Sure, extractions are good for your skin, but anyone that's had a facial knows that getting all the gunk clogging your pores out can be just as painful as it is beneficial. A few uncomfortable extractions and pesky dark spots left me wondering if I should even be adding them on to my facials to begin with. After all, my skin is naturally tan, and darker complexions are a lot more prone to manchas. But after chatting with Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skin Care Collection, I've learned that extractions are something all women can benefit from regardless of your skin tone or type. Here are eight facts every Latina needs to know before getting pore extractions!
More from MamásLatinas: This is why you need to use micellar water on your hair
Image via iStock
Are extractions even necessary?
For starters, they do more than just remove dirt from your pores. “Extractions are important because they help the skin heal,” says Vargas. “During a facial, the skin is prepped for extraction with steam, massage and exfoliation.” Any lesions or blemishes you have would actually heal faster with extraction.
Will it break me out?
There's this misconception that extractions will automatically cause breakouts, but that’s not necessarily the case. “With extractions or with skin that breaks out regularly, an esthetician needs to understand what the skin can tolerate in order to have a successful appointment,” says Vargas. “There are no guarantees that you won’t break out after but if someone handles your skin properly you will feel that.”
Do they hurt?
I recently had the Purifying Facial done by esthetician Sarah Karaolides at the Joanna Vargas Spa and I barely felt my extractions. “Steam is usually used to prepare the skin for extractions. It softens the sebum inside your pores so it is easier to clean your skin,” says Vargas. “It’s also great because clients find it relaxing and can fall asleep, so they don’t even have to feel the extractions very much.”
Will my skin get red and irritated?
According to Vargas, it shouldn’t. “I can’t swear extractions shouldn't hurt because sometimes it’s unavoidable, but you shouldn’t leave a facial too red,” she says. “If a clients gets super red in the salon we use LED light to calm the inflammation and send the client home with clear skin.”
What if I get a pimple afterwards?
Getting a pimple or two post-facial is actually more normal than you think especially if the pimple was already on its way to surfacing. “Sometimes the skin can break out because your skin has been stimulated. Any pimple that was brewing below is likely to come out after a treatment, but if the esthetician knows your skin, this won’t happen,” says Vargas. “I wouldn’t over treat it if it does happen – just put on a spot treatment overnight and you should be fine.”
Can extractions leave me with dark spots?
If you have medium to dark skin, look for a facial that includes gentle exfoliation to help even out your skin tone. Joanna Varga’s Triple Crown facial consists of a combination of microdermabrasion, micro-current, and oxygen-infused therapy that leaves skin bright and glowy.
How soon can I exfoliate post-facial?
“Skip exfoliation for several days after a facial because you could get redness and breakouts with over-exfoliation,” says Vargas who also recommends not touching the skin too much or applying makeup immediately after the facial especially if you’ve had extractions done.
How often should I get a facial and extractions done?
“I would recommend a facial with extractions monthly to keep the skin clean and I highly recommend twice a month LED Light Therapy to shrink the pores,” says Vargas.
