Let's know how to get rid of blackheads on your nose

Blackheads are a common occurrence and very normal. While they can affect your neck, back, and face, they more commonly appear on the nose. They may look like specks of dirt, but they are clogged pores. While there are many causes of the occurrence of blackheads, it most commonly occurs when excess sebum is produced in sebaceous glands which are located all over the body and connected to the pores of the skin. As the pore gradually opens and its contents are exposed to dirt and dead skin cells, oxidation takes place, causing the formation of a blackhead.

Blackheads, though harmless, may seem annoying, and you would probably be itching to get rid of them. Some of the most common ways to do this are probably not the safest, hence we got two experts to break the myths behind the popular hacks and suggest alternate steps to remove blackheads.  

Hacks you should avoid 

Extracting them at home using your hands or a tool: Pinching and pulling your balckheads without any prior experience could lead to more inflammation or a breakout. 

Using harsh scrubs to try and exfoliate them: This will only irritate the skin further. 

Steps you should follow 

Getting rid of blackheads is a gradual process. The easiest, quickest, and pain-free solution would be to visit your dermatologist and let them take care of it. You could also try using a water-based deep cleanser to keep your pores clean. Pamper yourself with facials that help blackheads removal at your dermatologist's clinic.

Cleanse Regularly: Use a gentle cleanser containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid twice a day for deep pore cleansing. This helps remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin. Furthermore, you must also ensure to wash your face thoroughly after it has been exposed to dirt and pollution.

Exfoliate: Exfoliators or scrubs can slough off the dead skin cells that contribute to clogging your pores. Products with AHAs or BHAs or enzymes are particularly effective. However, remember to be gentle as aggressive scrubbing can irritate the skin and exacerbate the condition.

Include vitamins in skincare: Incorporating products with retinoids in your night-time routine can significantly improve your skin's condition. Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives that enhance cell turnover and prevent pore-clogging. Another important step is including Vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and the likes in your skincare routine.

Use targeted treatments: While skincare is fundamental, there are targeted treatments you can consider. Masks with clay or charcoal can absorb excess oil and remove impurities. Pore strips are also effective, but use them cautiously as they can irritate sensitive skin.

Inputs from Dr. Rashmi Shetty, Cosmetic Dermatologist, Ra Skin & Aesthetics - Mumbai & Hyderabad and Dr. Batul Patel, Leading Celebrity Dermatologist, Founder & Medical Director - The Bombay Skin Clinic