Jhoenna has taken her 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and known expertise to develop the Dérmica line of results-driven esthetic treatments that are sure to surpass your expectations!
There’s something about popping blemishes that can be so satisfying to watch. Pimple popping videosgained such popularity, there was a television series devoted to the extraction!
So, what does this juicy procedure involve? Read on as we dive into your pores for a proper blackhead extraction!
Blackhead extractions are the focal point of our pore cleansing facial: the PORE.
Pore cleansing is the process of physically and/or chemically removing debris from the pores. The process clears build-up from the pores and allows them to contract.
Start with a fresh face.
Extractionsare best on freshly cleansed and exfoliated skin. Cleansing ensures that no harmful bacteria ispresent when exposing the open pore.Exfoliationclears the opening of the pore andloosens the tip of the debris.
After cleansing and exfoliating, a specialized solution is applied to help dislodge the oily debris. The solution is commonly a sodium bicarbonate blend that creates a chemical reaction known as saponification. Consequently, oils and fats are transformed into a soap solution. In addition, oily debris becomes water-soluble in the process.
The skin is then placed under a warm steamer. The warmth and humidity of the steam opens up the pores.
O3
Professional steamers feature an Ozone (O3) function that emits ozone steam onto the skin. O3 increases the skin’s healing abilities and disinfects the surface. O3 also has an oil-reducing effect that lasts beyond the service.
The moment we’ve all been waiting for…
Physical extractions are performed using a special tool with directional pressure. Large pores are emptied using a “scooping” maneuver, while smaller pores are purged with a simple glide of the tool or fingers.
Following extractions, the skin is soothed and sanitized with a post extraction solution. The solution usually contains an antiseptic and a calming ingredient.
Blackhead extractions can take 15-30 minutes depending on the skin condition. They can also leave the skin looking irritated for 1-2 hours. Once the pores are cleared, they can remain clear for up to 8 weeks.
When it comes to our role as skincare technicians, we must say juicy extractions are by far a service favourite!
Although blackheads are not necessarily caused by poor skin hygiene, these darkened little oil specs can make the skin look and feel rough, oily, and dirty. We have countless skin products and methods of removal, but what should we really be looking for when choosing products, ingredients, and services?
In this article we will focus on defining the ‘blackhead’. From selecting the right ingredients to DIY pore cleansing techniques, our tips will help you minimize and control blackheads.
What is a blackhead?
Blackheads are quite simply clogged hair follicles in the skin. These tiny follicles can become clogged due to enlargement and/ or years of buildup.
Our hair follicles are a type of pore found throughout the body, except for the palms and soles. They are most visible in areas with higher oil production or areas where the oil collects throughout the day such as the creases of the nose.
A combination of waste.
Waste can include dead cells, oil, makeup, dirt, etc.
This particular type of pore consists of a tube-like structure in the skin that sprouts hair, excretes oil, and retains a combination of waste within the its tiny canal. This combination includes dead cells, oil, makeup, dirt, and basically anything that can melt into the pores. Over time the debris can become solidified when neglected by being left inside the pore.
Loss of elasticity.
Adding to the cause is the loss of skin elasticity. Over time the opening of the pores can become weakened. This can be due to underlying skin condition, skin trauma, or pressure from buildup. Once the pores have lost their ability to contract it becomes difficult to regain this elasticity without resorting to advanced skin therapy such as LASER or IPL.
Dead keratin, not dirt!
Blackheads may vary in colour, diameter, and depth. However, they all have the same characteristic opening that can be easily spotted. The dark pinpoint that we see at the surface of the skin, is actually a result of dead keratin cells being exposed to the open air (oxidized). This reaction causes a browning similar to the effect caused by leaving cut fruit such as a banana or an apple open to the elements. Contrary to popular belief, the dark tip is not dirt!
Blackheads are different from whiteheads due to the opening being present and the causes vary. If a blackhead becomes infected it can then transition into a pustule aka a “pimple”. Improper extraction and/ or excess pressure are most commonly the cause of infection.
Now that you’re familiar with the composition of a blackhead, let’s move on to some solutions and prevention, and DIY techniques for extraction.
We have listed a few bits of information to help explain what you may see for the first 15 days post-microblading.
1. Patchy coverage
This is normal to see in the first 7-10 days. The areas where you see dark patches are still in the process of moving the pigment up towards the surface and shedding the skin above. The lighter areas are those where the skin has already shed and has revealed fresh skin growth. They should even out by day 10.
2. Missing areas
These faint areas are covered with fresh skin cells. The new cells are full of “juice” and plumper than what we typically have at the surface of the skin.
Once the skin moves this layer of fresh cells (which contains the bulk of our micro-pigment) up to the surface they will dry and flatten. The strokes and pigment will then reappear and give us a proper measure of colour retention by approximately week 2.
3. Brows are lighter brown with pink undertone
While your skin is still in the recovery phase, it will have higher cellular activity at the site of repair thereby making the skin appear flushed. This undertone in the skin will temporarily alter the colour of the brows. The skin can take up 3 months to completely restructure, but you’re true colour typically shows before that around week 2.
Brow Lamination tames unruly strands by securing the hair in an upward stroke pattern, then setting them into place with a gentle brow perming solution. Wax and tint is then applied giving brows plush volume and coverage
What are clients saying about the latest service in brow-styling?
👉”It’s like I got fillers, but in my brows!”
-MR👄
Love the comparison! Yes it’s TRUE this service does give that extra PLUMP!
