How to Get Rid of Blackheads on Nose: Ten Simple Tips
Carson goes the extra mile when it comes to skincare. She's passionate about helping women discover a skincare routine that suits them best.
Blackheads are stubborn, but there are simple and effective ways to remove them from your face.
As you look in the mirror your skin may appear blemish-free. But upon closer inspection, you may see small black spots on your nose. They won't come off with a towel or wet washcloth. They are not dirt, they are stubborn blackheads. While they are small, these small marks can cause just as much frustration as pimples. You might even feel more conscious and embarrassed, especially if your day involves a lot of face-to-face conversations. Blackheads may be difficult to deal with, but there are some easy ways to get rid of them, and keep them away for good.
What Causes Blackheads?
Just like acne, blackheads occur when your pores are blocked by dirt, oil, or dead skin cells. Sebum builds up and a bump forms on your face. It turns black upon exposure to oxygen, causing those familiar little black spots. They are common on the T-zone, which consists of the oiliest parts of the face: the forehead, nose, and chin. In some cases, people also get blackheads in their ears.
Ten Tips to Be Blackhead-Free
- Use an extractor.
- Use strips.
- Try a treatment cream.
- Exfoliate regularly.
- Wash your face twice a day.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Visit a dermatologist.
- Reduce stress.
- Don't touch your face.
Steam your face or take a hot shower before using an extractor.
1. Use an Extractor
One common way to remove blackheads at home is to use an extractor. The first thing you should do is to steam your face to allow your pores to open up. You can take a warm shower or boil water in a pan and position yourself in a way so that the steam goes up directly to your face.
Disinfect the extractor using alcohol before proceeding. Place the extractor around the blackhead and gently apply pressure. Do not force to remove them if you find it difficult to do so. Applying too much pressure usually does more harm than good.
2. Use Strips
Another remedy you can try at home is a blackhead strip or pore strip. This is like a tape which contains a glue-like substance on one side. Cleanse your face and then apply the pore strip to your nose. Leave it in place for 10 minutes or so to allow the strip to dry completely. You can also do this on other parts of your face, such as the chin or forehead. Remember to wash your face again after removing the strip.
3. Try a Treatment Cream
You might have seen a lot of blackhead treatments on the shelves of your local drugstore. These are especially designed to help you get rid of blackheads on your nose. Make sure that you check the ingredients. Look for salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide on the list. These two ingredients are commonly used to treat blackheads, acne, and other skin disorders. Also read the product label and follow the instructions carefully. You can also ask your dermatologist to help you choose the best treatment for you.
4. Exfoliate Regularly
Many people fail to realize the importance of regularly exfoliating the skin. Remember that one of the causes of blackheads and acne is the accumulation of dead skin cells. Make it a habit to exfoliate your skin twice weekly using a gentle facial exfoliant. This will ensure that you slough off dead skin cells and allow new ones to surface.
Regular cleaning will keep your pores from becoming clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.
5. Wash Your Face Twice a Day
This might sound too common to even include in this list, but many people fail to follow this rule. Wash your face only two times a day, no more than that. If your face becomes oily in the middle of the day, use oil-absorbing sheets instead of washing your whole face. Too much washing removes the moisture from drier areas. Your body will then respond by increasing sebum production. And as you know, more oil means more chances of getting blackheads.
Drinking water, at least eight glasses a day, will lead to healthier skin.
6. Drink Plenty of Water
If you want to get rid of blackheads, you have to start from the inside. One of the simplest remedies can be easily found at the kitchen sink. As a general rule, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. When you are well-hydrated, it will show on the outside and you will notice a healthier skin.
Eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein will reduce the incidence of blackheads.
7. Eat Healthy Foods
As they say, you are what you eat. If you like munching on sweets and oily foods all the time, you might notice that your skin becomes oilier. While this is subject to a lot of debate, it can only help your skin to eat a balanced diet and cut down on unhealthy food. A few sweet treats now and then is okay, but make sure that you meet your daily nutritional needs by eating fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains. Remember to also drink plenty of water and stay hydrated!
