Tried using cool water for extractions instead of steam

I read somewhere that hot steam can actually make the skin swell up and make extractions harder. So last week I tried doing extractions on a client using just cool water and a gentle spray. I thought it would be easier on her skin and give me better results. But honestly it was way worse. The pores didn't open up hardly at all and I had to press way harder to get the gunk out. Her face was redder than usual by the end and I felt bad. Learned my lesson - steam is there for a reason and I won't skip it again just because of some random internet tip. Has anyone else tried something different with extractions that totally backfired?

3 comments

3 Comments

aaronroberts4d ago

Yeah I tried cool water once and it was basically useless for getting anything out.

brooke4484d ago

The trick with cool water is you gotta let it sit for a bit before you try to get anything out. Let it soak in for like 10 or 15 minutes so whatever stain or residue has time to soften up. Most people just dump it and go, then wonder why it didn't do squat.

rosepark4d ago

Funny enough the temp matters less than the pH of the water sometimes. I had this old stain on a shirt and cool tap water did nothing but when I tried cool distilled water it came right out. Hard water has minerals that lock stuff in place before you even get a chance to scrub. Might be worth checking if your water's super hard before blaming the temperature.