👉”Ditched the brow gel since getting my Brow Lamination!”
-RJ 👋
Out with the old in with the NEW!!
👉”Amazed at how much brow I actually had hiding away!”
-AS 😲
YES, all yours and all natural!
LOOKING FOR A LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO YOUR BROWS?
Brow lamination gives you 4 weeks of max effect and lasts up to 6 weeks, however, if you are looking for a long term solution, Microblading is the service for you!
Microblading is a technique where each individual hair stroke is carefully etched on the skin, building a beautiful and natural brow that lasts up to 3 years.
15% OFF in-store Glo Skin Beauty brow products with ANY brow service!
If you’re looking for spas offering eyebrow lamination in YEG, you’ve landed on the right page! This new service has been making waves since arriving on the BROW COUTURE scene. Brow lamination promises plush volume and coverage, and tames unruly strands.
The Look
Think back to that luscious 80’s Brook Shields, Madonna, and Cindy Crawford brow. Brow Lamination is suited for those looking to achieve the appearance of bold/ feathery brows.
Process
The process involves securing the hair in an upward stroke pattern, then setting them into place with a gentle brow perming solution. Once complete, the brows appear fuller, bolder, and the strands remain in position.
Eyebrow Lamination Aftercare
The aftercare for brow lamination includes avoiding water on the brows for 48 hours. Therefore, we recommend booking your appointment for days where your makeup/hair washing routine can be skipped.
Hair Removal Methods Explained | What are your options?
Hair removal methods have been around since the days of Cleopatra, it has since evolved to include a vast selection of products, tools, gadgets, and highly sophisticated equipment. With all these options now available, how do you choose which one is most appropriate for your personal needs?
Well, there are a few questions to consider:
When are you expecting your results?
What is your budget?
How much maintenance are you able to commit to?
What will the effects be?
In order to make this process a little easier for you, we’ve researched the pros, cons, and facts to consider when making your selection.
1. Epilation (ep-i-la-tion)
Process: The hair is dissolved or cut flush with skin. The root of the hair remains intact below the surface of the skin. There is no effect to the growth rate, texture, or density of growth.
Common forms of depilation are razor shaving, electric shaver, epilation cream such as Nair ™.
Longevity: 24hrs – 72hrs.
Pricing: $
Frequency: As often as needed.
Pros:
Convenient.
Suitable for all hair types.
No wait periods.
Low cost.
Cons:
Hair has sharp tips when growing back.
Risk of cuts in hard to reach or contoured areas.
Chemical burns can occur if skin is not properly assessed prior to treating with creams.
Can cause ingrown hairs, razor burn, and/or skin irritation.
Depilation (dep-i-la-tion)
Depilation refers to the process of physically pulling the hair and root from the hair follicle in the skin. The process removes hair growth that is visible at the surface of the skin. Depilation can have a mild effect on the regrowth depending on the stage in which the hair is removed. The most positive effect is seen on active hair growth.
Professional Methods of Depilation
2. Waxing
Process: Warm wax solution is applied in sections over the hair/skin. The wax and adhered hair is then swiftly pulled from the skin.
Longevity 2-3 weeks.
Price: $$
Frequency: 4-6 weeks or until hair is ¼ inch.
Pros:
Suitable for all hair types.
Immediate results.
Softer hair growth.
Minimize occurrence of ingrown hairs.
Cons:
Must wait for the hair to grow back to the appropriate length.
Can be painful in sensitive areas.
Down-time 24hrs: no swimming, sweating, fragranced products, sun exposure.
Some sensitivity and mild swelling may occur following the treatment. Can take up to 48hrs to completely calm.
3. Threading
Process: A specialized thread is wound up and passed over the skin entwining the hair and pulling it from the hair follicle.
Longevity: 2-3 weeks.
Price: $
Frequency: 3-4 weeks. The hair must be visible at the surface.
Pros:
Price point.
Express service.
No risk of allergic reaction to product.
Cons:
Risk of cross contamination if thread is being anchored in the technician’s mouth.
Friction burns can occur in sensitive areas.
Hair may not be completely removed from its follicle and therefore grows back sooner than expected.
4. Sugaring
Process: A warm honey-like paste is maneuvered over the treatment area, adhering itself to the hair. After placement it is lifted away from the skin, taking along with it the unwanted hair.
Longevity: 3-4 weeks.
Price: $$
Frequency: 4-6 weeks. Sugaring only requires 1/8 inch of hair growth and can be done as soon as 2 weeks post service.
Pros:
Less length required for removal.
Organic formulation.
Suitable for all skin types.
Cons:
Uncommon service, difficult to source a professional technician.
Process: Hair is reduced by destroying the root of the hair using a light energy. There are slight variances in IPL vs Laser, but both deliver permanent reduction in hair growth rate, density, and thickness.
Longevity: 5+ years
Price: $$$
Frequency: 4-8 weeks. Until desired results (average 10-12 for max. results).
Pros:
Permanent reduction.
Quick service.
Eliminates ingrown hairs.
Smooths texture and pigmentation in areas with dark-coarse growth.
Cons:
Downtime 24-72 hours with strict guidelines.
Results may regress with hormonal fluctuation.
Not suitable for deep skin tones or light hair types.
Risk of burns.
6. Electrolysis/ Thermolysis
Process: The root of the hair is destroyed by delivering an electric current to the bulb. This can be done with electrically charged tweezers, or by insertion of a charged needled into the follicular region.
