January 22, 2024

WHAT CAUSES LARGE PORES AND BLACKHEADS ON NOSE

Men aren't just built differently – our skin behaves differently too. Thanks to the testosterone pumping through our veins, our sebaceous glands (oil factories) often go into overdrive.  This causes excess oil on face. When coupled with dead skin cells this forms an unwelcome trio on our faces - enlarge pores, oily skin, and those unsightly 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.  

What Causes Large Pores and Blackheads?

Imagine your pores as tiny doorways. They're meant to let sebum and sweat flow freely, but excess oil on face and dead skin cells act like stubborn doormats, clogging pores and making pores appear larger. Over time, trapped sebum under skin oxidizes and darkens, transforming into unwelcome blackheads.

Home Treatments for Large Pores and Blackheads on Nose 

Repeat after me, you cannot shrink pores, but with good men's skincare routine you can get rid of dead skin cells, keep pores clean, minimize oily skin, minimize large pores and minimize blackheads.

Here’s how:

  • Choose the best men's face wash that won’t dry out skin. Wash your face 2x daily, morning and night.  A good face wash will rinse away impurities leaving pores clear, skin refreshed without drying out the skin.
  • Best Men's Face Scrub - Exfoliate face two to three times a week to get rid of dead skin cells on face, minimize excess oil on face and keep pores clean. A clay face scrub for men is key to gently rid the dead skin cells on face and help unclog pores.  Consistency is key to keep pores clean and keep pores from clogging. Chemical exfoliant for face such as salicylic acid (BHA) are good for those troubled with enlarged pores and blackheads. BHA is oil soluble, so it penetrates deeper into skin’s surface to keep pores clear and minimize oily skin.
  • Choose a lightweight Face Balm w SPF to keep your skin hydrated during the day and minimize oily skin.  At night, choose a replenishing moisturizer to revitalize the skin as you sleep. It may seem counter intuitive but keeping the skin moisturized helps to balance skin and keeps the sebaceous glands in check to minimize oily skin.
  • Use a clay mask for face infused with alpha hydroxy acids and salicylic acid to get rid of dead skin cells on face, control oily skin and keep pores clean. Do this at least once a week.
  • Manage stress, eat a balanced diet, get a good night sleep and protect skin from the sun to minimize oily skin and minimize breakouts. 

PORE CLOGGING INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

If you're prone to clogged pores and blackheads on nose, we’ve put together a short list of pore clogging ingredients that might be worth steering clear of. 

PETROLEUM JELLY

It's very thick, sitting on the surface of the skin and can suffocated the pores, leading to oil and dead cell buildup that can ultimately turn into a pimple.

COCOA BUTTER

Although coco butter has beneficial properties to moisturize the skin but it is also high in oleic acid, a fatty acid, which tends to be more comedogenic and puts it at a high rating of 4 on the comedogenic scale. An alternative that's just as moisturizing but won't clog pores is shea butter, which is non-comedogenic.

COCONUT OIL 

Rated 4 on the comedogenic scale. While coconut oil can be pore clogging, you would have to see where it is on the ingredient list.  If it is lower on the list, it may not affect your skin. However, if you are prone to acne then it might be best to skip it. 

SILICONE

Even though silicones are a 1 on the comedogenic scale they can still potentially cause pimples in some, especially if you are prone to acne.

LANOLIN

Lanonin has  a rating of 4 on the comedogenic scale making them highly comedogenic.  Lanolin comes in many versions. The two most likely versions to consistently clog pores regardless of your skin type: acetylated lanolin and acetylated lanolin alcohol.

MARULA OIL

Coming in at 3-4 on the comedogenic scale, theoretically not suitable for those prone to acne. 

PORE CLOGGING INGREDIENTS CHECKER

A quick google search will reveal that there are a plethora of skincare companies and clinics with their own pore clogging ingredients list. They also have online apps to rank where the specific ingredient falls on the comedogenic scale to help you make more informed decisions on your men’s skincare choices.  A word of caution is to use these tools as a general guideline and make your final decision based on the product's over all formulation. 

Pores. We all have them but large pores and blackheads don’t have to take center stage on your skin.  Developing a good skincare routine for men will minimize oily skin, minimize blackheads and will let you have healthy skin with clean pores. 

urth has curated skin care kits for men to simplify men's skincare routine. These plant powered men’s skin care products are formulated with chamomile, green tea, ginseng and pure essential oils to cleanse, brighten, nourish skin and protect against signs of aging. Improved and better skin after every use. Perfect for all skin types - including men with sensitive, dry, combo, and oily skin.

Helpful urth insider tip: After Shave for Men with salicylic acid offers multiple benefits as an ingrown hair treatment, and as an effective solution to minimize large pores, minimize blackheads and control oily skin.  Use as a serum day or night in oily T-Zone area or affected areas and follow with face moisturizer for men.