In short
- Extractions clear blackheads and whiteheads by hand, after the skin is cleansed and softened.
- Dermatologists advise against squeezing at home: it can push debris deeper and lead to scarring or infection.
- At RRYL, the Signature Facial ($185) and the Acne Facial ($250) include extractions; they can be added to another facial for $75.
- Deep, painful or persistent breakouts belong with a dermatologist.
What an extraction is
Extractions are the part of a facial where clogged pores, the blackheads and whiteheads, are cleared by hand. The skin is cleansed and softened first, and the facial carries on afterwards. In RRYL’s Signature Facial, for example, the order is cleansing, steam, extractions, massage and a mask chosen for your skin.
It is a cosmetic step for congested skin, not a medical treatment for acne, and it does not stop new blackheads from forming. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that blackheads and whiteheads can come back after extraction, which is why everyday care matters as much as the facial.
Why squeezing at home tends to backfire
The urge is understandable, but dermatologists advise against it. The AAD lists popping or squeezing breakouts among the habits that can make acne worse: pressing on a blemish tends to push some of what is inside, such as dead skin cells, oil and bacteria, deeper into the skin, which adds inflammation (AAD: skin care habits that can worsen acne).
Its guide to pimple popping names the risks plainly: scarring, acne that becomes more noticeable or more painful, and infection, partly from bacteria on the hands (AAD: why only a dermatologist should pop pimples).
What helps between visits
- Keep your hands away from your face; the AAD says touching and picking can make breakouts worse.
- Cleanse gently with your fingertips rather than scrubbing, which can irritate the skin.
- If over-the-counter acne care has not helped after 4 to 6 weeks, the AAD suggests seeing a dermatologist.
When a facial is not the answer
Deep, painful bumps, cysts and nodules are a matter for a dermatologist, who can treat them in ways a facial cannot. The same goes for breakouts that are persistent or severe. If you are unsure which applies to you, our guide Acne facial or dermatologist? walks through the difference.
Extractions at RRYL
Every appointment is one-on-one with Bouchra, a New York State licensed esthetician, in RRYL’s private studio in Suite 707, 501 Fifth Avenue. Several facials on the menu include extractions, among them:
- RRYL Signature Facial, 60 minutes, listed price $185: cleansing, steam, extractions, massage and a mask chosen for your skin.
- RRYL Acne Facial, 60 minutes, listed price $250: cleansing, exfoliation, steam, extractions, high frequency, a purifying mask and blue LED light, for breakout-prone skin.
Extractions can also be added to another facial as an enhancement for $75. Our page on facials with extractions lists every facial that includes them.
Before you book
Please tell us about any allergies, sensitivities or medications when you book. If you are pregnant or using prescription acne medication such as isotretinoin, say so too; Bouchra may suggest a gentler facial. You do not need to choose alone: book the facial that appeals to you and talk your skin through with Bouchra at the start, or call the studio at (929) 293-5538 first.