More like "How to not damage your skin with your fingers at home" ?
We allll have those moments of panic were we wake up and have a whitehead staring us back in the face. Hormonal, maybe you had too much dairy the night before or went out on the town. I feel ya! Regardless, you are going to pick it with your fingernails, put fluoride-ridden toothpaste and hope for the best or use the "washcloth trick" to get rid of it ASAP. Since none of the above are Esthetician-approved, I am going to show you how to extract at home without damaging your skin or leaving pigmentation behind for years to come.
Things to Consider First
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Is it actually ready to be extracted?
- A whitehead (pustule- noticeable due to the raised, white ball on top) is infection in the pore saying "this is my white flag, send help" and it needs to be gently removed.
- A zit (papule- known for being a hard, red bump that never comes to a whitehead) is not to be extracted and will spread, causing more casualties on your skin. Use an Esthetician recommended exfoliant at home and they will go away on their own in a few days. No harsh scrubs or exfoliants!
- A nodule under the skin is never to be extracted and your body is made to take care of it itself. If you feel concerned, FaceTime or meet with your Esthetician, or in this case you may need to see a Dermatologist to have it professionally removed if things get worse. I highly recommend not using medications, but instead improving and changing your diet to heal internally.
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Are you headed out into the daylight?
- ALWAYS wear sunscreen, but especially if you have acne! Getting a tan will hide the red spots momentarily and then when the tan is gone you will be left with worsened red marks and sun damage that may not reoccur for years. It is hard to revise and takes many treatments.
- If you're headed into the sun, get yourself a cute hat and some great mineral sunscreen. Alyssa Miller Beauty Sunscreen coming soon!!
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Can this be treated overnight using an acne patch?
- I have a cute little patch just for situations like this, called Zitsticka? Put it on at night or even wear under makeup to reduce redness, inflammation and rid infection. The patch has microdarts to deliver Salicylic Acid straight to the pustule and gently rid it for good.
How to Extract at Home
Now that we have the basics covered, it’s time to extract! Watch the video below for visual instructions on how to take the best care while removing a whitehead.
Shop Products
Here are the tools you will need for this process! You can shop the links below ?
- Cleanser to use beforehand- shop here
- Extractor Tool- shop here
- Lancets- sooo affordable, shop here
- MiniZyme Kit- My fav! Shop here
- Instead of extracting, try using a medicated patch overnight- shop here
- Always apply a spot treatment after to kill any bacteria left behind- shop here
- Weekly mask to prevent future breakouts- shop here
- Shop Priia Makeup here- mineral, made to help prevent and heal acne, non pore-clogging, I use it every day and LOVE it
- ** Mineral Sunscreen is coming soon!**
Share this who those you love to help them through a tough breakout. It can be so hard on confidence when you are trying to hide the infections under makeup and hats. I have been there and I know exactly how it feels. I hope this helps!
As always, skin concerns are my jam. I am good at it and lovee to help others feel good in their own skin. Click here to set up a consultation virtually or in the treatment room to ask questions and product recommendations. I got you!
Much love ❤️-A