How To Remove Blackheads On Nose: Treatment, Cost, & Results

What Are Blackheads On Nose?

Blackheads [1] are tiny, dark bumps on the skin that appear when the openings of hair follicles get clogged with dead skin cells, debris, and sebum, forming a plug. These are prominently present in areas such as the nose (the most common), back, shoulders and chest. Blackheads contribute to the formation of acne and appear black or dark in colour due to the oxidisation of the melanin pigment present in the skin and not trapped dirt. If blackheads are not treated in time, the clogged pores can cause the formation of pimples leading to an acne breakout.

Must Read: Clinically Proven Treatment To Remove Blackheads

What Causes Blackheads On Nose?

Here are the common causes [2] of getting blackheads:

• Excessive Sweat: Environments with high humidity lead to excessive sweating, which causes an overproduction of oil, leading to blackheads.
• Genetic Predisposition: If one of your parents suffered from blackheads, then you are more prone to getting them as well.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during puberty trigger a spike in sebum production that commonly causes blackheads. This is primarily due to the androgen hormone that triggers the secretion of sebum in both girls and boys during adolescence. Also, hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation or due to birth control pills can also cause blackheads in women.
• Medication: Certain medication that contains estrogen, testosterone, lithium, and corticosteroids may cause blackheads as a side effect.
• Skin Care Products:  Skin care or makeup products that are comedogenic or those that block pores can cause With men, shaving or other activities that open hair follicles can lead to blackheads.
• Stress:  Stress can trigger the sebaceous glands to overproduce oil that eventually leads to the presence of blackheads.
• Smoking: Smoking incessantly leads to blackheads due to the activity of chemical present in cigarettes known as nicotine which alters sebum composition.
• Diet: Some food items in our diets containing a high amount of sugars, fats, oils etc. are known to accelerate the clogging of pores leading to blackheads.

What Are The Symptoms Of Blackheads?

To identify if you have blackheads, check for the following characteristics:

• Blackheads are easily spotted due to their dark brown or black colour.
• They are flatter than pimples in appearance and have a raised or bumpy texture.
• There is no associated pain or discomfort.
• Presence of enlarged pores.
• They are inflamed pimples with no pain.

Treatments To Remove Blackheads From Nose?

Here are the common blackhead removal treatments:

Topical Treatments:

Appropriate medication can be prescribed by the doctor to treat a severe case of blackheads. Since blackheads mainly fall into grade 1 acne, relevant topical medicines are prescribed. These include:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA):

  Available as a cleanser or lotion, salicylic acid helps unclog the pores by dissolving dead skin cells.

• Retinoids:

  These are derivatives of vitamin A (tretinoin, adapalene) that help prevent clogging of pores by breaking up the blackheads and whiteheads.

• Benzoyl Peroxide:

  Benzoyl peroxide [3] kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.

Professional Dermatological Treatments:

These are some in-clinic treatments often recommended by dermatologists.

• Chemical Peels:

  A salicylic acid peel is the primary chemical peel used for unclogging pores and removing dead skin cells that contribute to blackheads. The chemical solution containing salicylic acid is applied to the skin, which eventually leads to the feeling of the upper layers revealing smooth and healthy skin underneath.

• Professional Extractions:

  Dermatologists or skin experts use a specialised tool called a comedone extractor to extract the blackheads from the skin. The blackhead extractor has a round loop at the tip, which is placed over the blackhead, gently pressed to remove the plug and pressure is then applied to remove the blockage. It is one of the easiest and quickest ways to get rid of blackheads. However, you should get this done with the help of a professional for the right amount of pressure to unclog the pore without harming the skin.

• Microdermabrasion Treatment:

  In this procedure, the upper layer of skin is scrubbed away using a specialised instrument. This unclogs the pores and removes blackheads. It is not a popular choice for blackhead removal, as in some cases, it may thicken the upper layer of skin and worsen the blackhead condition.

#Watch The Ins and Outs Of Blackhead Removal Treatment

Before And After Results

Here are the before and after results from blackhead removal treatment:

Cost Of Blackhead Removal Treatments In India

The average price of non-invasive blackhead removal treatment is between Rs 700 and Rs 8,000. Following are some of the popular dermatologist-approved solutions:

• Chemical peels are available for a price range between Rs 1,500 and Rs 8,000 per session.
• Comedone extraction costs between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 per session.
• Microdermabrasion treatment may come for a price range between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 per session.
• Prescription medicines, creams and products cost between Rs 700 and Rs 2,000 per unit.