What Works for You?
8. Visit a Dermatologist
If you have tried everything you can to remove blackheads but they continue to thrive, it is recommended to visit your dermatologist. Sometimes only a professional can help, by prescribing medication or performing necessary treatments. While you’re at it, do not hesitate to ask questions about how to take care of your skin and keep it healthy.
Stress can lead to hormone imbalance. Exercise and relaxation will help keep your body chemistry in line.
Read More From Bellatory
9. Reduce Stress
Did you know that stress is also one common cause of blackheads? It messes up with your hormones and triggers overproduction of sebum. You might notice that you have a breakout when you are studying for exam week, rushing for a deadline, or failing to get enough sleep. Keep your schedule in check and manage your time more efficiently. Also exercise regularly and practice yoga and relaxation techniques. Try to get plenty of sleep every night—as much as possible. This will allow your body to recover and have enough energy the next morning.
10. Don't Touch Your face.
Do you like rubbing your eyes, removing dirt from your face using your hands, or just simply touching your face? Stop it! Your hands are probably dirtier than you think, so keep them away from your face and ransferring all that dirt. Simple things like this go a long way. If you absolutely must touch your face, make sure that you wash your hands first.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
Comments
Somebody on March 09, 2019:
How long does it take to get rid of blackheads?
Verger on April 06, 2018:
How to rid of black spot an painful nose
ashkan on January 02, 2018:
im agree with reduce stress
its the most important problem, everything start with it
Litzy on December 01, 2017:
Wow I love this!
Moni on May 09, 2017:
Can I use my Schick razor to remove blackheads or will this make it worse
Barbara Shelton on March 27, 2017:
I get little bumps on my face it feels like a light bee sting and then turns into sores
divya sharma on February 22, 2017:
I want to lose 20 ponds as soon as possible can you suggest some diet and exercise to do so? Looking forward to get a reply soon pleaes...........
Mudasir Mir on February 13, 2017:
Nice information, I am going to employ it. Hope it will work.
nagesh on October 14, 2016:
I am having blacksopts on the edge of nose it covered entirely what are remedies to be taken
Ashish kumar on September 09, 2016:
I have lots of pimples and black heads after pimple recoverd and that black head being for a long time like 20-30 days...
I feel embarrassing everywhere...
I have to face my interviews as well in the upcoming days...I am very much upset..
Please tell me some another remedy because most of the remedy discussed above been tried by me..
Thank you...
juan on August 25, 2016:
i agreeeeee with LONDONLADY it isnt black heads
Deya Writes on February 01, 2016:
An extractor works well, but most blackheads aren't actually black heads. They are sebaceous filaments and no matter what you do, when you extract them out, the pore will fill up again within a few days as a defense/protective mechanism and to function as a barrier. So ideally a routine like this needs to be repeated a few times a week.
Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on November 20, 2015:
Great tips. Very helpful and useful with handy tips.
Vandhana vijay on May 01, 2015:
It was every useful to me.....Thank you......
Carson McQueen (author) from Philippines on April 21, 2013:
iguidenetwork, you may try some of the tips above. "Squeezing" those blackheads may just make the condition worse. I hope this hub helps you. :)
lifetips123, thanks for reading and voting up!
Praveen P.V. Nair from Trivandrum on April 19, 2013:
nice. voted up and useful
iguidenetwork from Austin, TX on April 19, 2013:
I'm guilty of pinching my nose too hard to squeeze all those blackheads out. I know this is bad but one time I had too many of them. Thanks for your tips, some of them are surprisingly simple like drinking water, I just discovered. :)
Carson McQueen (author) from Philippines on March 02, 2013:
Thank you too for reading!
Shadaan Alam from India on March 02, 2013:
useful article, thanks for sharing this one
OanaBoteanu on December 03, 2012:
Very useful advice, thanks!
