Blackheads occur when the pores on the nose become clogged with oils and bacteria as noted by the Mayo Clinic. Exposed to the air, the clogged material oxidizes and changes to a darker hue. Although blackheads are usually visible upon close inspection, they can cause some people to become self conscious of their appearance. If you're concerned about the number or appearance of blackheads on your nose, seek advice from your doctor or dermatologist regarding the best course of treatment.
Step 1
Schedule time twice a day for skin care. Use a cleanser formulated for acne-prone skin containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to clear away dead skin cells and bacteria. Apply a toner to minimize pores to prevent more debris from clogging them. Moisturize if necessary using an oil-free moisturizer - skin that is too dry can overproduce oils, worsening the problem as noted in "Acne for Dummies."
Step 2
Resist the urge to pick at blackheads with your bare hands. It may be tempting to poke, prod, peel or pick at your nose to remove blemishes, doing so contaminates the area with oil, bacteria and dirt from the skin on your hands, potentially exacerbating the problem. Picking at blackheads can also cause increased irritation and, in extreme cases, lead to scarring. Instead, invest in a comedone extractor, available from most beauty supply stores.
Step 3
Speak with your doctor about the benefits of a chemical peel, suggest the skin experts at the Mayo Clinic. This cosmetic procedure is typically used to reduce the signs of aging or sun damage. Chemical peels use acids to remove the top layer of skin. While redness, blistering and irritation are common side effects of this procedure as noted in "Milady's Standard Cosmetology," chemical peels are a viable treatment option for blackheads on the nose.
Step 4
Examine your lifestyle. If you wear glasses, clean the nose piece frequently with isopropyl alcohol. Keep long hair from touching your nose and wash your hands before touching your face. Anything that comes into contact with your nose has the potential to harbor contaminants that can clog pores and worsen or create blackheads, notes "Acne for Dummies."
Step 5
Consider over-the-counter spot treatments designed to remove blackheads from the nose, advises beauty expert Paula Begoun in "The Complete Beauty Bible." Pore strips, which peel away dirt and debris, are readily available at most pharmacies. Creams and lotions that dry out blackheads are also available. Cleansers with exfoliating beads or crystals may also help with the extraction of blackheads.
Tips and Warnings
- Factors including, but not limited to, lifestyle, genetics and hormones all play a part in the formation of blackheads and other blemishes. Acne and blackheads are complex issues that can't always be tackled at home.
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Acne: Symptoms
- "Acne for Dummies"; Herbert P. Goodheart; 2006
- "Milady's Standard Cosmetology"; Arlene Alpert; 2002
- "The Complete Beauty Bible"; Paula Begoun; 2004
- The Mayo Clinic: Acne: Treatments and Drugs
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