Must Read: How Much Does Laser Treatment For Acne Scar Cost In India?

How To Remove Blackheads At Home?

There is no instant fix for blackheads. The following solutions to remove blackheads may be handy

• Blackhead Removal Strips: Blackhead removal strips are used to get rid of blackheads on nose instantly. However, this is just a temporary solution as blackheads can form again in a day or two.
• Home Remedies: Home remedies involving home-made masks with natural ingredients or using steam can be helpful in keeping blackheads at bay.  But these do not work on all individuals.
  • Honey & Cinnamon Mask: You can prepare a honey and cinnamon mask by mixing 1 teaspoon of raw honey with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply this mask for 10 minutes, then rinse. 
  • Sugar & Honey Scrub: You can also try a homemade scrub by mixing 1 tablespoon of brown sugar with a few drops of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of raw honey. Apply this to your face and gently scrub in circular motions for about 3–5 minutes, and then rinse.
• Face Masks for Blackheads: Masks which are exfoliating in nature work by thoroughly scrubbing away impurities and clearing the pores along with blackheads. You can use a clay mask 1–2 times a week to remove blackheads naturally at home.

Nose Blackhead Removal Creams And Products

Blackhead medication is available at chemist shops without a prescription, which may be used to treat mild to moderate forms of blackheads. This OTC medication is available in a gel, scrub or cream form for direct application on the affected areas.

• Exfoliants and Cleansers: These products contain BHAs like salicylic acid [4] or vitamin A derivatives like retinol as the main ingredient. These ingredients help in drying excess sebum (or oil) and increase the natural regeneration process of the skin. Our skin sheds dead cells faster, which stops the clogging of pores, further reducing the risk of blackheads.
• Pore and Nose strips: Strips are available that help rip off the top layer of the blackheads. However, dermatologists do not advise these, as they can irritate your skin or stretch out your pores.

However, it is important to discuss these solutions with your dermatologist before purchasing or using them.

Difference Between Blackheads And Whiteheads On Nose

The major difference between blackheads and whiteheads is that blackheads are open pores which turn black when they oxidise, whereas whiteheads have a thin layer of skin and are not exposed to the air.

Are These Blackhead Removal Treatments Permanent?

No. Blackhead removal treatments are not permanent. Our pores naturally produce sebum and shed dead skin, which might cause the pores to get clogged. Hence, it is imperative to follow a good skincare regimen after a blackhead removal treatment to keep them from forming again.

A good skin care routine involves using a cleanser, toner, and moisturiser every day, along with mild exfoliation twice a week. Consistency is the key to achieving long-lasting results with healthy-looking skin free from blackheads.

Prevention Tips For Blackheads On Nose?

Here are some effective ways to prevent blackheads on nose:

• Avoid touching your face.
• Use non-comedogenic skincare or make-up products which are water-based and oil-free.
• Clean your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser containing salicylic acid that helps unclog the pores and removes impurities. Use a gel-based sunscreen every day.
  Avoid popping or squeezing blackheads.
• Do not use harsh scrubs. Instead, use a mild chemical exfoliant to get rid of the upper dead skin layer and reduce blackheads.
• Get enough rest and de-stress yourself with exercise, meditation or yoga.
• Make modifications to your diet by cutting down on food items that may cause excessive oil production, which leads to blackheads. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

When Should I See A Dermatologist?

Seeking professional help for your blackheads ensures safe, effective removal and long-lasting results. See a dermatologist when you experience any of the following:

• If your blackheads persist despite consistently following an over-the-counter skincare routine for 6 to 8 weeks
• If your blackheads develop into painful, inflamed acne
• If you notice redness, swelling, or pus
• If you experience skin discolouration, scarring, or enlarged pores

Takeaway

Effectively removing blackheads on nose includes a combination of at-home chemical exfoliation, a consistent skincare routine and professional treatments. These treatments help dissolve the trapped dead skin cells and oil in the pores that cause the blackhead. If you are struggling to get rid of blackheads from nose and looking for the best solution, visit Oliva Clinics. They have the best dermatologists who specialise in offering customised treatments and a personalised skincare routine to help you achieve long-lasting results.