The 411 on Extractions

Hands down, the first issue clients mention when they come in for facials are those gunky little dots that populate their faces like stars in the summer sky, making their pores look larger than they really are. 

But blackheads aren't a skin problem per se - they are a natural by-product of your body's skin maintenance. You have hair follicles on every part of your skin except your palms and soles of your feet, and next to these follicles are sebaceous glands, which secrete sebum into the follicle. The pores on your face are actually hair follicles! It's no wonder they become clogged with sebum, pollution, and makeup.

Our very first strong recommendation on extractions is: do not do them at home! There's no substitute for a visit to a trained professional who has studied how to do extractions properly, hygienically, and in such a way that your pores will close after cleansing.

If you must DIY, steam your face with a machine (like we have in the spa) or in a hot, steamy shower for a few minutes. Then exfoliate with a clay based mask, like our Exfoliating Mask. Wait 10 minutes then rinse. This should clear most blackheads, but if you still have them, don't use a tool! These metal tools can cause scarring and capillary damage, or drive bacteria further into your skin. 

Book a Purifying or Oxygen Purifying Facial at Joanna Vargas New York or Los Angeles. Steaming, exfoliating, and applying a mask should make a noticeable difference and hold you over until you can get to your appointment. Or, purchase a value package from our spas for monthly facials to keep your pores flawless, no DIY needed.