Blackheads (a type of acne) are tiny, dark bumps caused by clogged hair follicles. They may appear on your nose, chin, chest, back, and shoulders. To get rid of blackheads, it is important to understand why and how they are formed.
There are millions of hair follicles on your body, including your face. Each follicle contains a hair strand and a sebaceous gland. When the skin sheds dead skin cells, they get collected into the follicle and form a bump called a comedone. If the bump remains closed, it is called a whitehead, but if the skin around the bump opens and allows air to get in, blackheads are formed.
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 .
- A build-up of acne-causing bacteria on your skin.
- Accumulation of dead skin cells, which leads to the blockage of hair follicles.
- 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.
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. Beta and beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid are commonly used in the treatment of acne. 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. For best results, steam your face beforehand to open the pores.
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
- Take a blackhead removal strip and stick it on a slightly wet nose.
- Make sure that it covers most of the blackheads.
- Allow it to dry for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pull the strip off gently, starting from the corner.
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.
You Will Need
- 1 large bowl of steaming hot water
- A towel
What You Have To Do
- Take a big bowl of steaming hot water and bend over it.
- Cover your head with a clean towel and stay put for at least 5 minutes.
- Wipe your face with a towel and try to extract your blackheads with it.
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 micro-comedones . 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:
- Tretinoin
- Isotretinoin
- Adapalene
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. 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
- Mix the gelatin water and heat the mixture for 10 to 15 seconds.
- When the gelatin paste thickens, add the activated charcoal and mix well.
- Apply this paste to your nose and allow it to dry.
- Peel the dried charcoal mask from your nose and wash your face thoroughly.
Read More on Style Craze
Read Also: 13 Easy Beauty Hacks / Christmas Hairstyle and Makeup Ideas
