Many people grapple with several skin-related issues, including blackheads. Blackheads prove to be so much of a nuisance to human beings that they keep coming back even after elimination. It, therefore, is essential for you to understand how to get rid of blackheads on the nose. Here is a dermatological perspective on how you can eliminate blackheads on the nose.
What are Blackheads on the Nose?
To find the perfect solution to your blackhead woes, you first need to understand what blackheads on the nose are. Blackheads on the nose occur when there is continuous sloughing of your skin and clogging of the pores. It also involves the secretion of an oil known as ‘sebum’ that mixes with dead skin cells.
The process of blackhead formation is part of your skin’s natural exfoliation. However, when the skin surface is not clean, the pollutants accumulate in the pores. The dark pores, also known as ‘Blackheads,’ comprise mainly of oil, dead skin cells, grime, and bacteria. Furthermore, these pores are initially clear and greasy and only turn black when exposed to air for a long time.
What Causes Blackheads on the Nose?
There is no single answer to what causes blackheads on the nose because many factors can cause it. It could include environmental factors such as heat and humidity. The major factor that causes blackheads on the nose is as follows:
Clogging of nose skin pores
Most blackheads are usually found on the nose. This is because the skin’s pores clog up around the nose. The nose is the most neglected area when it comes to cleansing and exfoliation. This area also has oil glands that lead to increased secretion of oil and triggers the mixing of bacteria and dirt to form blackheads.
How Common is This Condition?
The formation of blackheads is very common. Blackheads on the nose are mostly seen in adolescents and about 10% to 20% of adults.
How to Get Rid of Blackheads on Nose?
If you are wondering how to get rid of blackheads on the nose, here are some tips for removing blackheads on the nose.
1. Facial Cleansing
Cleansing your face at least twice a day is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get rid of blackheads. With this basic skincare routine, you don’t need to wonder about how to prevent blackheads on the nose. Cleansing helps in preventing the accumulation of oil and dirt that causes the formation of blackheads. Even though every skin type varies, it would be best to cleanse your face at least twice a day, whether you have dry or oily skin.
2. Use of Toothpaste
If you are looking to eliminate blackheads on the nose, you can use toothpaste. It contains triclosan that kills bacteria and dries out the infected pores. Mix half a tablespoon of toothpaste with 1 part salt, then take this mixture and rub it on the nose. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes before cleaning away the blackheads.
3. Usage of Clay or Charcoal Masks
Masks made from clay or charcoal can help cleanse, soften, and detoxify the skin, thereby enabling the clearing of clogged pores to eliminate blackheads.
4. Pore Strips
Pore strips are also useful in getting rid of blackheads since they shrink the pores on the nose and extract the blackheads.
5. Exfoliate to Keep Skin Clean
A little skin exfoliation can help you get rid of blackheads and get an even tone. Opt for chemical exfoliators as they can enter deeper into your skin and get rid of the blackheads without damaging your skin, while the friction caused by physical exfoliators can damage your skin.
How to Prevent Blackheads on Nose?
Using exfoliating cleansers that keep your skin pores clean can help prevent blackheads on the nose. You can also get rid of your blackheads by using a retinoid or salicylic acid product. These products ensure that your pores do not get clogged, help get rid of the skin pollutants, and prevent the formation of blackheads.
Tips for Removing Blackheads on Nose
Here are a few home remedies and tips for removing blackheads on your nose that you need to keep in mind:
1. Coconut Oil and Sugar Scrub
A natural scrub made using coconut oil and sugar helps remove the blackheads and ensures that your skin does not dry up. The sugar granules are gentle on your skin and help get rid of blackheads smoothly, whilst the coconut oil ensures that your skin remains moisturised and soft.
- Take a spoon of virgin coconut oil to make the scrub and mix some sugar into it.
- Scrub the mix over your blackheads and wash off.
- Repeat this twice a week to get rid of your blackheads.
2. Oatmeal Scrub
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that soak up the excess oil on your skin, remove dead cells, and treat dry skin. Oats contain saponins that are natural cleansers and help exfoliate your skin.
- Mix 1 tablespoon each of oatmeal and yoghurt along with a few drops of lemon juice.
- Apply the mix to the nose and leave it for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash it off and dab it dry.
- Your nose will glow, and the blackheads will be removed.
3. Lemon Juice and Cinnamon
Lemon has antibacterial properties that help get rid of blackheads, and cinnamon improves your blood circulation, thereby tightening your pores.
- Mix lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder.
- Apply this paste to your face and leave it for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water.
Blackhead Treatments to Avoid
While it is essential to know how to get rid of blackheads on the nose, it is also vital to know what treatments to avoid.
1. Use of Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is a popular over-the-counter acne medication. However, it can cause severe itching, burning, stinging, redness, swelling, or peeling of your skin. Moreover, you must understand that blackhead formation is not an inflammatory type of acne, so using Benzoyl Peroxide may not change it.
2. Use of Extraction
Extraction is a manual process involving removing pimples using direct pressure. When you squeeze your blackheads using the process of extraction, the follicle may rupture and get inflamed. This could make your blackhead turn into a more serious skin condition. You need to visit your dermatologist to get this done.
What are the Differences Between Blackheads Vs. Whiteheads?
Apart from blackheads, a condition also arises on the skin known as whiteheads. A whitehead is similar to a blackhead, the only difference is a thin layer of skin on top of it. Whiteheads are closed, whereas blackheads are open. They are black because the debris and dirt are stuck in the pore. These pores get oxidised when exposed to air and turn brown to black.
Is it Okay to Squeeze Out Blackheads?
There is a chance that you might feel the temptation to squeeze out blackheads on the nose. However, doing so can cause the following problems:
1. Skin irritation
Squeezing a blackhead could push it further into the skin, causing pain and irritation.
2. Bacteria or excess oil introduction
Squeezing your blackheads could cause the spreading of bacteria and oil into the opening of the blackhead.
3. Increase in inflammation and scarring
Since your skin is sensitive and your nails are much stronger, squeezing a blackhead can irritate the skin and cause serious damage to it. The pore from which the blackhead is squeezed out of can get inflamed and result in a scar.
Summing Up on Blackheads on Nose
Blackheads can be annoying, but it is easy to get rid of them. Exfoliate and cleanse your skin daily to keep your pores clean. Avoid benzoyl peroxide and extraction techniques to get rid of blackheads. Do not squeeze blackheads as that can cause scarring. Use home remedies like coconut oil and sugar scrub, an oatmeal scrub, or a lemon juice cinnamon pack to get rid of blackheads.
References
- James Leyden, September 2017; Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574737/
- NHS, Acne - https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne#tab-causes
Maryam MOOSAVI, September 2017; Bentonite Clay as a Natural Remedy: A Brief Review - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5632318/
