Your Guide to Blackheads on Your Nose – Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Do you often find yourself staring at the mirror and noticing those pesky dark-coloured bumps on your nose? Blackheads are a common problem many people face, especially those with oily skin. These tiny dots form when excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria accumulate in the skin's pores. While they are not harmful, they can be frustrating to deal with. 

So, should you press or peel them away?

We are here to break down everything about blackheads on your nose — their major causes, prevention tips, and an effective skincare routine to treat them. 

What Are Blackheads on the Nose?

Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are a type of acne that forms when your pores become clogged with sebum, debris and dead skin cells. They get oxidised and turn blackish, hence called blackheads. 

You may find them around your T-zone because this region has more active glands producing excess sebum, making it more prone to clogged pores. Blackheads on the nose can be incredibly stubborn to deal with. 

There are plenty of effective treatments for blackheads that can help you achieve clear, glowing skin. But let’s understand what causes them in the first place.

How is a Blackhead Formed on the Nose?

Blackheads emerge deep from the pore lining. Here's a detailed look to understand the science behind blackhead formation;

When your skin produces excess sebum, it gets trapped inside your pores. It is incapable of flowing out smoothly. Now, when the oil or sebum gets stuck in the pores, it gets mixed with dead cells and other debris. It creates a clog on the skin's surface. 

Once this trapped mixture comes in contact with air, it gets oxidised and turns black. This is how a blackhead is formed. 

What Causes Blackheads on the Nose?

There are a few other factors that can make your skin prone to developing acne, including;

Excess oil production: Too much sebum on the skin increases the chances of blackhead formation. 

Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, can cause oil production to increase and contribute to blackhead formation.

Poor skincare routine: Failing to cleanse your face regularly or using comedogenic skincare or makeup products can cause blackheads. The use of heavy makeup, sunscreen, or other products that are incompatible with your skin type can also contribute.

Genetics: Some individuals may be more prone to blackheads due to their genetic makeup.

Bacteria buildup: Propionibacterium acnes bacteria may accumulate on the skin and can contribute to breakouts.

Certain medications: Drugs like lithium, or androgens may also contribute to different types of acne.
 
Environmental factors: Extreme weather conditions can disrupt your skin's barrier leading to more oil production and blackheads. 

Some experts also believe high glycemic index foods and dairy products can be linked to breakouts. 

How to Get Rid of Blackheads on Your Nose?

Whatever triggers them, blackheads are frustrating. They are stubborn and may seem difficult to banish. If blackheads appear on your nose, here's what you can do to eliminate them;

Try on professional treatments

Consider professional treatments like microdermabrasion or chemical peels. In microdermabrasion, a medical practitioner sands your skin using a tool with a rough surface, leaving you with clearer, smoother skin. 

Chemical peels are a powerful solution that can get you rid of dead skin cells and clogs. After a certain period, your top layer of the skin peels off giving a soft texture. 

Consider OTC treatments

Skincare brands formulate products specifically to target blackheads. AHA & BHA combination can reduce blackhead formation and make skin clear and smooth with regular use. 

Some over-the-counter medications can help in the removal of blackheads on your nose. Try out the products containing; 

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid belongs to the family of beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and is known for its exfoliating properties. It can prevent the clogging of pores and the formation of blackheads. 

Repair serum with 51% salicylic acid can exfoliate your skin gently. It is formulated with 2.5% mandelic acid and 1.75% lactic acid to fight acne and pigmentation and decongest pores respectively. 

Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid, an AHA derived from almonds, is a gentle exfoliator. Mandelic acid exhibits antibacterial properties that can reduce acne breakouts. It also aids in improving skin texture and reducing abnormal post-acne hyperpigmentation. 

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid (AHA) helps gently remove dead skin cells, decongest pores, and clarify the skin. It can lead to a smoother, healthier-looking complexion. 

A gentle cleanser with AHA compounds like 2.5% AHA Clarifying gel cleanser can help decongesting pores, and mildly remove debris and toxins while restoring deep hydration to your skin. 

Pre/Probiotic ingredients

Lactobacillus ferment lysate (pre/probiotic) and advanced oligosaccharide fructans provide potent antibacterial activity. These ingredients help to balance the skin's microbiome for optimal hydration and recalibrated age resistance.

A healthy biome can reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier, which may help prevent future blackheads. 

Discuss prescription options with your dermatologist

You can try medical-grade treatment options prescribed by your doctor. You can apply them to the affected area of your skin and notice the difference in a few weeks to months. Drugs like adapalene, tretinoin, and tazarotene are popularly helpful.

How to get rid of blackheads on your nose at home

Pore strips can quickly and easily remove blackheads on the nose. These strips can be a temporary solution. 

Apply the strip to your nose, wait a few minutes, and then remove it. You can steam your face before trying pore strips on your nose to make the procedure more effective. 

Tools like blackhead extractors can be effective in removing blackheads on the nose. However, you must be cautious using them to avoid skin damage and irritation.

Though manual extraction might offer temporary relief; these methods are not reliable nor do they work for longer durations. Moreover, strictly prohibit yourself from squeezing or poking your blackheads as this can aggravate the condition.

How to Prevent Blackheads on the Nose?

Once you have successfully eliminated blackheads on your nose, you must continue with the below-mentioned proactive steps to avoid future flare-ups. 

Keep your skin clean: Wash your face twice daily with a gentle non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells.

Refrain from touching your face: No matter how high the urge is, don’t touch your face now and then. This can help to prevent blackheads on your nose. When you touch your face, particularly your nose, you transfer bacteria and oils from your hands to your skin. It can lead to the formation of blackheads.

Use non-comedogenic products: Look for skincare products labelled "non-comedogenic," which won't clog your pores.

Safeguard your skin from the sun: Exposure to the sun can prompt your skin to generate excess oil, which can result in the formation of blackheads. Using an SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum sunscreen daily effectively shields your skin. 

Buff away dead skin with an exfoliating scrub or mask: Ensure to stick with mild and non-irritating formulas. 

Avoid heavy or greasy moisturisers or thick creams on your nose: They can block your pores and encourage breakouts. Instead, look for gel-based or fluid skincare options such as lightweight lotions. 

Key Takeaway

Regardless of how stubborn your blackheads are, they are always manageable. From using pore strips, salicylic acid and chemical exfoliants to microdermabrasion techniques, you can treat them. Following prevention tips like using non-comedogenic products, not skipping SPF, and maintaining your skincare routine can add to a clearer and healthier complexion. 

References

Medical News Today, 2023, Blackheads: Causes and Treatments, pages 1-5

Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, July 2018, The Role of Salicylic Acid in Acne Treatment, pages 45-52

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, March 2017, Mandelic Acid: A Gentle Alternative for Acne-Prone Skin, pages 112-118

Cleveland Clinic, 2022, Professional Treatments for Blackheads, ePublication

Harvard Health Publishing, February 2019, Diet and Acne: The Role of Glycemic Load and Dairy, pages 24-30