How to Remove Blackheads on Nose

What are Blackheads

Blackheads are essentially a type of acne that can affect most people, usually appearing on the face, neck and back. They’re open bumps on the skin that fill with excess oil and dead skin. They look as if dirt is trapped the bump.

Blackheads are very common. Some researchers suggest that blackheads affect nearly everyone during their lives. Blackheads typically affect teenagers and young adults undergoing hormonal changes. However, many adults continue to have acne into their 20s, 30s and beyond. Some even develop blackheads for the first time as adults. 

Blackheads, of course, are not just a male issue — we all experience them at least once in our lives. Men, however, are more likely to experience blackheads. 'Statistically speaking, more men are susceptible to blackheads because their skin is naturally oilier than women’s skin. Men typically have larger pores and sweat more than women do, which results in more blackheads.’

What are Pores

Pores are tiny openings around hair follicles and sweat glands. They are present anywhere on your skin where there are oil glands, though they are more concentrated on your face, such as the pores on your nose.

The main function of pores is to allow the passage of gases and fluids through the surface to regulate bodily function.  Pores are tiny indentations in your skin’s surface which allows the skin to breath, detoxify and pass gases and excrete fluids from the body.  Hair follicle pores support the lubrication scalp and hair through the excretion of sebum. When pores clogged, it can cause various skin issues.

What Cause Blackheads on Nose 

Blackheads form when oil, dead surface cells, and pollutants combine into a sticky substance that gets trapped under the skin’s surface, oxidize, and turn black - completely plugging the pores.  Not only do congested and plugged pores lead to blackheads on nose, but they also make your pores look much bigger.  

Lifestyle habits, diet, and skin care routine, can all contribute to the problem through increased sebum production. Blackheads are often most pronounced in areas with high concentrations of sebaceous glands, as this is where excess build up is the likeliest to occur. For most people, this is in the t-zone, forehead and the nose. 

How to Get Rid of Blackheads on Nose

When it comes to dealing with blackheads, there's two ways to go about it. Firstly, prevention — nixing the risk of blackheads before they appear — and direct treatment, once you notice them appearing on your skin and it's a little too late.

Thankfully, both approaches are simple to undertake. 'Twice a day, without fail, you should wash your face with water, cleanse and moisturise. Using a regular exfoliator will also prevent and unclog pores which will stop hair follicles from becoming congested, as the oil, dead skin and bacteria is lifted in the exfoliation process. You should try and stick to a cleansing routine that helps balances and cleans your skin.’

Topical Blackhead Treatments - Prevention

urth's Aftershave with Salicylic Acid

This plant powered after shave for men combats blackheads, ingrown hairs and razor bumps with lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acids. A potent serum  infused with calendula, chamomile, allantoin, and essential oils nourish and soothe skin. This post shave serum is a "must have" for men's in treating blackheads, ingrown hairs and post shave irritation. Apply to affected area day or night 2-3 times daily and can be used as an overnight treatment. 

Azelaic Acid

Barley, wheat, rye and other various grains naturally contain azelaic acid. It kills microorganisms on your skin and reduces swelling.

Benzoyl Peroxide

This is available as an over-the-counter product (such as Clearasil®, Stridex® and PanOxyl®) as a leave-on gel or wash. It targets surface bacteria, which often aggravates acne. Lower concentrations and wash formulations are less irritating to your skin. Irritation (dryness) is a common side effect.

Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives)

Retinoids, such as Retin-A®, Tazorac® and Differin® (which is now available without a prescription), break up blackheads and whiteheads and help to prevent clogged pores. You may notice a change in skin color or peeling. Using retinoids every other day or using them at the same time as a moisturizer can r

Blackheads Extraction - Treatment

Blackhead removal involves squeezing the skin with your fingers or a tool to extract material that is clogging a pore. This can clean out the skin, but it can also cause damage if not done correctly.  Blackhead extractions can usually be done by an aesthetician as part of a facial treatment. The aesthetician will cleans your face, exfoliate and steam the face. This softens the plugs of debris and expands pore openings so the clogged material come out more easily.

Deeper blackheads should be removed by a medical professional — usually a dermatologist or medical aesthetician. They too will steam the face to soften the plugs of debris then a small tool with rigid metal loops on the ends (blackhead or comedo extractor) is used to apply even pressure to your blackheads. They can safely remove the entire blackhead and reduce the risk of it returning.

Blackheads in Ear  

Blackheads can develop anywhere on the body. Blackheads develop in the ears due to the accumulation of oils from our body, our hair, and hair products that build up and are not properly cleaned or exfoliated,” The skin inside our ears has many follicles and sweat glands that produce oil and ear wax.

As noted above, certain over-the-counter remedies can also help unplug blackheads in and around your sensitive ears. Salicylic acid is a helpful OTC medication that works by unclogging pores and stripping away dead skin cells. Other acne medications like benzoyl peroxide are also useful.

Always consult a dermatologist if an extraction is required to minimize the risk of infection.