Is it okay to squeeze out blackheads?

Experts recommend avoiding squeezing out blackheads at all costs, as this can both bring on more inflammation and lead to scarring.

Why is my nose covered in blackheads?

Because the nose is made up of many oil glands (more than the rest of the face) blackheads are more likely to form in this area. This form of acne sits underneath the skin of the nose, hence why they can be difficult to remove.

Do blackheads go away naturally?

Though their stubborn, blackheads are known to eventually go away on their own, though this may take months or years. Keeping your skin exfoliated is a helpful way to speed up the process.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads On Your Nose, According to Derms

Close-up of person with clear skin and glossy lips — ice.ice.ps / Instagram

Do you know those things that creep up onto our skin at any given time without warning? Oh yeah, blackheads a.k.a. the bane of our existence. "Blackheads are essentially an accumulation of skin oil and dead cells that get trapped within the pores on the nose," explains dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. "Because the pores are large, the blockage is visible in the form of a black dot."

It's important to distinguish blackheads from sebum plugs, which are just spots of discolored oil in your pores. Everyone has oil in their pores, and it's impossible to eliminate it, but it is possible to eliminate blackheads. We consulted Zeichner and dermatologist Dendy Engelman to find out how. Keep scrolling for eight expert-approved ways to banish blackheads on your nose.

Meet the Expert

Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD, is a board certified dermatologist in New York City.
Dendy Engelman is a board certified dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue.

01 of 08

Carry a Facial Wipe

"Excessive sweating in the summer is one of the various issues that can contribute to pores clogging, along with oil, dirt, and skin cells," Engelman tells us. "Once the gunk has oxidized and darkened, it creates blackheads. Warmth can cause vasodilation [widening of your blood vessels] and relaxation of the erector pili muscles (the muscles that cause goosebumps), and this can make the opening of the pores appear enlarged."

All that to say, it's never a bad idea to carry a facial wipe with you on particularly sweaty days or after the gym. Wiping away excess sweat can help to prevent a buildup of oil and debris in your pores.

02 of 08

Use Products With Salicylic Acid

Zeichner encourages using treatments that prevent blockages from occurring and help remove what is already there. Your go-to ingredient should be salicylic acid. "This beta-hydroxy acid helps remove excess oil and exfoliates dead cells from the skin surface," says Zeichner. Look for a cleanser that contains 2% salicylic acid, like Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Cleanser ($11).

03 of 08

Cleanse Twice a Day

Engelman also stresses the importance of using a cleanser twice a day. "To reduce the appearance of large pores, start by keeping them clean. Use a gentle cleanser twice a day, but you should also use it after you sweat to prevent oil from building up," she advises.

04 of 08

Exfoliate Weekly

"Using an exfoliating cleanser once a week will also help because it breaks down dead skin cells that clog pores and can give your skin a smoother appearance," Engleman tells us. Try Clinique Exfoliating Scrub ($26).

05 of 08

Consider a Mask

As a weekly treatment with salicylic acid, Engelman suggests a mask like Revision Skincare® Pore Purifying Clay Mask ($54). "It contains freshwater silt derived from freshwater lakes in Eastern Europe and salicylic acid to help deeply cleanse the skin and unclog pores," she says.

06 of 08

Use Retinoids

Retinoids like OTC Differin Gel ($18) can reduce the size of pores that have been enlarged as a result of clogging and sun damage. "By applying a topical retinoid solution, you can dissolve bacteria that cause acne and treat sun damage at the same time," explains Engelman. It will also boost the skin's production of glycosaminoglycans, which maintain and support collagen, elastin, and bounce, she adds. Translation: skin will appear firmer and more youthful.

Byrdie Tip

Retinoids will help with skin cell turnover and decrease blackheads as well as sun damage, but it also makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage. Make sure that you use a daily SPF to help protect your skin.

07 of 08

Apply Sunscreen Daily

"You should always use sunscreen to protect your skin and keep large pores from becoming worse," says Engelman, who is a fan of EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($41).

08 of 08

Consider a Laser Treatment

If you find yourself fixating on your blackheads, Engelman suggests looking into a laser treatment such as the Fraxel. "Fraxel is a fractional laser that works by causing controlled micro-injury to the skin, signaling surrounding skin to produce collagen which aids in reducing enlarged pores," she explains. "This method of collagen stimulation benefits wrinkles, texture, and pore size."

FAQ

Is it okay to squeeze out blackheads?

Experts recommend avoiding squeezing out blackheads at all costs, as this can both bring on more inflammation and lead to scarring.
Why is my nose covered in blackheads?

Because the nose is made up of many oil glands (more than the rest of the face) blackheads are more likely to form in this area. This form of acne sits underneath the skin of the nose, hence why they can be difficult to remove.
Do blackheads go away naturally?

Though their stubborn, blackheads are known to eventually go away on their own, though this may take months or years. Keeping your skin exfoliated is a helpful way to speed up the process.

This Facial for Blackheads Cleared My Skin in 20 Minutes

How to Get Rid of Blackheads On Your Nose, According to Dermatologists