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Saw a new hire at the spa next door using a comedone extractor on active, inflamed acne
I watched through the window for a full minute before I had to look away. She was pressing down on a bright red, swollen cyst, which is a huge no-go. That can push bacteria deeper and cause scarring or worse infections. I learned the hard way about 8 months ago when a similar mistake led to a client needing a dermatologist visit. It's basic training stuff, but I guess some places rush people through. Has anyone found a good way to gently correct another esthetician when you see them making a risky move like that?
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hannaht291mo ago
Bring it up as a teaching moment instead of a criticism. I've done this myself when I saw a coworker using a comedone extractor on an active break out. I just walked over and said, "Hey, I learned that working on inflamed bumps can actually make them way worse and lead to scarring." Then I showed her a gentler approach with a warm compress and a bit of salicylic acid. She was relieved to know a better way, and we avoided any awkwardness. It's all about sharing what you know without making the other person feel small.
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finley_bennett283mo ago
Watched a friend's new assistant do something similar with a blackhead tool on a really angry spot. My friend pulled her aside after the client left and just asked, "Hey, can I show you a trick I learned for those?" She framed it like sharing a tip, not a correction, and it worked way better than calling her out. The assistant was actually grateful because she didn't know she was causing harm. Sometimes people just aren't taught properly, and getting mad doesn't fix it. That approach saved their working relationship too.
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