Blackheads are a common skin woe, landing squarely in the acne family. From your face and nose to your neck, back, and chest, these pesky spots can pop up just about anywhere. In fact, acne is one of the most prevalent skin conditions in the US, affecting around 50 million people annually.
Blackheads, also known as open comedones, can feel particularly stubborn. No matter how diligently you cleanse, scrub, and exfoliate, they often seem determined to stick around.
Dr. Kellie Reed, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, explains that blackheads form when pores become clogged with a mix of oil, debris, and dead skin cells.
Contributing factors extend beyond just clogged pores. Genetics, hormonal shifts, skin bacteria, and even diet can play a role in blackhead development, Dr. Reed shared with Verywell.
While blackheads can appear across the face, neck, back, and chest, they are particularly fond of the nose. Dr. Anna Chien, Associate Professor of Dermatology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, highlighted to Verywell via email that the nose’s abundance of pores, hair follicles, and oil glands, combined with naturally larger pore size, makes it a prime blackhead location.
Sometimes, blackheads are deeply embedded, resisting easy removal. In these cases, prescription-strength products or professional extraction might be necessary, according to Dr. Reed.
But don’t despair! Even though blackheads can be persistent, effective treatments exist. Dermatologists recommend several home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) options, and professional treatments to safely and naturally tackle blackheads. Here’s your guide to getting rid of blackheads on your nose.
Effective Ways to Banish Blackheads on Your Nose
Instead of resorting to picking or squeezing, which can worsen the problem, dermatologists suggest exploring gentler home remedies, readily available OTC medications, and professional procedures for safe and natural blackhead removal.
Home Remedies for Blackheads
- Green Tea Treatment: Green tea is packed with antioxidants and can help regulate oil production. Create a simple treatment by mixing green tea leaves with water. Gently massage the wet leaves onto your skin for about 30 seconds, then rinse and follow with your usual moisturizer.
- Tea Tree Oil for Blackheads: Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial agent, frequently found in skincare products like soaps and creams. Apply tea tree oil directly to blackheads to combat bacterial growth and reduce their appearance.
- Exfoliating Salt or Sugar Scrubs: Gentle exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Salt or sugar scrubs can effectively achieve this. Massage a scrub onto your face, rinse thoroughly with water, and apply a moisturizer afterward to maintain skin hydration.
- Baking Soda Paste: Similar to salt and sugar scrubs, baking soda can exfoliate, helping to eliminate dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, gently massage it onto affected areas, rinse with warm water, and always moisturize afterward.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-897982744-5ac75359c673350037a09c88.jpg)
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments for Blackheads
- Azelaic Acid Creams: Azelaic acid, available in topical creams, fights blackheads by killing bacteria on the skin, reducing inflammation, and promoting clean pores.
- Salicylic Acid Products: Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in cleansers, lotions, and creams. It works by exfoliating the skin, helping to shed dead skin cells that can clog pores and follicles, preventing blackhead formation.
- Benzoyl Peroxide Washes and Creams: Benzoyl peroxide is another widely used OTC ingredient that targets acne-causing bacteria, reducing their presence on the skin and helping to clear blackheads.
- Topical Retinoids (OTC Strength): Topical retinoids can be effective in preventing blackheads by decreasing oil production and clearing out existing clogged pores. Look for OTC versions and use as directed.
Professional Blackhead Removal Treatments
- Chemical Peels: Chemical peels, often containing salicylic acid or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), are professional treatments that deeply exfoliate, unclog pores, and remove blackheads from the skin’s surface.
- Prescription-Strength Topical Treatments: Healthcare providers can prescribe stronger topical treatments, including retinoids, that work similarly to OTC options but at a higher concentration for more significant results.
- Oral Acne Medications: In some cases, oral acne medications prescribed by a doctor may be recommended to reduce bacteria that contribute to blackhead development.
- Professional Facials and Extractions: Professional facials, particularly those including microdermabrasion or manual extractions performed by a trained esthetician, can safely remove dead skin cells and sebum, directly addressing the root causes of blackheads. A professional can safely extract blackheads during a facial treatment.
It’s crucial to remember that while treatments like topical retinoids and OTC products can be effective, overuse can lead to adverse effects. Dr. Lindsey Bordone, a board-certified dermatologist at Columbia University Medical Center, cautioned Verywell that excessive use of any product can cause dryness, redness, irritation, inflammation, or skin flakiness.
Treatments and Habits to Avoid When Dealing with Blackheads
When trying to get rid of blackheads, especially on your nose, avoid the urge to squeeze or pop them, warns Dr. Chien. While tempting, attempting to extract blackheads yourself can do more harm than good. Leave extractions to professionals if needed.
“Excessive manipulation (squeezing, popping, etc.) should be avoided as it can lead to more inflammation and increase the risk for discoloration and scarring,” Dr. Chien emphasizes. “Excessive scrubbing and exfoliating should also be avoided.”
Furthermore, pore strips are generally not recommended. Dr. Reed points out that pore strips can cause more irritation than benefit. “They often target surface debris and do little to resolve the deeper blackheads.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1301495778-62894859575340e09f9a5d2720648193.jpg)
Preventing Blackheads: Long-Term Strategies
Beyond treatment, preventing blackheads is crucial. While factors like hormones, genetics, and diet play a role, Dr. Reed and Dr. Chien recommend these preventative measures:
- Gentle Daily Cleansing: Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser to remove oil, dirt, and debris that can clog pores.
- Regular Exfoliation: Exfoliate two to three times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent buildup.
- Oil-Free Moisturizer and Sunscreen: Use oil-free products to keep your skin hydrated without contributing to clogged pores and excess oil.
- Non-Comedogenic Products: Choose non-comedogenic skincare and makeup to minimize pore-clogging.
- Makeup Removal: Always remove makeup thoroughly at the end of each day to prevent irritation and clogged pores.
- Avoid Touching Your Face: Minimize touching your face to prevent transferring oil and bacteria from your hands to your pores.
- Rinse After Sweating: Wash your face after sweating to remove dead skin cells and bacteria before they can clog pores.
When to Consult a Dermatologist
If over-the-counter treatments and consistent skincare routines aren’t improving your blackheads, or if your condition worsens, it’s time to seek professional help. Dr. Bordone advises consulting a dermatologist if you see no improvement with home care.
Dr. Chien adds that worsening conditions, increased inflammation, discoloration, or scarring are also reasons to schedule a dermatologist appointment.
A dermatologist can offer tailored treatment plans, including prescription-strength medications and professional extraction if needed, to effectively manage your blackheads and achieve clearer skin.
What This Means for You
Getting rid of blackheads on your nose is achievable with the right approach. Dermatologists recommend a combination of gentle skincare, over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, and, when necessary, professional intervention. If your blackheads persist or worsen despite your efforts, consulting a dermatologist is the best next step.
