What piece of equipment is used to soften comedones for easy extraction?

The steamer is the correct choice because it helps to soften and hydrate the skin, making it easier to extract comedones—clogged pores that can lead to acne. When steam is applied to the face, it opens up the pores and increases blood circulation, which can help with the overall cleansing process. The warmth and moisture from the steam make the skin more pliable, allowing for a less painful and more effective extraction of comedones.

In contrast, the microdermabrasion machine is primarily used for exfoliating the outer layers of dead skin cells and does not specifically target the softening of comedones. The facial scrubber also focuses on cleaning the skin's surface but lacks the specific benefits of steaming for extraction purposes. An ultrasonic device utilizes sound waves for gentle cleansing and can enhance product penetration, but does not provide the same softening effect on the skin that steam does. Thus, the steamer is uniquely beneficial for facilitating the extraction process.