Blackheads, a type of acne, are alternatively called open comedones and form when the debris clogging the pores on the skin gets oxidized on exposure to air. The nose is most prone to getting blackhead as that zone generally contains more pores and hence, has excess sebum production. Besides excessive production of sebum, accumulation of dead skin cells, dirt, and gunk, and overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria are responsible for causing blackheads. Regular exfoliation, daily face cleansing, and the use of blackhead removal strips, charcoal masks, or topical retinoids may help you get rid of blackheads on the nose. Avoid scrubbing, popping the blackheads, or over-washing your face. If blackheads persist after trying the natural remedies discussed here, consult a dermatologist for medical treatments to remove blackheads.
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
Separate the egg whites from the yolk and beat them in a bowl with two teaspoons of lemon juice.
Apply a thin layer of this mixture around your nose, focusing more on the areas with blackheads.
Allow the first layer of the mixture to dry, and then place a tissue over your nose.
Apply a second layer of the mixture on top of the tissue and allow it to dry.
You may go ahead with a third layer if you have many blackheads.
Once dried, you can pull off the layered tissues from your nose, along with all the blackheads.
Wash your face thoroughly to get rid of the raw smell of eggs.
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. 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
Mix the gelatin with the milk and heat it for 10 to 15 seconds in a microwave or saucepan. Do not boil.
Apply this mixture to your nose.
Allow the mask to dry for 30 to 40 minutes.
Peel the mask gently from its edges.
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.
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
Squeeze the juice from half a lemon and add honey to it.
Apply this mixture to your nose. You can also apply it to the entire face.
Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
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.
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
Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough lemon juice to form a thick paste.
Apply this mask on your nose and let it dry. You can also apply this paste to the entire face.
Wash your face thoroughly.
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.
You Will Need
1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
What You Have To Do
Massage your nose with aloe vera gel.
Allow it to dry before washing it off with lukewarm water.
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
Wash your face with warm water and then apply a little non-toxic glue to your nose.
Let it dry completely.
Peel off the glue from your nose, and watch your blackheads come along with the dried glue.
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
Use Oil-Free Sunscreen And Cosmetics: Opt for an oil-free sunscreen formula that will not clog your pores. This will prevent an oil film from forming on top of your skin, which can aggravate the blackheads.
Don’t Forget To Moisturize: Moisturizing is a must as some of these topical retinoids, gels, acids, and remedies can strip away the natural oils from the skin. Besides, moisturizing will allow you to use these products on your skin without worrying about them drying your skin out. You can find some non-comedogenic moisturizers on the market that are specially formulated to not clog your pores.
Use A Sonic Cleaning Brush: Sonic cleaning brushes are meant for deep cleaning. They penetrate your skin to clear out your pores, thus maintaining proper hygiene and preventing blackheads.
Don’ts For Blackheads On Nose
Scrubbing: Excessive scrubbing can actually worsen the problem as it may strip away the natural oils from your skin and leave your pores open and vulnerable to dirt and pollution.
Self-Extracting (Popping): This is a strict no-no! The bacteria on your fingers can inflame your skin, which can worsen the blackheads.
Avoid Over-Washing Your Face: Washing your face several times a day throws the sebum production of your skin out of balance, leading to not only more blackheads but also a host of other skin problems.
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.
Over-The-Counter Treatments (For Mild Blackheads): OTC blackhead treatments are available in the form of creams, gels, pads, and serums. These often contain salicylic acid.
Prescription Medicines: Your dermatologist may suggest medications that contain AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids to prevent pore plugs from forming in your hair follicles.