How To Get Rid Of Whiteheads On Nose?

Whiteheads on nose are a kind of acne which form as little white spots that can burst out from skin unexpectedly and cause unsightly and displeasing outbreaks. They may not cause blemishes or scarring but can spoil your look and thwart your self-confidence altogether.

What Are Whiteheads On Nose?

Whiteheads are a stubborn type of acne that is formed due to clogged pores. Being a part of the T-zone, the nose is a highly vulnerable place for whiteheads due to its oily nature. Whiteheads are created when the pores are filled with excess sebum (body’s natural oil), debris, dirt or dead skin cells. The clogged pore hardens and leads to small bumps with white tips. These bulging bumps that rise within the hair follicle walls are called whiteheads.

Blackheads And Whiteheads On Nose

Blackheads on the nose are often deeply embedded as compared to whiteheads. They are open comedones/ pores that are filled with sebum or dirt. The debris collected inside the pore oxidizes upon contact with air, leading to hardening of the sebum/ dirt. When the hardened sebum mixes with melanin (natural skin pigment), it becomes black in colour. This is known as a blackhead. They last a lot longer and are more difficult to treat in comparison to whiteheads.

Whiteheads on nose occur when the pore is covered with a thin layer of skin. Underneath this thin layer lies accumulated dirt and sebum that often gets stuck and forms a plug. These plugs are called whiteheads and they do not last as long as blackheads, with an average time frame of 1 week. Whiteheads have a white tip and are not inflamed kind of acne.

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What Causes Whiteheads On Nose?

Whiteheads may not be painful but they can be troublesome. But what is the underlying cause that creates these tiny little monsters?

• Sebum/dead skin cells/ bacteria/ dirt: One or more of these can build up inside the pore, leading to clogging thereby causing an eruption of whiteheads. Of course, it is natural for all skin pores to have small amounts of sebum and dead skin cells, but an excess of both is the downfall that leads to whiteheads.
• Whiteheads can also be caused for any of the reasons like –
  a. Extreme stress
  b. Puberty
  c. Wearing oil-based makeup and skin care products
  d. Menstruation and menopause
  e. Anxiety
  f. Genetic reasons

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How To Get Rid Of Whiteheads On Nose?

Whiteheads are very easy to treat and the healing time is shorter as compared with any other type of acne. Over the counter, medicines are mostly prescribed for whiteheads along with certain topical creams. Chemical peeling is the most popular dermatologic treatment which uses varying degrees of plant-based extracts to exfoliate the upper layer of the skin in a controlled way. Here are some dermatologist recommended ways to remove whiteheads from the nose –

• Retinoids: They contain Vitamin A, which is an excellent exfoliator. It helps to remove dead skin cells and controls sebum production. Retinoid also help de-clog the pores and prevent other types of acne from forming.
• Salicylic Acid: It helps reduce sebum and eradicate bacterial infection. Salicylic acid can be used as a face wash or cream.
• Glycolic Acid: It is a kind of alpha hydroxy acid that helps in removing the outer layer of the skin. This helps in eliminating the debris and excess oil which clogs the pores and end up into whitehead outbreaks.
• Benzoyl Peroxide – Another effective treatment is banishing whiteheads. Benzoyl Peroxide can open pores and extract any dirt/ sebum hidden inside. It kills bacteria causing infection and thus helps to clean the pores. It can prevent the whiteheads from forming on the nose in the first place.

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How To Prevent Whiteheads On Nose?

If you are someone who has sudden outbreaks of whiteheads and you want it to stop; then try adopting some of these easy preventive measures. Best skin care routine ensures your skin is squeaky clean and helps manage whitehead breakouts. You can control whiteheads on the nose as well as make your skin glow with these excellent tips –

1. Wash your skin twice a day with a gel-based cleanser. This helps remove dirt and sebum effectively without making your skin too oily or too dry. Also, don’t forget to remove all the makeup before cleansing your face. Any makeup left inside the pores can cause whiteheads on nose.
2. Exfoliate on a regular basis (2-3 times a week). Exfoliation is the key to remove dirt that is deeply embedded inside the pores. Although exfoliation is necessary, you must remember no to go overboard and scrub too harsh. This will dry out the pores and aggravate the sebum production, thereby causing more whiteheads.
3. Using an oil-free moisturizer and matte sunscreen will drastically help prevent hard whiteheads on nose. Read the label before using it, to ensure these products will not clog your pores.
4. If you do use makeup, then please use non-comedogenic products to prevent pore clogging and allow proper oxygen circulation to take place inside the pores.
5. Stop picking and touching your nose. Constant scratching and popping will not only damage your skin but also transfer dirt and debris directly inside the pores. Keep your nails and fingers clean before applying any skin care product and makeup to avoid whiteheads from popping up.

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Whiteheads may not be painful but they definitely hamper your beauty. These need to be treated in time, as they may worsen if ignored. Visit an expert dermatologist to get rid of these pesky whiteheads and get back your desired flawless skin.