How to Get Rid of Blackheads on Your Nose According to a Dermatologist

• Exfoliate and clean out your pores with a homemade oatmeal or sugar scrub to remove blackheads.
• Use pore strips or an egg white facial to gently extract blackheads from your nose.
• Opt for a clay mask made of bentonite clay to naturally moisturize your skin and tighten pores.

Blackhead Skincare Products

Use a cleanser with salicylic acid and glycolic acid. The best way to break down oils in clogged pores is to use products that contain beta-hydroxy or salicylic acid. Using these products consistently helps prevent blackheads from forming while clearing out your pores. Salicylic acid works with glycolic acid to help clear dead skin and debris on the surface of your skin. Acne products like Proactiv and Benzacl contain these ingredients. Many acne products contain benzoyl peroxide, but this ingredient isn’t recommended to treat blackheads. Unlike other kinds of acne, blackheads are noninflammatory; therefore, using a product meant for inflammatory blemishes may not be best.

Talk to your dermatologist about using retinoids. Retinoids are a clinically-approved acne treatment that uses Vitamin A to clear clogged pores and prevent blackheads from forming. Treatments come in topical creams or prescription pills. Visit your dermatologist to see if this acne treatment would benefit you. As with any medication, retinoids do come with side effects. Some experience skin irritation or peeling when first starting the treatment, which is why it’s important to discuss any changes in your skin with your doctor. Mild retinoids can be purchased over the counter; however, for a stronger dose, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor. Typically, patients start to see improvement in their skin after using retinoids for 6 weeks.

Ask your dermatologist about a microdermabrasion treatment. Microdermabrasion is a professional skin treatment that uses tiny crystals to gently remove the outer layer of skin where blackheads form. This exfoliating technique can help rejuvenate your skin and help it be softer and brighter. The treatment takes between 30 and 40 minutes, and 5 to 16 treatments are often needed to see results. The skin can feel irritated and swollen after treatment, so always be upfront with your dermatologist about your skin’s sensitivity.

Home Remedies

Wash and steam your face before you use a home remedy. Steam helps open your pores, making blackheads easier to remove. Fill a large bowl with boiling water, let it cool for a few minutes, then lean over the bowl with a towel covering your head and the rest of the bowl. Steam for 5 to 10 minutes before patting your face dry. Do a facial steam several times a week before applying a facial scrub. Avoid steam facials if you have rosacea. Hold off on irritating products with active ingredients like retinoids for about 4 days before a steam facial. They sensitize your skin, and the combination of the sensitization and the steam could be too much.

Make an oatmeal mask to exfoliate and moisturize your skin. Combine 2 US tbsp (0.12 c) of oatmeal, 3 US tbsp (0.19 c) of plain yogurt, and the juice of half a lemon in a bowl. Mix the concoction until everything is combined, and apply the paste to your nose with clean fingers. Let the paste sit for 5 to 10 minutes before gently wiping and rinsing it off with warm water. Do this DIY mask once a week for the best results. Oatmeal is a natural ingredient that can do wonders for your skin, reducing irritation and adding moisture. Plain yogurt can help brighten, moisturize, and ease inflammation caused by acne. Lemon juice also helps brighten skin while balancing your skin’s natural pH levels. Don't feel like making your own exfoliant? Use a premade chemical exfoliant to clear your skin.

Exfoliate your nose with a DIY sugar scrub. Exfoliation is a great and natural way to get rid of blackheads and leave your skin feeling smooth. Make your own scrub at home by mixing together 4 US tbsp (59 ml) of jojoba oil and 1 c (16 US tbsp) of brown or white sugar. Then, wet your nose and gently rub on the scrub. Massage the scrub into your nose using circular motions for 1 to 2 minutes. Do this 2 to 3 times a week for the best results. Place your scrub in an airtight glass jar and use it for up to 2 months.

Use a homemade clay mask to get rid of blackheads. Mix 1 US tbsp (0.062 c) of bentonite clay with a splash of water or apple cider vinegar. If the mask is too thick, add more liquid; if the mask is too watery, add more clay. Use clean fingertips to apply the mask to your nose in a thin layer. Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes (or until it hardens). Wipe the mask off with a warm cloth. Try doing this once a week to help minimize your pores and draw out blackheads. Bentonite clay is rich in minerals and is commonly used for skin ailments and irritation. Apple cider vinegar helps combat infection, reduce swelling, and balance your skin's pH.

