To Extract Or Not to Extract… The Facial Debate Continues

Holistic Nu Age Facials with No Extractions Versus European Traditional Facials with Extractions…

The debate continues among aestheticians and clinicians over extraction during facials. Some, especially “old school” aestheticians who have been in the profession for years and those who were instructed in this manner, believe that extraction is always proper during facials. Other aestheticians believe that extraction during a facial may irritate sensitive skin. They also believe that extractions enlarge pores and may actually result in more skin breakouts. Like many debates, both sides have valid points.

It is always best for the aesthetician to look at each client as an individual and take a very close look at their particular skin condition and type. A value judgment can be made at that time as to whether or not steam and manual extraction is called for with that particular client. Also whether or not the client is adverse to having extractions done should be taken into account.

An aesthetician is a professional and should utilize the expertise that he or she has developed. Extraction may well be good for some clients and not good for others. There is no “one size fits all” or “cookie cutter” facial. Each client has different skin, different levels of oil or dryness, and therefore has different needs.   

Talking to clients about their facial exfoliation experiences can help a spa professional to see things from a customer point of view and this is always a valuable point of view for spa professionals.

Clients with problem skin are quick to point out that without professionally executed extractions, their skin would be riddled with blackheads, white heads and comedones.  Other clients experience extreme swelling, redness and bruising from extractions because they have highly sensitive skin

By talking to clients, it will soon become clear that all clients are different and need different types of care. Extractions should NOT be dictated by the business or written within a policy manual. Some clients want extractions and some clients may want a specialized facial minus the extractions – do you turn these clients away and lose the business? That is just not good business sense.