Blackheads, sometimes also called “open comedones”, are small dark spots on the skin. A whitehead on the other hand is a “closed comedo”. Blackheads are actually blocked pores that get filled with keratin, skin debris and sebum, which is an oily substance. This is the first stage of pimples of acne. The blackhead can grow to become a pimple. Blackheads are not exactly a health hazard, but they are very frustrating as they come up on the most visible part of our body – the face. Often, they are seen right on the nose. Naturally, it looks bad. You will definitely want to remove it as soon as you get the blackhead. It’s essential to know how to get rid of blackheads on nose safely and quickly.
What Causes Blackheads on My Nose?
Here are some common causes of blackheads on nose.
- Hormonal changes in the body – Hormones in your body can cause blackheads. Dihydrotestosterone or DHT is a hormone that triggers over activity of the oil glands. And if your body is producing a lot of oil, then your skin pores are likely to get clogged. This can give you a blackhead. This happens again in the late 20’s when the estrogen level begins to drop. The oil glands are working more, as the body’s testosterone level is higher than estrogen. About one in three women get blackheads as a result.
- Skin products – Cosmetics and other skin products can cause blackheads as well, particularly on the nose. Face creams hydrate the skin, but they can end up adding more pore-clogging oil. Skin products and even makeup with fragrances and artificial color can clog the hair follicles on your skin, and cause blackheads.
- Medicines – Some medications are to be blamed as well for deep blackheads. The National Institutes of Health and U.S. National Library of Medicine approved information source Medline Plus has reported that medicines that are rich in phenytoin, estrogen, testosterone, and steroids can cause several skin problems, including blackheads.
- Stress – There is no medical proof that stress is directly related to blackheads. But not everybody is so sure. Some people are convinced that it can cause blackheads too. After all, anxiety and stress causes grey hairs. When under stress, we tend to neglect our body, and as a result we may very well have these blackheads.
- Caffeine and alcohol – Think again if you are somebody who wants to start the day with that cup of hot coffee, if that is, you want to get rid of blackheads on your nose fast. It might also be a good idea to stop taking that wine just after dinner. Some studies have indicated that both alcohol and caffeine could be bad for the health of your skin. Stimulants in your coffee can kick-start the oil glands of your skin. Alcohol affects sleep, but more importantly, it can reduce the size of your skin pores. You are unnecessarily exposing yourself to clogging.
- Smoking – Smoking could be one of the causes as well. The cigarette smoke is full of ash, tar, and many chemicals that can damage the surface of skin causing blocked pores and dead cells. Some experts have also commented that smoking can make your blackhead treatment fail too. So give it up if you are a smoker, and if you are trying to eliminate blackheads on nose. We all know that smoking is bad for health. Why do it?
- Food – There could be a link between nutrition and blackheads as well. Sugary foods, fried foods, and those with a lot of carbohydrates can have a huge impact on your skin. Doughnuts, french fries, and chocolates have all been blamed. However this connection is not yet proven as most studies have been inconclusive.
- Sweat – A heat wave, an intense session at the gym and everything else that makes you sweat profusely can cause blackheads. That’s because, excessive sweat can clog up the pores. And it is even worse if you have makeup while sweating.
- Sleeping with makeup – This one is a crime. There’s a high chance that you will have clogged pores if you go to sleep without removing the makeup. Cosmetics can clog the pores anyway. So do clean your face always before hitting the bed.
However, no matter what the cause of your blackhead, you should know that there is one common issue in all of them, and it is “clogged pores”. Cosmetics, sweat, and excessive production by your oil glands can all clog these pores and cause blackheads. It has also been seen that those who have oily skin are more likely to have these growths and acne.
Blackheads and Skin Hygiene – A Myth
Some people are convinced that poor hygiene can cause blockheads, particularly during menstruation or in puberty, when the hormone levels are fluctuating. That is incorrect. Doctors and researchers are of the opinion that this is just a myth. United Kingdom’s National Health Service has said that the biological reactions triggering acne and blackheads are not on the skin’s surface. They are below it. The only exception to this is makeup, sun screens, moisturizers and all those other skin products.