Apply egg whites to your nose to tighten pores. Remove the yolk from 1 cracked egg, separating the egg whites. Then, brush a layer of egg whites onto a clean nose with a clean makeup brush. Wait a few minutes for the first layer to dry before painting on another. Apply a third layer, and let it dry for 15 minutes (or until the egg whites feel tight on your skin). Dip a washcloth in warm water and gently wipe the egg whites away. Egg whites are high in protein and can help tighten and replenish your skin’s natural barrier, minimizing pores and reducing blackheads. If you don't love the idea of using egg whites, you could try using a peel-off charcoal mask instead. These commercial mask products claim to remove blackheads the same way, but the results may vary.

Make your own pore strips to remove blackheads. Pore strips are a great way to pull out stubborn blackheads, and you can make your own by combining 1 US tbsp (15 ml) of honey and 1 tsp (4.9 ml) of milk in a bowl. Warm the mixture in the microwave for 10 seconds and stir until it’s well blended. Dip a cotton strip in the mixture. Then, place the soaked cotton strip on your nose for 20 minutes. Once the strip has dried, peel it off your nose. Cut your cotton strips to fit your nose ahead of time. Try using fabric from an old cotton T-shirt to save even more money. Keep your honey and milk mixture in the fridge and heat it when you’re doing your skincare routine. While this home remedy can’t prevent blackheads, it can help remove them once they’ve popped up.

Apply tea tree oil to your nose with a cotton ball or swab. Pour a tiny bit of tea tree oil on a cotton ball or cotton swab and apply it directly to the blackheads on your nose. It may help inhibit or completely stop bacteria from growing.

Use a DIY toner to soothe irritated skin. Skin toners are an excellent and natural way to remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation caused by acne, so why not make your own at home? Combine 1 c (240 ml) of witch hazel with 3 US tbsp (0.19 c) of crushed mint leaves in an airtight container. Let the mixture rest in a cool, dark place for 1 week before straining. Apply the toner to your nose with a cotton swab after washing your face. Avoid using the toner every night, especially if you have sensitive skin. Moisturize after applying toner for the best results. Mint is a cooling herb that helps relax and soothe irritated skin.

Clear Skin Dos & Don'ts

Do: Wash your face at least twice a day to prevent acne and blackheads. The less oil on your face, the fewer blackheads you’ll have. Never skip your morning and evening skincare if you’re battling blackheads or other blemishes. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face, and always remove makeup before going to bed. If you sweat often or exercise throughout the day, wash your face after you get your blood pumping. Leaving sweat on your face can cause you to break out. It might seem counterintuitive, but don’t skip applying moisturizer after you wash your face. This prevents your skin from getting dry and itchy, and healthier skin means fewer blackheads.

Don't: Touch your face or let your hair touch your face. Any excess oil on your face can cause breakouts and/or clogged pores. Do your best to keep your hands and hair away from your face, especially if you know they’re sweaty or dirty. Try styling your hair in ponytails and braids, or use hair clips and headbands to pull it back. Always wash your hands before touching your face or applying makeup.

Do: Change your pillowcases at least once a week. Believe it or not, pillowcases can carry a lot of bacteria from your face and hair. Swapping out your pillowcases is an excellent and easy way to keep your face clean and blemish-free. Pick a day out of the week to change your pillowcases (we recommend doing so on your hair-washing day). Have an extra set of pillowcases ready to go, so you can switch out your current set whenever you get extra sweaty.

Don't: Squeeze or pick at your blackheads. It may be very tempting, but do your best not to touch, squeeze, or pick blackheads. This can cause further skin irritation, inflaming your pores and worsening the blemish. In the worst cases, squeezing a blackhead can cause an infection or make a permanent scar.

Do: Use non-comedogenic cosmetics. Standard makeup products may contribute to acne breakouts, like blackheads. Instead, look for cosmetics marked as unlikely to clog pores, or "non-comedogenic." Once you're finished wearing your makeup, be sure to remove it before heading to bed. Stick with sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as an ingredient so you don't break out.