogged with oil or dead skin cells that has been oxidised
- Whiteheads: A closed pore clogged with oil or dead skin cells
- Papules: A red raised bump with no visible fluid
- Pustules: A red raised bump with fluid or pus
- Lipoma: A growth of extra fat cells found under the skin
- Cysts: A sac-like pocket of tissue, often filled with fluids
- Milia: Small white tiny bumps that occur when keratin gets stuck under the skin
Similar to your monthly facial routines, facial extractions should be done every four to six weeks as well, depending on your skin needs. However, it is NOT recommended for an untrained individual to be extracting your own (or anybody else’s) pimples, and we will walk you through the reasons why.
Home extractions v.s. Professional extractions
1. Skin irritation
The most common side effects of facial extractions are redness and skin irritations, which may be caused by excessive pressure or any form of exfoliation during the process. Well-trained beauticians will limit extractions to a maximum of 20 minutes per session or your skin may be over-stimulated and become sensitised.
2. Breakouts
Breakouts is another side effect that you may possibly encounter, and this is due to the bacteria that got its way into your skin during the extraction process. And if your hands and tools are not properly sanitised, your skin will be prone to bacteria infections when you DIY at home.
3. Skin damage
You also risk wounding your skin if you use too much force or try to squeeze a pimple before it’s ready for extraction. All these may cause acne to take longer to heal and increase the risk of scarring.
Without proper skills and equipment, please please please, leave it to the professionals to handle your congested pores instead!
When done by skilled professionals with proper equipment, facial extractions will clear clogged pores and most redness will subside within three days. If your big day is coming, it is best to schedule your facial appointment at least three days before to leave ample time for the redness to fade away.
Recommended facials to clear clogged pores
Like they said, “Great skin doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by appointment.” Book in an appointment with Estetica now and let our professionals extract those baddies and get that clear, healthy and glowy skin you’ve been wanting! Time to get #addictedtotheglow!
In Good Hands,
Estetica
