Get Rid of Blackheads on Your Nose
Right in the middle of your face is your nose. It’s probably a nice shape and complements the rest of your face. You check your reflection in the mirror a little more closely and there they are – those dreaded blackheads! So right there in the middle of your face is a breeding ground for sebum and dead skin cells to lodge themselves in your pores. They shouldn’t be there! I mean, you look after your skin. You wash it every day and you try to really keep it clean and yet those ugly black spots still manage to stick around.
So why are they black? The composition of blackheads consists of sebum and dead skin cells. The reason for the blackness is the melanin in the skin cells. After hanging around your nose for a few days the skin cells oxidize and turn black. The ones on your nose are generally more noticeable because the pores on your nose are more prominent than pores elsewhere.
Don’t despair! Blackheads are not that difficult to get rid of. Some methods just seem to work better than others.
Resist the Urge to Squeeze
You may be tempted to rush to the bathroom mirror and keep squeezing your nose until every last blackhead has been extracted. As satisfying as this may seem, it’s a really bad idea. Squeezing blackheads is only a temporary solution and will do more to irritate your skin than anything else. You may find that new blackheads will come back bigger and uglier than before and excessive squeezing can also cause scarring.
Exfoliate
One of the best ways to get rid of recurring blackheads on your nose is to exfoliate. There are some fantastic exfoliators available that will do the job perfectly and without irritating your skin. Exfoliation removes the dry, dead skin cells from your face and with them gone, there is less floating around to get into your pores to clog them. The best time to exfoliate is in the evening. Your skin accumulates a lot of pollutants throughout the day so making exfoliating a nightly routine will mean your skin will be clean and able to breathe while you sleep. Exfoliating on a daily basis is fine, as long as you remember to moisture your skin afterward.
Steam Your Face
Steam is really beneficial to your face. Not only does it help with circulation, but it will also open up your pores and loosen any dirt and gunk stuck in there. This includes blackheads as well. Simply put hot water in a bowl, put a towel over your head to form a tent and let the steam do its job. Once your pores are nicely loosened you can easily get rid of blackheads using a facial scrub. You can make your own from some basic ingredients but with the extensive range of all natural face scrubs available, it’s easier and more convenient.
Get More Done In the Shower
Most of us are too pushed for time to spend countless hours on skincare and grooming. Why not make use of your time in the shower? Use the time in your shower and give your face a deep cleaning with a facial cleanser. Regularly cleaning your face with a product specifically formulated for your face will help minimize your pores and also get rid of the dirt and oils that form blackheads.
Use a Face Mask
There are a whole lot of different facial masks available these days and more recently, black charcoal masks have become a huge hit in the fight against clogged pores. The mask is applied directly on to the skin and you simply peel it off when it has dried.
If you don’t like the charcoal masks, there are various clay masks available that will work just as effectively. As the clay dries, it adheres to the sebum in blackheads and pulls them out as you wash the mask off.
Whichever type of mask you choose, you can use a face mask once or twice a week, depending on your skin type.
Blackhead Strips
Maybe you want a product that will target just the blackheads on your nose. If that’s the case then get yourself some blackhead strips. These are specifically designed for your nose and all you need to do is moisten them a little and stick them over your nose. Wait until it dries and gently pull the strip off your nose, along with the blackheads that have gotten stuck to the strips. Once you remove the strip take a close look at it. You’ll be amazed at just how well these strips can work.
Coconut Oil
In recent years coconut oil is frequently in the headlines for its many health benefits. It’s also one of the best skin care products you can find. Coconut oil is high in lauric acid which fights the bacteria that causes acne and blackheads. It also works wonders as a face moisturizer and cleanser. Simply apply a thin layer of coconut oil over your face, paying attention to your trouble spots. Leave it on for a while and wipe off with cotton pads. Not only will you get rid of the gunk, with coconut oil your skin will be moisturized and it will work to minimize any inflammation.
Choose Skincare Products That Contain Retinol
Skincare and anti-aging products containing retinol do wonders for getting rid of blackheads. Normally, you can only get retinol with a medical prescription. However, some products only contain a small amount but it is still an effective blackhead treatment. Retinols are not recommended for prolonged use though, as they can be harsh on the skin.
Practice Good Hygiene
As obvious as it sounds, good hygiene is important in the battle against blackheads. If you’re a particularly active person, you may think its fine to sneak a quick session at the gym during your lunch break. That is a great idea, but only if you can shower when you’re done with your workout. If you don’t wash off all that sweat, you’re leaving your skin prone to becoming oilier and the bacteria in the sweat can make your blackhead problem worse.
It’s perfectly fine to workout, work outdoors and do anything else you normally do and get sweaty. Do whatever you need to do but just follow with some good hygiene practices afterward. If a full shower isn’t possible until you get home at the end of the day, at least wash your face. A simple splashing of clean water will remove the sweat so you can get on with your day. You can go for the full shower routine when you get home.
Watch Your Diet
Blackheads are going to be an issue no matter how well you eat. However, the most common culprit when it comes to acne, including blackheads, is sugar. Try to eliminate sugar from your life, or at least avoid sugary foods and beverages. However, we are all different and some people may have acne triggered by dairy foods, caffeine or alcohol. You’ll simply have to find out for yourself what triggers acne and blackheads on your face.
Don’t DIY Blackhead Removal
Occasionally you may have a blackhead problem that won’t go away no matter what you do. This is where you really need to resist the temptation to squeeze. This is when you should seek the services of a professional dermatologist. A qualified dermatologist has the correct tools and the skills to remove blackheads and other imperfections without irritating your skin.
In some extreme cases, you may need to consider a chemical peel. Keep in mind though, that this really is for extreme cases of recurring, large blackheads. The dermatologist will apply the appropriate chemicals to your face, depending on the level of blackheads you have and your skin type. You may have some redness for a while afterward, but generally, the results are quite positive. Again, there are chemical peel kits you can take home and use them yourself, but this is not advisable. A trained dermatologist will closely examine your skin before determining which products to use on your face.
Most blackhead problems on the nose are relatively mild and quite easy to deal with. The trouble is, we often see this problem as being worse than it actually is. Skincare technology has come a long way over the years and there are now great products for men as well as women. The main considerations are your skin type, pore size, and your lifestyle.
Whatever method you choose to get rid of blackheads on your nose just understand that you may not find a perfect solution straight away. You may need to try a variety of methods or use a few simultaneously to get your desired results. If you’re lucky, the problem may correct itself but implementing good hygiene and skin care practices are beneficial for your skin and your overall appearance, regardless of whether or not you have a blackhead problem.
