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DIY Facial Extraction: Why It’s Riskier Than You Think
We’ve all felt it. That moment you stare at a blemish in the mirror and are tempted to squeeze it away for instant gratification. DIY facial extractions might feel satisfying in the short term, but they can do far more harm than good.
Here’s why you should think twice before attempting to perform extractions on yourself.
How DIY Extractions Can Lead to Skin Infections
Your hands, tweezers and any other tools you might use may not be as clean as you think. Without proper sanitation or technique, you’re creating an open wound, essentially an invitation for bacteria to enter and cause infection. This can give rise to painful infections, swelling, and even cystic acne.
The skin is your body’s first line of defence, and any break in that barrier is a potential risk for infection. Professionals use sterile tools and follow strict hygiene protocols for facial extractions, something that’s hard to replicate at home.
Why DIY Extractions Can Make Acne Worse
Trying to treat a breakout by through self-extraction can actually make your acne worse. Besides infecting the skin, pushing bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells deeper into the pore also leads to increased inflammation, more redness, and potentially new breakouts forming around the area.
Worse still, squeezing can damage surrounding pores, triggering even more congestion in the future. It’s a cycle of skin aggravation and not what you want to keep your skin clear.
Increased Risk of Scarring and Hyperpigmentation
One of the biggest concerns with DIY facial extractions is the long-term damage they can leave behind. Picking at your skin might seem harmless, but it can rupture delicate tissue beneath the surface. This trauma can induce scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dark spots that can linger for months, especially for those with melanin-rich skin tones.
It’s frustrating to think a quick squeeze could leave a mark longer than the blemish itself, but unfortunately, that’s the risk you take when you go the DIY route.
Damage to the Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is like a protective layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out. When you forcefully press or pick at your skin, you can compromise this barrier. The result? Sensitivity, dryness, flakiness, and increased vulnerability to environmental stressors.
A compromised barrier also means any skincare products you use afterwards may sting or cause more irritation than usual. Instead of healing your skin, you might be worsening its overall condition.
Risk of Broken Capillaries
Those tiny red or purple lines that show up on your cheeks or around your nose? They could be broken capillaries, which are small blood vessels that burst under pressure. The chances of this happening are increased with DIY extractions, especially those done with fingers or unsanitised tools.
Once broken, capillaries are difficult to treat and often require professional laser treatment to heal.
Are DIY Extraction Tools Safe to Use?
While facial extraction tools are widely available online, they often give a false sense of security. Just because something looks like what professionals use it doesn’t mean it’s safe. Without proper knowledge of skin anatomy and technique, using these tools can lead to punctures, bruising, or deep inflammation.
Also, unless you sterilise your tools before every use (and we mean properly sterilise them, not just wiping them on a tissue), you’re risking introducing bacteria to the skin.
What to Do Instead of DIY Extractions
So, what should you do when you’re dealing with clogged pores or stubborn breakouts? Thankfully, there are safer, more skin-friendly alternatives to home extraction.
Try Chemical Exfoliants to Clear Clogged Pores
Instead of squeezing the problem area, reach for gentle chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid (BHA) or glycolic acid (AHA). These ingredients help loosen dead skin cells and debris inside your pores, making it easier for clogs to clear naturally over time. They’re also less abrasive than physical scrubs and reduce the risk of inflammation or skin tearing.
Apply Warm Compresses
A warm compress can soften the content of a blemish and aid the healing process. This method is soothing and far less aggressive than digging into your skin. Soak a clean cloth in warm (not hot) water and press it against the affected area for a few minutes.
When to See a Professional for Facial Extractions
If your pores are congested beyond what home care can fix, you should consider booking an appointment with a trained aesthetician. Professionals can perform facial extractions safely using sterile tools and controlled techniques. With post-extraction care, they can also reduces redness and promote proper healing.
Treatments with Facial Extraction at SkinLab
At SkinLab, we offer medical-grade facials that help with extraction while also treating congestion and other concerns.
The OxyGeneo® Carbon Intense Facial is one of our top recommendations for oily and breakout-prone skin. This treatment deeply purifies the pores while also soothing inflammation and improving texture. It’s an all-in-one solution that cleanses without causing trauma to your skin.
HydraFacial Treatment takes extraction to the next level with its Vortex-Fusion delivery system. Using a spiral tip design, it exfoliates dead skin, removes debris, and delivers powerful serums without excessive force. This method is gentle yet effective for stubborn blackheads or whiteheads.
Signature Medical Peel & I2PL is ideal for acne-prone skin, uneven pigmentation and signs of ageing. Created by our in-house doctors, this medi-facial combines a peel with light therapy to address clogged pores and restore clarity. It’s a good choice for those who want lasting results without any skin trauma.
Safe and Effective Facial Extraction in Singapore
DIY facial extraction might seem faster and cheaper, but in the long run, investing in professional care pays off in healthier, clearer skin. If you’re in Singapore and searching for a reliable place to get professional facial extractions, look no further than SkinLab.
Our team of trained professionals follows strict hygiene protocols and uses medical-grade tools to ensure your skin gets the care it deserves without incurring any damage. If you need help choosing the best facial for your skin, book a consultation with us.