While looking in the mirror, you notice a small yellow or black spot. Then another. And another. You have a breakout of blackheads. While not a serious health concern, these little dark spots can be annoying and embarrassing for some. Fear not, as we have tips on how to get rid of blackheads on the nose fast.
We will also dispel myths of how blackheads come to be and provide you with non-medicated solutions for the nuisance. Some of these blackheads on nose natural remedies can be found in your kitchen cupboards every day.
The dark spot of a blackhead is not dirt but the result of a clogged pore’s exposure to the air such as in the process of oxidization. These hair follicle pore openings become clogged with excess dirt, dead skin cells, and sebum, an oil-like substance produced by the sebaceous glands to maintain moisture of the skin and hair. Blackheads, also known as open comedones, appear raised despite not having inflammation like pimples.
You may usually notice blackheads on your nose; however, they can appear anywhere on the upper body and can cause acne issues if not treated. The American Academy of Dermatology attests acne is the most common skin disorder, affecting 40 to 50 million people. Blackheads happen to people of any age with most cases appearing in those between the ages of 10 and 19.
What Causes Blackheads on the Nose?
Despite the age-old tales of acne and blackheads being caused by greasy or fatty foods, poor hygiene, and even sexual intercourse, there is no scientific proof backing these claims. Research has found several factors such as genetics, environmental, and lifestyle activities may attribute to the outbreak.
1. Medications
One of the side effects of many medications can be acne and its relation, blackheads. Prescribed medication containing steroids and phenytoin may stimulate the production of excess oil in our glands. Some medications may also contain estrogen and testosterone components.
2. Hormones
Our body produces the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, to aid in production of protein, blood cells, and bone formation. It stimulates the oil glands to release a substance to protect and lubricate the skin and hair follicles. The excess production of oil can cause these follicle pores to clog and a blackhead forms. In our 20s, our estrogen levels drop and one in every three women will experience blackheads, Los Angeles-based dermatologist Stuart Kaplan shared with Livestrong.
3. Skin Care Products
With the chemical compounds found in most face creams, cleansers, and cosmetics, your nose pores may become clogged with excess oils. These artificial colors, mineral oils, and fragrances can set deep into pores and cause blackheads.
4. Sweat
Whether it is due to a high temperature, stress, illness, or strenuous exercise, our body produces sweat—which can clog our pores. It is advisable to ensure you thoroughly dry sweat to maintain good skin condition.
5. Smoking
Aside from the serious internal health issues smoking causes, it can affect the condition of our skin as well. The chemical compounds of tobacco smoke can set into our pores and cause blackheads to form.
6. Overnight Makeup
The number one beauty rule that virtually every woman knows is to never go to bed with your makeup on. Makeup, even those with natural-based ingredients, can clog pores while you sleep and are a contributing factor to blackheads.
How to Get Rid of Blackheads on the Nose Fast
The best prevention and treatment for blackheads, or any form of acne, is maintaining clean skin and eating a healthy diet. We have compiled a list of common household ingredients to use alone or together to combat your existing blackheads without any harsh chemicals or additives.
1. Honey
Alone, or combined with other natural products, honey treats blackheads and promotes clean pores. It is often referred to the best blackhead remover. Place honey directly on your face and remove after 10 minutes.
2. Baking Soda
Not only does baking soda target blackheads, but it also removes dirt and excess oil from skin pores. Using a paste of water and two teaspoons of baking soda, pat on the blackhead region. Leave on the area for several minutes. Do this treatment one to two times a week.
3. Lemon Juice
Packed full of vitamins and nutrients, the juice of fresh lemons can be used to treat blackheads on most skin types.
Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle it with drops of honey and sugar to create a natural exfoliating scrub. Maintain this routine once a week for 10 minutes each time.
Another great facial scrub is a combination of lemon juice and milk or rosewater.
4. Cornmeal
Unclog pores with one teaspoon of cornmeal and milk or water. Apply to face and leave for a few minutes. For the best results, open your pores with a steam face bath.
5. Cinnamon
A powerful treatment and prevention tool for blackhead outbreak is the use of cinnamon with lemon juice or honey. A mixture of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of lemon juice can be directly applied to the entire face for a 10 to 15-minute treatment. For an overnight treatment, apply a paste of one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Remove in the morning and repeat each bedtime for 10 days.
6. Fenugreek
Fenugreek leaves can be mixed with water to create a paste treatment. Repeat daily for a 10-minute treatment.
7. Turmeric
Known for a wide array of skin condition treatments, turmeric can also remove blackheads. Using a combination of a bit of turmeric powder and two tablespoons of mint juice, create a paste to treat the blackheads directly and remove after a few minutes. For a thick paste, mix the turmeric powder with milk and red sandalwood.
8. Oatmeal
Maintain a clear complexion with a combination of two tablespoons of oatmeal, three tablespoons of yogurt, and dashes of lemon juice and olive oil. Apply to face for a few minutes. You can also add oatmeal to a mixture of one teaspoon of honey and tomato juice from four tomatoes to use as a daily cleanser. Again, leave on for 10 minutes.
9. Green Tea
Remove debris, dirt, and oil from pores with this green tea treatment. Apply a paste of water and one teaspoon of dry green tea leaves and leave on for a few minutes.
10. Epsom Salt
Not just for tired, achy feet, Epsom salts are a perfect natural antidote for blackheads. Stir one teaspoon of the salts with iodine in hot water and cool. Apply with a cloth on the blackheads and remove once dried.
Our environment and daily activities can take a toll on our skin, especially when it comes to our pores. Blackheads form when our pores are clogged with excess oil, dirt, and pollutants. Hundreds of products line the shelves to treat such issues, but, thankfully, there are home remedies to quickly remove blackheads—maybe even before anyone notices them. If any of the natural treatments do not remove your blackheads, consult a medical professional for proper treatment.
Also Read:
- Infected Blackheads: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Home Remedies
- Benefits of Grapeseed Oil for Skin and Hair Care
- 6 Rosehip Oil Benefits for Skin, Hair and More
- Tips for Skin Cancer Prevention and Protection from UV Radiation
- Watercress Benefits for Hair, Skin and More
Sources:
Miller, M., “How To Get Rid Of Blackheads On Nose Fast,” My Health Tips, March 9, 2015; http://www.myhealthtips.in/2015/03/how-to-get-rid-of-blackheads-on-nose.html, last accessed February 17, 2017.
McGurgan, H., “Blackheads”, Healthline, September 17, 2012; http://www.healthline.com/health/blackheads#Overview1, last accessed February 17, 2017.
“Home Remedies for Blackheads,” Top 10 Home Remedies; http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-blackheads.html, last accessed February 17, 2017.