Texas Esthetician License Practice Exam

Where must you apply pressure when performing extractions to achieve optimum success?

1. Skin surrounding the follicular wall

2. Directly on the pimple

3. On the outer skin layer

4. On the cheeks

The correct answer is: Skin surrounding the follicular wall

Applying pressure to the skin surrounding the follicular wall is the best approach when performing extractions. This method is effective because it allows for the released material, such as sebum and debris, to be expelled from the follicle without causing additional trauma to the skin. Concentrating on the area around the follicular wall helps to encourage a more controlled extraction, minimizing the risk of scarring or inflammation. The other methods, such as applying pressure directly on the pimple or on the outer skin layer, can lead to improper extraction techniques that might damage the skin or push the contents further into the follicle, potentially causing more clogging or infection. Focusing pressure on specific areas like the cheeks does not aid in targeting the follicular environment effectively for optimal extraction results.