Acne Extraction Methods and Treatments

Are you struggling with stubborn acne? You’re not alone! While it can be tempting to extract your acne at home, just don’t. You can end up causing more harm than good. Improper acne extractions can lead to serious skin damage, visible acne scarring, and even bacterial infections.

Acne extractions are a great way to clear your acne when performed by a professional. Here, we break down everything you need to know about acne extraction methods and treatments.

What is Acne Extraction?

Acne extraction is the process of removing debris from clogged pores. A skincare professional typically uses special tools to gently remove all unwanted dirt, sebum, and debris from your pores. 

A skincare professional will customize your extraction treatment to meet your unique skin needs. They’re also trained to recognize when pores can be extracted and when pores aren’t ready to be extracted, so they don’t cause skin damage.

Which types of acne can be treated with extraction?

It’s important to remember that not all pimples can be safely treated with extraction. In most cases, acne extractions should only be done to treat comedones, which are blackheads and whiteheads. For these pimples, the skin professional opens the pore, extracts the sebum and other debris, and cleanses the pore.

Cystic acne typically shouldn't be treated with extractions. This type of acne is too deep to be extracted without damaging the skin. Extractions should also not be used to treat pustules, papules, or comedones that are close to inflamed acne.

Types of acne extraction treatments

Acne extraction treatments like the hydrafacial and the custom facial are effective ways to extract debris and impurities from clogged pores.

Hydrafacial 

A Hydrafacial is a three-in-one treatment that cleanses, extracts, and hydrates your skin. It is perfect for clearing out congested pores. This treatment offers similar results as an extraction, peel, and facial all in one. 

During this treatment, the skin professional uses the Vortex-Fusion Delivery System. This is a patented tool that simultaneously extracts debris from your pores and delivers deep hydration. The spiral design on the tips and vacuum technology work together to gently clear out your pores without causing skin irritation.

Unlike a typical extraction, a hydrafacial is gentle and requires no downtime. It clears your pores without the redness or irritation of a standalone extraction. 

Custom Facial

A custom facial is a great choice for anyone with stubborn acne because it can be completely customized to meet your skin needs. During this facial, the skincare professional will cleanse, tone and extract, customizing the skincare tools according to your unique skin concerns.

For example, the high-frequency customization is perfect for those in need of an acne extraction. It focuses on deeper extractions and includes a bacteria-fighting hi-frequency treatment that boosts bacteria-fighting to your pores. This facial will deeply extract the sebum, dirt, and oil to encourage healthier skin and prevent future breakouts.

If you have any questions about which treatment is best for your unique acne concerns, our experts are happy to help. Find a Skin Spa location near you.