I am so excited to have Allison Yevrayev, one of our amazing licensed estheticians at RA, sharing her expertise on the blog. Allison has such a heart for helping patients feel confident in their skin and brings so much knowledge and passion to every treatment. Her own journey with acne is what led her into aesthetics and has given her such a special perspective when helping patients reach their skin goals. Today, she is sharing why professional extractions are such an important part of maintaining healthy skin and how the right approach can make all the difference. I’ll let Allison dive into it!
If you’ve ever been tempted to squeeze a blackhead or pimple in front of the mirror, you’re not alone. While it can be satisfying at the moment, extractions are about much more than simply “popping” blemishes, they’re an important part of maintaining healthy skin when performed correctly.
Why Are Extractions Necessary?
Over time, dead skin cells, excess oil, makeup, sunscreen, and environmental debris can build up inside the pores. When this material becomes trapped, it forms congestion in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, or other non inflamed blemishes. If left untreated, clogged pores can contribute to breakouts, enlarged looking pores, uneven skin texture, and inflammation.
When performed correctly, extractions help restore normal pore function by removing impacted debris with minimal trauma to the surrounding skin. This not only helps reduce congestion but also allows skincare products to penetrate more effectively, since they no longer have to work through impacted buildup. By clearing clogged pores before they become more inflamed, professional extractions can also help minimize future breakouts and support overall skin health.
Professional Extractions vs. At Home Extractions
While it may seem like squeezing a blemish at home achieves the same result, there are significant differences.
During a professional facial, the skin is first thoroughly cleansed and prepared with exfoliation or steam to soften congestion and make extractions safer and more effective. A licensed esthetician understands the anatomy of the skin, knows which blemishes can safely be extracted, and uses controlled techniques to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissue.
Not every blemish should be extracted. Inflamed papules, pustules, cystic acne, and deep nodules are often better treated with calming ingredients and targeted acne therapies rather than forceful extraction. Attempting to extract these lesions can increase inflammation, delay healing, and raise the risk of scarring. A trained esthetician can determine which types of congestion are ready to be safely extracted and which should be left alone.
At home extractions, on the other hand, are often performed with fingernails or improperly sanitized tools. Excessive pressure or incorrect technique can push debris deeper into the pore instead of removing it, increasing inflammation and the risk of infection. It can also damage the surrounding skin, leading to prolonged redness, broken capillaries, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or even permanent scarring. While it may seem like you’ve “cleared” the pore, improper extractions often create more damage than the original clogged pore.
Healthy Skin Is the Goal
The goal of professional extractions isn’t to remove every clogged pore in one appointment, it’s to safely reduce congestion while preserving the health of your skin. Healthy skin is achieved through consistency, not aggressive squeezing. When paired with a personalized skincare routine and regular professional treatments, extractions can improve skin texture, reduce congestion, support clearer skin over time, and help maintain a healthy skin barrier.
If you’re experiencing persistent congestion or recurring breakouts, professional extractions can be a valuable part of your treatment plan. Combined with a customized skincare routine, they help keep your pores clear, support healthier skin function, and promote clearer, more balanced skin over time.
I’d love to help create a plan that works for you. Healthy skin is a journey and having the right treatments and routine can make all the difference. You can find me on instagram at @allisonyevrayev or email me at allison@racquelaesthetics.com. I’d love to connect with you!
XO,
Allison
