Let's make this clear, people. It's now 2020 and if you still believe in facials with pricking, where have you been living all this time? It’s time to do a reality check on that no pain, no gain cliche.
Let us clear things up once and for all. Here’s why we're major anti-fans of the painful manual pricking.
First things first, what is pricking?
Pricking or manual extraction is the harsh practice of using a tool placement (like a thin needle) or finger to squeeze with pressure the accumulation of sebum or blood in a pore causing a pimple or comedones. Not all estheticians are skilled at this, what's more, the skin must be properly prepared before beginning extractions - a step which is usually shrugged off here.
Why you should never do it
If you don't want to end up with extra broken capillaries, then don’t.
We don't know about you, but we certainly don't want prominent ribbon-like red veins our faces. These sometimes permanently dilated blood vessels can be caused by trauma to skin like pricking or applying pressure that's too firm when popping or squeezing pimples/comedones on your skin. Those with sensitive skin may also be more prone to it, so better stick with vacuum extractions.
It exposes you to a larger risk of scarring, and possible altering of skin's tones.
If scars or breakouts are your concerns, fix it, don't risk it. Inappropriate extractions can cause cuts and bleeding which damages the outer layer of the skin, leaving behind dark marks.
It sounds like a good way to get infections.
Extracting incorrectly like applying pressure aggressively or in the wrong direction can cause infections and additional acne. If the impurities that came out from the skin are not removed properly then the skin will be left with bacteria, causing further breakouts. More bacteria can also creep onto your skin if improperly sterilized tools are used. We surely don't like the horror of another zit problem.
It's a surefire way to compromised skin barrier
In the long run, continuous manual pricking can damage the skin and cause it to lose elasticity and strength. Pulling and pressing the pores can weaken the skin fibers like collagen and elastin, meaning more fine lines and sagging later on.
If you hate the idea of crying during facials.
Of course, a facial that pricks is not for the faint of heart. If you've got low pain tolerance, then clearly, this is not the way to go. There will be pressure applied to the skin or acne which is painful and normally causes discomfort.
The Essential Facial
When it comes to matters of the face, don't take chances. The best route is always the safest one.
How about a win-win idea of pampering (no shedding tears involved, promise!) and deep cleansing. With The Essential Facial, we work with your skin, not against it. We draw out impurities with a vacuum and decongest clogged pores by infusing gentle exfoliants, serums, and mask.