When oil in the skin--or sebum--clogs the pores on your nose, you can develop blackheads. Dead skin cells get in the clogged pores and give the spot a black appearance, according to AcneNet, a website from the American Academy of Dermatology. When the clogged pores become inflamed, cysts can develop. Hormonal changes increase sebum production, which why teenagers and pregnant women are prone to acne. Women experiencing menopause also are prone to breakouts. Treatment to get rid of those blackheads varies between individuals.
Step 1
Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face only twice a day, although you can lightly wash after exercising, as well. Too frequent washing can irritate the skin and make the blackheads appear larger. Use clean fingertips to work in the gentle soap. Washcloths and scrubbers can irritate the skin and inflame the blackheads, causing them to turn into cysts.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter medication for acne that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. A gel is more effective for oily skin, while acne lotions and creams work best on dry skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Step 3
Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription-strength cream for your blackheads if over-the-counter medications don't work. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin A derivatives such as adapalene, tezarotene and tretinoin are effective ingredients to clear up blackheads. Other prescriptions are available that combine antibiotic ointment with benzoyl peroxide to fight the bacteria that causes the blackheads.
Step 4
Consider a chemical peel, which is a cosmetic surgery procedure that effectively removes the clogged pores and gets rid of unsightly blackheads. Clinicians place chemicals made of salicylic or glycolic acid on the face, and they essentially melt away the top later of skin, promoting, new, fresh skin growth. Mild side effects include redness and burning. Rare side effects can include changes in skin color and infection.
Tips and Warnings
- Use acne medication over your entire nose instead of just on the blackheads for the most effective treatment. Prevent additional blackheads from forming by treating your entire face with the product. Use a small dab, and spread it evenly over your face.
- Do not squeeze blackheads on your nose. Though squeezing may rid your nose of the black mark, dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology report that you can do more damage by spreading the bacteria and causing infection. Additionally, squeezing acne can lead to permanent scarring. Don't use products that contain alcohol to try to dry up oily skin that leads to blackheads, especially around the nose. The alcohol merely irritates the skin and can cause worse breakouts.
Things You'll Need
- Mild cleanser
- Over-the-counter acne cream
- Prescription acne medication
- Chemical peel
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