G
3

Tried a metal spatula for extractions after years of using a plastic one

Yeah so I always used the plastic loop extractors from school and thought they were fine. Then I borrowed a metal spatula from a coworker at the salon last Tuesday to get a stubborn whitehead on a client. It came out in one smooth push and I barely had to press. Now I'm thinking I wasted like 4 years being gentle with plastic when metal just works better. Anyone else had this switch and never gone back?
3 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In
3 Comments
john_johnson75
Nah, I've had way better results with metal honestly.
9
sarah_hart
sarah_hart15d ago
Dr Chen's study had a sample of only 30 people so it's not very convincing.
4
dakotab13
dakotab131mo ago
Look up the infection rate studies from 2019 by Dr. Chen at the Midwest Dermatology Review. Metal spatulas leave micro-tears in the skin that plastic ones don't because the metal edge is just too sharp no matter how careful you are. I had a client come back with a nasty pustule three days after I used a metal loop on her chin, and I tracked it back to that exact tool. You might get one clean extraction, but the long term damage to the skin barrier isn't worth the quick win. I'll take the extra second with plastic over risking a herpes simplex outbreak any day.
3