Anyone can get blackheads, the annoying, little black bumps that appear on your forehead, nose, cheeks and even in other parts of your body. Fortunately, there are various ways and tips on how to get rid of black heads on nose, from manual cosmetic procedures to the use of topical creams. You can also do changes in your lifestyle and diet in order to prevent the appearance of blackheads in the future.
What are Blackheads?
Blackheads are the small little bumps that appear on your face due to clogged hair follicles. The face is covered by oil glands which produce sebum, or oil. Increased production of oil as well as the presence of dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria can clog up the pores, and this leads to the formation of blackheads. The dark color of the blackhead is caused by the reaction that occurs when the open portion of the blackhead is exposed to oxygen.
Blackheads are a form of acne, although they may appear less severe and may not be as tempting to remove. However, too many open comedones, as what blackheads are medically known, can be embarrassing for some people. Blackheads which are large and occur on the nose and on the sides of the nose tend to be very visible which may necessitate immediate removal.
How to Get Rid of Black Heads on Your Nose
The nose is one of the most prominent places where blackheads can be found. Fortunately, there are various cosmetic procedures and even over-the-counter strips, which are designed to remove blackheads from the nose. You can always remove blackheads yourself using your fingers, but medical experts advise against this since you can use too much pressure which can break blood vessels and lead to scarring. Common and safe techniques on how to remove blackheads on nose include manual extraction by a professional cosmetologist or a dermatologist, use of blackhead pore strips, as well as use of topical creams formulated to remove acne.
Cosmetic Removal of Blackheads
You can go to a doctor or a cosmetologist to have your blackheads removed instead of picking on your blackheads on your own. Dermatologists and cosmetologists are taught how to remove blackheads using a special tool with the right kind of pressure that will not damage the blood vessels in your nose. Your doctor will use a blackhead remover called a blackhead extractor which comes with a circular tip that is pressed around the pore and squeezes the blackhead out. There is very little risk of infection if you have your dermatologist remove your blackheads since professional dermatologists sterilize their equipment and they know the right amount of pressure needed to remove blackheads without any scarring.
Blackhead Strips
Blackhead strips are over-the-counter strips which you can use to remove blackheads at home. These strips come with an adhesive layer that you place over the bridge of your nose. The adhesive works by pulling the blackheads out of their pores as you pull the strip off. This is often the easiest way to remove blackheads if you do not have time to visit your dermatologist. They often cost about a dollar for several strips, so they are much cheaper compared to one appointment with your dermatologist.
Topical Creams
There are various acne treatment creams formulated specially for the removal of blackheads. Popular products in the market for removing blackheads from nose are those that contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients work by strapping the outer layers of skin to effectively remove the blackheads. Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties that destroy the bacteria that thrive around the clogged pores.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is one of ways to remove blackheads that really work. Scrubs remove dead layers of cells along with the blackheads to reveal smoother, cleaner skin. You can buy commercial scrubs which contain microscopic granules that work by removing deep-seated dirt from the pores. You can also find various recipes for a homemade facial unclogging scrub online. Scrubs tend to irritate the top layer of the skin, however, so those who have other types of acne aside from blackheads should not use scrubs since these can irritate already inflamed skin.
Dos and Don’ts in Blackhead Removal and Prevention
Experts will advise you never to remove your blackheads on your own especially using your fingernails and they have good reason for doing so. You can easily damage the area by breaking blood vessels and this could lead to scarring. The bacteria in your fingernails can also lead to an infection especially if you caused the pore to bleed.
One of the main things you can do to prevent blackhead outbreaks would be to avoid stress. Stress causes increased production of oil in your face and this could easily lead to clogged pores. Stress can be caused by various factors, from too little sleep, too much work, and the like. Sleeping with your make-up on is also a definite no-no. Make-up can clog the pores, especially if you are using comedogenic make-up and you have sensitive skin. If you must use make-up for several hours, choose non-comedogenic makeup which is formulated to be gentle on the skin.
There are various ways on how to get rid of black heads on nose. From manual extraction to topical creams, people who are dealing with these embarrassing bumps have many options for removing problematic blackheads. However, it is also important to stay stress free, to eat right, and to avoid aggravating sensitive skin in order to prevent the development of blackheads.
