Medically referred to as comedones, blackheads are nothing but bumps that are caused when pores get clogged by sebum or oil, debris, and dead skin cells. Many people mistake the dark or black color of blackheads for dirt in the pores. The truth is, the dead skin cell and oil mixture at the surface opening of a pore gets oxidized by air and turns black, giving blackheads their signature color [1].

Blackheads typically appear around and on the nose. Anyone can fall prey to this irritating type of acne, especially those who wear a lot of makeup or have oily skin. Blackheads, however, are not a sign of dirt on the skin or poor hygiene. If you are desperate to get rid of them, here are 8 options to begin with.

Pore strips

You are probably well familiar with pore strip commercials in which pretty smiling ladies are on cloud nine to be removing stubborn blackheads from their noses. By temporarily stripping off a layer of skin, pore strips prevent the oxidized oil and debris from forming blackheads. Steaming your face over a pot of boiling water beforehand can help open up the pores for better results.

A lot of people consider pore strips to be the ultimate tip on how to remove blackheads in 5 minutes. Yet, as they do not regulate your skin’s oil production, pore strips cannot keep blackheads at bay forever. Moreover, pore strips might lead to the loss of important natural hair follicles and oil, potentially making your skin dry and irritated.

Notwithstanding this, as long as you are cautious in choosing pore strips of good quality, they deserve a top place on this list of blackhead removers.

Regular face cleansing

A blackhead-free skincare routine does not necessarily require huge expenses on big-ticket skincare products. It can be as simple as washing your face twice a day, especially after exercise. Why? Because along with oil and dirt, sweat can get trapped in pores that result in blackheads. 

If you do not have access to a sink, a gentle facial cleansing wipe is a great alternative. Just be careful not to over-cleanse your face as it can make your skin dry and increase oil production, which eventually worsens your blackheads.

Exfoliation

Another excellent tip on how to remove blackheads on nose is adding exfoliation to your skincare regime. Most often people think of rough or harsh scrubs when it comes to exfoliating but these can actually cause more inflamed acne.

Opt for a gentle and natural scrub instead and ensure that it suits your skin type. Exfoliate at least once a week to slough off any dead skin cells or grime from your face. Also, place extra focus on the blackhead-infested area while you are at it.

Baking soda and water

Is there anything baking soda cannot pull off? We doubt it! Not only does baking soda work as an exfoliant to get rid of dead skin cells, oil, and dirt but it also neutralizes pH imbalance on your skin.

To remove blackheads on nose, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with two tablespoons of water to form a paste. Apply this paste onto your face. Once it dries, rinse it off with warm water.

This method can dry your skin, so don’t forget to moisturize your face afterward and repeat the process three times a week at most.

Lemon and honey mask

A simple lemon and honey mask might turn out to be a brilliant way to remove blackheads on nose and chin. While lemon opens clogged pores with its astringent properties, honey’s antibacterial properties prevent bacterial actions from causing blackheads.

Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice with half a teaspoon of honey. Apply this mixture onto your nose or chin and let it rest for about 15 minutes. Then cleanse it off with warm water. You can repeat this process three or four times a week for the best results.

Alpha (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) cleansers

With such compounds as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid, these cleansers facilitate chemical exfoliation to unclog your pores without damaging other skin cells. Some of the AHA or BHA cleansers also bring about antibacterial effects that remove bacteria present on the skin, prohibiting them from causing or worsening blackheads.

Retinoids

Should the above options fail, retinoids or retinol can be highly useful in treating blackheads. As vitamin A derivatives, retinoids can prevent pore clogging and blackhead formation by changing your skin cell development from the inside out.

Bonus: Retinoids can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Some retinoids are available over the counter but higher-strength ones require a doctor's prescription. It’s easier to get retinol serums, oils, and gels for your daily skincare routine.

Diet and hydration

The last item on this collection of tips on how to remove blackheads on nose could be the simplest one: eating a healthy diet plus staying hydrated.

Your skin health is not solely determined by what you apply to it externally, it also depends on what you absorb into your system. Make sure your diet is rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits to keep your skin nourished and healthy. Plus, adding a suitable beauty supplement to your balanced diet is a good way to deliver the necessary nutrients to beautify your skin from the inside.

Furthermore, refrain from extracting blackheads on your own. An improper removal method can result in scarring, infection, or even more blackheads.

You might as well make sure you sleep with clean bedsheets and pillowcases to minimize any chances of bacteria or dirt getting onto your skin during the night and developing blackheads.

It is important to be patient and not overdo any blackhead removal techniques. These stubborn bumps might take six to eight weeks to go away. Hence, choose the product or technique that suits your skin the most. If your blackheads refuse to leave after months of treatment at home or they get worse, please contact a dermatologist immediately for prescribed oral medications or in-office procedures.

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