Treatments to Get Rid of Blackheads on Your Nose
Sadly, there seems to be no conventional treatment that can stop and even remove blackheads on nose. At best, there are some creams and solutions that can remove the ugly scar left behind. However luckily, there are some fantastic home remedies that are working very well. And the best thing about them is that, these are all natural solutions, and thus, there are no side effects.
Here are some very good home remedies to remove blackheads on nose.
1. Egg White Mask
You can use the white portion of an egg to create a mask for tightening your pores. You will not just have the answer to how to get rid of blackheads on nose, but you can prevent future outbreaks as well. the white portion is good for your skin as well as it is rich in nutrients.
Get this
- A single egg
- A clean towel
- A small bowl
- Some toilet paper or facial tissue
Do this
- Separate yolk from the eggs white portion.
- Rinse your face.
- Pat your face to make it dry.
- Apply the egg white on your skin. The layer should be thin.
- Keep the toilet paper or facial tissue on the white portion and press this gently on your face.
- Keep it for sometime so that the layer can dry.
- Now apply a second layer over the paper or tissue. The tissue or paper shouldn’t slide.
- Give it more time so that this layer can dry as well.
- You can apply a third layer too – this is optional.
- Your face will feel tight when your mask is dry.
- Peel off the mask. Get rid of any residue.
- Pat dry. Apply some moisturizer.
2. Cinnamon and Honey Strips
Those who are asking how to remove blackheads on nose will be happy with this potent combination. There are a lot of anti-bacterial agents in your honey. This will keep the bacteria, which causes acne, away. It will also pull out anything that is clogging the pores. Cinnamon is going to improve circulation. You will have glowing, healthy, smooth, and blackhead free skin.
Get this
- Organic and raw honey
- Cinnamon powder
- Clean cotton strips
Do this
- Mix the cinnamon and honey together. You should have adequate quantity for covering the entire affected area.
- Apply the layer on your blackhead. Keep the layer thin.
- Press some cotton over it.
- Keep it for three to five minutes.
- Now remove the layer and rinse your face.
- Apply some moisturizer.
3. Cleansing Sugar Scrub
Sometimes, what you will just need is some decent exfoliating and moisturizing. Exfoliating will remove those dead skin cells that can clog your pores. This is going to improve circulation too and give you soft and glowing skin. Use Jojoba oil as it is close to the body’s own sebum. You can use olive, grape seed or sweet almond as well if you do not have jojoba.
Get this
- Jojoba oil – 4 tablespoon.
- White or brown sugar – 1 cup.
- One airtight glass jar.
- Some essential oils – this is optional.
Do this
- Mix the jojoba oil and sugar. Stir till no grains are left.
- If you like a fragrance, then add the essential oil to it. Just add a few drops.
- Store this in a glass jar. Keep it in a dark and cool place.
- You are ready to apply it now. But remember, to get rid of blackheads on your nose fast, you should still stir it before applying. And always apply on a wet face.
- Massage it slowly over the skin. Your motions should be circular.
- Keep this for 30 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
- Apply moisturizer.
Warning: Remember, you shouldn’t apply this for more than two to times in a week maximum. You can have skin irritation otherwise.
4. Lemon Juice Scrub
Lemon juice is good for removing deep blackheads as well. You are sure to get good results, as the vitamins and nutrients in lemon juice work on all skin types.
Get this
- Lemon juice.
- Honey.
- Yogurt.
- Salt.
- Rosewater or milk.
- Jar or bowl.
Do this
- Mix some honey, yogurt, salt and lemon juice and keep it in the bowl or jar.
- Now scrub the area affected. Apply this natural mixture evenly.
- You may also mix rosewater or milk with your lemon juice to have a facial cleanser.
- Apply this every day for up to 10-12 days.
5. Green Tea
Green tea is good for us all. It helps us improve our health in various ways. No wonder green tea has become so popular now. It has been reported that green tea can improve brain function, achieve weight loss, lowers the risk of various types of cancer, it lowers the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, improved dental health, and fights type 2 diabetes too. If you are wondering how to treat blackheads on my nose, then you will be happy to know that green tea can help you here as well.
