Chicago Extractions - squeezing out the blackheads and whiteheads from skin pores
Comedones are commonly known as blackheads
or whiteheads. This condition occurs when the hair follicles mix with sebum
(oil). When the sebum is oxidized from the environment, it turns black. When
the follicle is closed and not exposed to the environment, this is a whitehead.
Comedones, which are usually small bumps, most commonly occur on the forehead,
chin and nose which are where most of the oil glands are located on the face.
The cells lining the sebaceous ducts proliferate excessively and may block the
sebaceous duct from forming a comedone. These are invisible to the naked eye
and are considered microcomedones.
Comedones turn into acne when aggravated and can be stimulated by:
- Reduced levels of linoleate (component of sebum) resulting in more scale and reduced barrier function.
- Free fatty acids (made from sebum by bacteria).
- Excessive activity of certain hormones.
- Interleukin, a chemical messenger, produced by the cells lining the follicle.
- Rupture of follicles by injury, including excessive squeezing, abrasive cleansing, chemical peels or laser resurfacing, or presence of hard, dried-up sebum poking through the follicle wall.
- Increase in oil production – due to premenstrual symptoms.
- Heavy moisturizers or change in environmental conditions (humidity, dryness).
- Contact with certain chemicals or dyes.
- Allergic reactions to preservatives or ingredients.
Performing Extractions
During facial treatments, your
Aesthetician will perform extractions during the steaming process. Steam helps
to open the pores and aid in the extraction process. Your Aesthetician will
most likely use her fingers with a special technique, preventing scarring from
occurring. Depending on the comedone, your Aesthetician may use a comedone
extractor, which is a metal instrument to aid in deep or hard to reach
extractions. After your extractions, your Aesthetician will calm the skin and
apply a toner or cool water to close down the pores.
Extractions of whiteheads are a lot different than blackheads. Since there is a layer of skin over the comedone, it is unable to be extracted by hand or using the comedone extractor. Your skin care specialist or physician might use a sterile needle to break open the skin and squeeze out the debris left behind. Certain states do not allow Aestheticians to perform this function, so please check before you allow this to be performed on your skin. If not done properly, your skin will scar.
It is important to maintain this regimen
every 6 - 8 weeks for optimal results.-6oz..jpg)
Our Aestheticians recommend a few products specifically designed to help minimize clogged pores:
Facial Exfoliant: This product is meant to exfoliate and help shed the top layer of skin cells. We use different vitamins, hydroquinone and crystals to stimulate the skin while helping to decrease clogged pores and comedones.
Pore Cleansing Mask: Using a mask once a week is important skin care maintenance for clogged pores. Clarifying masks help to draw dirt and oil from the pore, helping to minimize the amount of comedones. When using masks on a regular basis, you will eventually notice the pore size being eliminated.
Acne Wash (Salicylic Acid): Salicylic acid is one of the best products for minimizing comedones. Salicylic acid helps to “unglue” the dirt and oil left in the pore. This product is formatted for clients with acne or acne-prone skin because of its abilities to minimize oil production.
For more information on neaclear skin care products, visit their web site at www.neaclear.com