In this article, we look at the causes of blackheads and the treatment options available for getting rid of blackheads. Scroll down to read more.
What Causes Blackheads On The Nose?
Some factors that are responsible for the formation of blackheads include:
Excessive production of oil by the sebaceous glands (2). A build-up of acne-causing bacteria on your skin (2). Accumulation of dead skin cells, which leads to the blockage of hair follicles (2). Hormonal changes during menstruation or while you are on birth control pills, which leads to increased oil production in your body. Medications like corticosteroids and androgens (2).
Steering clear of blackheads is difficult. But you can control and reverse these effects with the help of some simple DIY home remedies, preventive tips and tricks, and dermatological treatments.
How To Get Rid Of Blackheads On Nose
1. Exfoliate Twice A Week
Although exfoliation is considered harsh for your skin, it can help with the removal of blackheads. Use gentle chemical exfoliants that contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs). These acids are commonly used to eliminate blackheads as they help remove dead skin cells from the pores (3). Alpha and beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid are commonly used in the treatment of acne (4), (5), (6). These acids remove a layer of your skin, which may make your skin prone to UV damage. Always apply an oil-free sunscreen when you are going outside after exfoliating with these acids. Exfoliate with these acids twice a week if you have normal to dry skin and thrice a week if you have oily skin. Make sure to moisturize after every exfoliating session. Remember that these acids cannot be used in equal quantities for all skin types. Hence, consult a dermatologist before starting this treatment.
2. Use Blackhead Removal Strips
This is an excellent method to remove blackheads. The debris and dirt in the clogged pores stick to the strips, which makes it easier to pull them out (7). For best results, steam your face beforehand to open the pores. You Will Need Blackhead removal strips What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can use blackhead removal strips once a week. Caution: Do not use these strips if you have sensitive skin or are on topical medications like tretinoin.
3. Wash Your Face Twice A Day To Clear Out Dirty Pores
Washing your face regularly goes a long way in keeping the dirt and oil from accumulating in your pores. Rinse your face in the morning to remove the dirt and bacteria that may have accumulated on it the previous night. At the same time, do not over-cleanse your face as it may strip away the natural skin oils. If you exercise often, make sure to wash your face immediately after to prevent sweat from clogging your pores. Purchase a gentle face cleanser at a drugstore and use it twice a day.
4. Steam Facial At Home To Open The Pores
The steam helps in opening the pores on your face, making it easy for you to remove blackheads (8). You Will Need
1 large bowl of steaming hot water A towel
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this at least once a week.
5. Use Topical Retinoids (Not Recommend For Pregnant Women)
Topical retinoids are creams, gels, and lotions that contain medicinal derivatives of vitamin A. These compounds reduce keratinization (the process by which skin cells mature), thereby delaying aging skin. They are used to treat microcomedones (9). Although retinoids are very effective in treating blackheads, they typically take around 5 weeks to start working. Noticeable changes can only be observed after 6 months of use. The most potent topical retinoids available are: You can purchase topical retinoids online or at a pharmacy.
6. Charcoal Mask
Activated charcoal has the ability to absorb a wide variety of substances (10). Thus, it may help absorb the loosen the dirt and debris clogging the pores, thereby making the removal of blackheads easier. However, there is no scientific evidence that the topical application of activated charcoal has any skin benefits. You Will Need
1/2 teaspoon of activated charcoal 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin 2 tablespoons of water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Apply this mask 1 to 2 times a week.
7. Clay Mask
Various types of clay masks have been used since ancient times for healing skin infections as they are packed with antibacterial properties. Clay removes dirt and oil from clogged pores. By absorbing impurities from the skin, the clay helps cleanse and refresh the skin surface, thereby reducing the appearance of blackheads (11). A study conducted on rats found that clay also helped increase the collagen fibers in the skin (12). Therefore, it has the potential to make your skin look younger. Bentonite clay is extensively used as a detoxifying agent (13). It has a high toxic absorption capacity and bacterial properties (14). Thus, it is a potent ingredient that may be used in the treatment of acne and blackheads. Purchase clays masks for blackheads online or at your local beauty/drugstore. For most people, using clay masks once a week is enough. But, do not exceed this frequency as it can irritate your skin.
8. Egg White Mask
When egg whites harden on your skin, they stick to the pores and help pull out all the dirt clogging them along with the blackheads. You Will Need
2 egg whites 2 teaspoons of lemon juice Tissues
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can apply this mask twice a week.
9. Gelatin And Milk Mask
Gelatin is a bioadhesive that is effective for closing skin wounds (15). Its unique glue-like texture may be beneficial in the removal of blackheads. Adding milk to gelatin helps in balancing the pH of the skin and controls the excessive production of oil. You Will Need
1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin 2 tablespoons of milk
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this 2 to 3 times a week.
10. Lemon And Honey
The combination of honey and lemon has been in use for ages to treat a variety of skin problems. While vitamin C in lemon helps tighten the skin pores, honey acts as an antibacterial agent that has the potential to fight acne- and blackhead-causing bacteria (16), (17). Note: Avoid this remedy if you have dry or sensitive skin as it can aggravate the dryness and cause redness and irritation. You Will Need
1/2 lemon 1/2 teaspoon of honey
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You must apply this face pack 2 to 3 times a week for best results.
11. Baking Soda And Lemon
Baking soda can be used as a physical exfoliant to scrub your skin and unclog the pores that are causing blackheads. Adding lemon juice to this mixture can help in tightening your skin pores and prevent the formation of blackheads (16). Note: While baking soda is generally not harmful, it can irritate the skin if used in excess. Therefore, do a patch test before using it on your face. Avoid this remedy if you have dry or sensitive skin as it can aggravate the dryness and cause redness and irritation. You Will Need
1 tablespoon of baking soda 1/4 – 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this once a week.
12. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera has natural astringent properties that can help tighten open pores, thus preventing the formation of blackheads (18). You Will Need 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You must do this at least twice daily.
13. Glue Stick
The glue acts in a fashion similar to blackhead removal strips. It sticks to all the dirt and debris inside the pores and pulls them out. However, you must make sure that you are using a non-toxic glue as some ingredients in glue can cause an allergic reaction. Note: There is no scientific evidence to support the ability of glue in the removal of blackheads. You Will Need A non-toxic glue stick What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this twice a week. Once you succeed in getting rid of your stubborn blackheads, take the following precautions to make sure that they do not reappear.
Prevention Tips
Do’s For Blackheads On Nose
Don’ts For Blackheads On Nose
If you are looking to get rid of your blackheads quickly, you can try out the medical treatment listed in the next section.
Medical Treatments By Dermatologists
You can go for one of the following treatments to remove your blackheads after consulting a dermatologist.
What is the right treatment for open pores? The first step to treat open pores is to follow a good skin regimen. Use a mild cleanser to keep your skin clean. Also, apply a good natural astringent to shrink your pores. Exfoliate your skin at least once every week to close open pores. Do blackhead vacuums really work? They work at removing surface-level blackheads and some sebaceous filaments. Can toothpaste and salt remove blackheads on the nose? Although toothpaste is used for cosmetic purposes, it is not clear exactly how it helps in treating skin issues (19). While there are rumors that it helps treat pimples, it can also cause severe skin reactions (20). On the other hand, the grainy texture of salt might help exfoliate the dead skin cells that cause blackheads.
