Manual extractions like those performed in professional deep pore cleansing facials are the most effective way to manage clogged pores like blackheads and closed comedones. But how long will the pores stay clean after a facial?
Generally, if the skin was properly softened up and the pores were properly cleaned out by an experienced esthetician, the pores should should stay clear for about four weeks. However, the pores will fill back up with hardened sebum, like those found in blackheads, so it’s important to maintain the results of that facial to ensure the results last as long as possible.
Don’t have time to get a facial? Read: How to Manually Extract Blackheads and Clogged Pores From Your Skin
What will help keep the pores clean after a facial?
The best way to prolong the pore-cleaning benefit of a facial is to use a well-formulated salicylic acid serum that will get into the pore lining and keep them from collecting oil as quickly. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its ability to also smooth the skin without causing irritation and reduce acne-causing bacteria and oil, which will prevent blemishes.
One of my favorite products is BHA Clarifying Serum. I use this one myself and it really helps to keep my pores clean.
Read: Professional Extractions That Won’t Scar Your Skin
Read: Does Steam Open The Pores?
Note: Not all clogged pores are equal. Blackheads will always come back, but some clogged pores, such as closed comedones (small, little bumps underneath the skin that aren’t painful or red), may never come back once properly extracted. They are often caused from leftover bacteria from previous breakouts or clogging from an occlusive product such as a mineral oil or petroleum-based moisturizer.
Clean and clear skin is healthy skin so be sure to get regular deep pore cleansing facials.
Which skin care products are best for you? See our nine skin types or take the Skin Type Quiz and get products recommended.
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Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”
Comments:
Extractions, for me, have always been painful. Some aestheticians have even left me with broken capillaries on each side of my nose trying to clean everything as best as possible (and I’ve only gone to high-end spas that used the best products). The day after extractions I have some red bumps and within a week you can clearly see (and feel) my nose area congested again. I’ve faithfully done monthly facials for year and then quit cause I saw no improvement. So frustrated.
Posted By: MaggieS |
Sorry to hear you haven’t had good luck with extractions. It’s so important to use a good serum with salicylic acid to help keep them clean. Of all the exfoliating acids, salicylic acid penetrates into the pore lining the best to help keep pores clean, especially after extractions.
Posted By: Renée Rouleau |