Are you still fighting the war against blackheads in your 20s and 30s?
They may not be as painful as pimples since they aren’t inflamed, but they sure are yucky and truly unpleasant. Also, the war against blackheads can be a very long and nonstop battle. In fact, many have been dealing with these blackheads since their teen years and are far from winning the war. And while pinching them can work, it is not the best method for removing blackheads. Squeezing blackheads can push the dirt deeper into the skin pores.
Pushing or pinching the black plug can leave unnecessary skin damage, scarring, and enlarged pores. So, to deal with this recurring skin problem, you need to know how they are formed and why they can be very stubborn to deal with. Knowing the cause of blackheads can help you pick the right solution for dealing with them. After all, there are lots of simpler and safer ways to deal with blackheads.
What Are Blackheads?
Whiteheads and blackheads are a form of non-inflamed clogged pores referred to as comedones. Whiteheads are referred to as closed comedones, while blackheads are open comedones. A blackhead is an opening in the hair follicles clogged by bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil. And when the clogged opening is exposed to air, it turns black after being oxidized, resulting in the formation of blackheads.
On the other hand, whiteheads are usually covered by layers of skin cells that prevent them from oxidizing. Whiteheads can be pink, white, or flesh-colored. Blackheads are clumps of dirt and oil mixed in skin pores that form after an individual stops taking care of their skin pores. In fact, the skin of individuals with blackheads can seem bumpy, scratchy, and rough.
Why Is the Skin Covering Our Noses More Prone to Blackheads?
Generally, anyone can get blackheads, but people with oily skin are more prone to them than the ones with dry skin. And that is because the leading causes of blackheads are hormones and stress. This means that you can get blackheads even after washing your face a couple of times per day.
Unfortunately, our noses are more prone to blackheads than the other parts of our faces. That is because the skin covering your nose has a higher concentration of sebum glands, compared to other parts of your face. This means that your nose is always covered with extra oil, making it more prone to blackheads than the other parts of our bodies.
In fact, men tend to notice these plugs more than women because their skins have bigger pores. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that they get more blackheads than women. Instead, men have bigger blackheads that are more visible, especially as they age because the skin pores tend to increase in size with age.
How to Get Blackheads Out of Nose?
Blackheads have been a lifelong battle for most people, with some of us trying different treatments over the years. The best solution for these plugs is adhering to a strict skincare routine that includes many effective acne treatments. But make sure you pick the right products for your skin type. So here are our effective solutions for blackheads.
1. Use Pore Strips
Despite not being a preventive measure, pore strips are the best solution for removing blackheads. These strips can remove the dead skin layer and the dirt and oxidized oil that forms the blackheads. But pore strips won’t prevent blackheads from returning. And that is because these strips weren’t designed to regulate oil production.
But if you’re looking for an instant solution for blackheads, then these strips are your best option. These strips are more effective when used after a shower or after exposing your face to some steam. The warm water helps soften and clean out the dirt and sebum in the pores, making it easier for the strip to remove them.
2. Apply Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is an excellent exfoliant that can easily remove blackheads, but make sure you use it only on the affected area. And that is because applying salicylic acid gel all over the body can cause salicylate poisoning.
Luckily, there are many cleansers in the market that can dissolve the keratin plugging your pores. The bad news is that some of these products can irritate the skin, so make sure you limit the usage of salicylic acid products. To find the right option for your skin, you can ask for recommendations from folks with similar skin types.
3. Exfoliate
Another effective solution for blackheads is exfoliating your skin at least once per week. And instead of a rough scrubbing product, you can add a gentle exfoliant to your skincare routine.
Make sure the exfoliant you buy contains beta and alpha hydroxyl acids. These acids are gentle to the skin and can clear the skin, making it easier for other products to penetrate your skin.
These acids can eliminate a skin layer, leaving your skin vulnerable to UVB and UVA rays. Therefore, make sure you apply some sunscreen before leaving the house after exfoliating your skin.
4. Wash Your Face After Working Out or Twice per Day
Even though exercising is healthy for the body, excess sweat is not good for your pores. Excess sweat increases the likelihood of your skin pores getting blocked. Make it a habit to wash your face with a gentle cleanser immediately after finishing your workout routine. A face wipe can also come in handy if washing the face after a workout is impossible.
You should also wash your face in the evening and morning to get rid of the bacteria and dirt on the skin. It’s crucial, however, that you avoid over-cleansing your skin as this can leave your skin dry, prompting your skin to produce more oil. Additionally, you should also ensure that your pillows are always clean and washed regularly.
5. Put on Clay Mask
Clay is a great skincare ingredient that has been used by women in different parts of the world for centuries. Clay can help remove or loosen the dirt and excess oil clogging your pores. In fact, clay masks are gentler on the skin than pore strips. Instead of pulling off a skin layer, clay enters the pores and flushes out the oil and dirt that cause blackheads.
Some masks come with sulfur that can remove dead skin cells and help eliminate blackheads. But, some of us are allergic to sulfur; therefore, make sure you do a skin patch test before using these products.
6. Apply Charcoal Masks
Charcoal is an excellent detoxifier that is sometimes added to products in the skincare industry. Activated charcoal tends to work deep in your pores and draw out the oil and dirt clogging them. You can either purchase a mask from the store or prepare one at home.
To make a DIY charcoal mask, you need to purchase the activated charcoal pills and open them up. Mix it with honey, tea tree oil, and bentonite clay, and you’re good to go.
7. Try Topical Retinoids
Retinoids are reliable ingredients that can help you get rid of the blackheads on your nose. Other than reducing the amount of sebum produced, it can also improve your skin’s overall appearance. Retinoids also have anti-inflammatory properties. However, pregnant ladies are advised against using retinoids to deal with blackheads because large amounts of retinoids can affect the fetus’ development.
Final Thoughts
Unlike acne, blackheads are not painful, but they are known to leave your skin rough and bumpy. And since makeup can’t hide them, getting rid of them is the only solution for blackheads. After all, these open comedones can affect everyone, irrespective of your skin type. Plus, the most affected part of our faces is the nose which has lots of sebum glands. Luckily, there are many effective solutions for getting rid of blackheads.
You can either pull them off using a pore strip which can help clear the clogged pores. However, pore strips can’t regulate oil production. But, if you need a solution that can also regulate sebum production, you should try topical retinoids. Topical retinoids can do more than get rid of blackheads; they can also improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Other reliable solutions that can help you get rid of blackheads include charcoal and clay masks, and exfoliation. But it’s crucial that you always wash your face twice a day and immediately after working out. And if some of the above methods affect your skin, please don’t hesitate to contact a dermatologist.
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