Make sure you’re not trying to get rid of blackheads the wrong way! Should you squeeze, or use porestrips? Find out the best skincare tips, ingredients & products to banish blackheads for good.
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HOW TO GET RID OF BLACKHEADS ON YOUR NOSE
Blackheads on the nose are enough to drive anyone mad. Considered a mild form of acne they can persist even when your skin is otherwise clear, no matter how comprehensive your skincare routine is. It can be tempting to pick and squeeze each one, but if you do you may be left with redness, inflammation, and skin prone to infection.
To keep the pores on your nose clear, you need to understand what causes blackheads, why they are so common on the nose area, and adjust your skincare routine accordingly.
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SO,WHAT CAUSES BLACKHEADS?
According to La Roche-Posay’s Senior Scientific Advisor Rachel McAdams, blackheads are a type of “non-inflammatory acne that occurs when hair follicles (also known as pores) become clogged with excess sebum.”
The excess sebum in question creates a plug that collects dead skin cells and bacteria, and when it makes contact with the air, it oxidises, turning black. Many tend to think blackheads are trapped dirt, but that’s not true. For instance, if the same blockage was not exposed to air, it would appear as a whitehead instead.
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WHY DO I GET BLACKHEADS ON MY NOSE?
According to McAdams, blackheads can occur anywhere on the body, but are often concentrated in areas where sebaceous glands are at their highest. It is for this reason the nose is often a blackhead hot spot – it’s essentially sebaceous gland heaven, meaning the pores have a much higher chance at becoming congested than they do say, on the cheeks or temples.
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PORE STRIPS: I LOVE THEM…BUT ARE THEY BAD FOR MY SKIN?
Pore strips are fascinating, and there’s something very gratifying about peeling one off to see a forest of tiny, extracted blackheads. While they seem effective at clearing the pores on your nose, the reality is a little less forgiving. It’s important for those with sensitive skin to check the ingredients in pore strips as they may contain irritating chemicals in the film agent of the strip. According to McAdams, pore strips can actually be “damaging, traumatic for the skin, and leave many conditions worse”. Instead, try some of the products and steps listed below to help keep your skin clear.
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KEEP BACTERIA AT BAY
Avoid touching your face and nose with dirty, contaminated fingers. Change your pillowcases every few nights, keep your phone sanitised, and disinfect your makeup brushes frequently. Squeezing is tempting, but unfortunately it can just lead to infection, scarring, and inflammation – so keep your hands off you face. It’s for the best. Once this is all taken care of, the next step is to take stock of your skincare routine, and incorporate ingedients like beta hydroxy acids that will help keep the pores on your nose clear.
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SKINCARE ROUTINE TO GET RID OF BLACKHEADS ON YOUR NOSE
1: Gently Cleanse Deep Into The Pores
Choose a gentle, non-drying cleanser, like Effaclar Foaming Gel Cleanser. Gentle and non-drying, it’s a foaming cleanser designed specifically for oily, or blemish-prone skin. Cleanse thoroughly morning and night, as well as after sweating or a workout to remove build-up, grime and makeup.
2: Gently Renew Dead Skin
To keep the pores on your nose free from blackheads, look for a chemical exfoliant such as beta hydroxy acid. This breaks down the excess sebum, dissolving existing blackheads and preventing the formation of new ones.
3 Moisturise
Effaclar K (+) Anti-Blackhead Moisturiser is an anti-blackhead moisturiser that contains salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid to keep pores clear by dissolving oil and speeding up cell turnover. It also contains carnosine to prevent oxidation and airlicium to mattify the skin to prevent excess oil, making it a great daily base for makeup.
4 Wear Non-Comedogenic Make Up Products
When it comes to makeup, look for products labelled non-comodegenic as this indicates it won’t clog your pores. Use sparingly and remove it properly every night before bed. Sleeping in makeup can inhibit the skin’s natural shedding and renewal process, which can cause blockages, and once skin is clogged, bacteria can build up. Try using a non-comedogenic foundation specially formulated for combination to oily like the Toleriane Corrective Powder Foundation that covers and also reduces blemishes without clogging your pores.
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