Get this
- Leaves of green tea
- Water
- Teaspoon
- A soft towel or napkin
- A bowl
Do this
- Keep your dry green tea leaves in the bowl.
- Pour water.
- Now mix these two to create a paste. One tablespoon should be enough.
- Rub this paste over your blackhead. Keep rubbing for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Rinse off using lukewarm water.
- Pat dry with your soft towel or napkin.
This scrub is going to deep clean your oily skin and unclog all those pores.
6. Milk and Honey
Honey and milk are both good for your skin. There are antibacterial properties in honey. And the lactic acid of milk can keep your skin supple and soft. However, when you are mixing these two, what you will get is an adhesive that can answer your question.
Get this
- Organic raw honey – one tablespoon.
- Milk – one teaspoon.
- One cotton strip.
Do this
- Pour milk over your raw honey and mix thoroughly.
- Heat this for five to ten minutes in your microwave.
- Now mix again. It should blend well.
- Apply the paste over your blockheads. The layer should be thin.
- Pat some cotton over it gently.
- Allow this to dry. It is best to wait for 20 minutes at least.
- Now peel this strip away carefully.
- Rinse using cold water.
- Apply a moisturizer.
7. Toner for Tight Pores
You get blackheads when the clogged pores react to oxygen. So shrinking these pores is going to help. Lemon juice is an astringent that can do this job for you. But remember, lemon juice can lighten your skin temporarily. It can make the skin sensitive to the rays of the sun as well. So you need to apply a sunscreen, particularly during the summer months. Those with sensitive skins should mix the lemon juice and water before applying.
Get this
- A single lemon.
- One small bottle.
- Cotton balls.
Do this
- Wash your face with cold water. Pat dry.
- Squeeze your lemon and store the juice in the small bottle.
- Now insert the cotton ball and dampen it a little bit.
- Apply this to the areas affected. Do this three to four times in a week just before going to bed.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water on waking up in the morning.
- Apply moisturizer.
- Keep the juice in your refrigerator. Do not store for more than a week. It can sting after this.
8. Clay Mask
You will find many types of cosmetic clay out there in powdered form. They can dry out your oily pores and remove unwanted residue as well. But for best results, you should add apple cider vinegar to it when you are trying to make your clay mask.
Get this
- Cosmetic clay.
- Apple cider vinegar.
- A soft towel or napkin.
- A bowl.
Do this
- Pour the cosmetic clay powder in a bowl and add some water to it.
- Add apple cider vinegar.
- Now mix these two.
- Apply this paste on the affected areas.
- Let it stay for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow it to get completely dry.
- Rinse it off using lukewarm water.
9. Water and Baking Soda
Use a little bit of baking soda to get rid of blackheads on your nose. This can help you immensely. The fine and small granules of baking soda will exfoliate and bring out the things that are clogging the pores. It’s an inexpensive and natural way of fighting blackheads.
Get this
- Fresh water.
- Baking soda.
Do this
- Take adequate quantities of baking soda and mix water to it. The paste should be thick.
- Now massage this paste on your skin in gentle circular motions.
- Keep it there for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Use plain water to rinse it off.
- Pat dry your face.
- Apply moisturizer.
Warning: Do not overdo this, because it can dry your skin seriously because of its saltiness.
10. Nutmeg Solution and Milk
The mixture of nutmeg solution and milk is perhaps the best-selling exfoliant you can find. Milk has lactic acid. This, and the nutmeg’s tough granules, will eradicate those blackheads together from your skin. It’s a potent combination.
Get this
- A nutmeg solution.
- Milk, preferably buttermilk.
- A jar or bowl.
Do this
- Mix adequate quantities of nutmeg and one tablespoon of milk for making your paste. You will know that it is ready when your paste is thick.
- Apply the mixture on your face. Do this gently.
- Scrub and remove the dirt and dead skin cells.
- Keep it for some time.
- Rinse off the paste with regular water.
- Pat dry.