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

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Deep sigh. Blackheads find a way to pop up in unexpected areas like your ears and on your back. Your nose is a more common spot for the tiny black specks that you may notice after washing your face or when you pose for cute makeup-free selfies on Insta and TikTok. Thankfully, with the right products and a consistent skincare routine, you can zap active blackheads on your nose and keep your pores clear so that new ones don't develop in the future.

When it comes to tackling skincare issues it's important to speak to an expert who can provide insight as to how blemishes like blackheads form on your nose and what's the best way to treat them. Seventeen tapped a board-certified dermatologist who set the record straight about what blackheads are, how they differ from other breakouts like pimples, and the best way to get rid of blackheads on your nose.

What exactly is a blackhead?

When you're dealing with acne, sometimes it's hard to tell what type of blemish you're experiencing. As annoying as blackheads may be, their unique color serves as a helpful indicator, identifying what they are and making it a bit easier to get rid of them. "Pimples typically refer to a red bump or pustule that is associated with more inflammation than a blackhead," Dr. Marisa Garshick of Medical Dermatology and Cosmetology tells Seventeen. "Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are a type of acne that results from clogged pores or hair follicles that are filled with excess oil and dead skin," the New York and New Jersey-based board-certified derm adds. "Because it is open to the air, the contents oxidize, which gives off the black appearance."

What are the best ingredients to get rid of blackheads?

The best way to get rid of blackheads on your nose and ensure they don't come back is to incorporate products that unclog pores. Enter exfoliating. "Exfoliating helps to address blackheads by eliminating dead skin cell buildup," which "helps prevent the pores from becoming clogged," Dr. Garshick says. While physical exfoliants, like sandy-textured facial scrubs, buff away the gunk inside of your clogged pores, she suggests using chemical exfoliants, like "oil-soluble" salicylic acid, to "penetrate deep into the pores to help unclog them and remove excess oil," two to three times a week.

Retinoids are another key ingredient that Dr. Garshick recommends using to treat blackheads. Retinoids "help to regulate skin cell turnover," she says. According to Dr. Garshick, "we often think of the first step in the acne pathogenesis as oil production, and a pore becoming clogged," so "using a topical retinoid can help to reduce the potential for a breakout at the first step."

Charcoal is another helpful ingredient that reduces the appearance of blackheads. Often available in clay-based products and charcoal masks draw out the dirt, "excess oil, and debris" that often fills pores. They "offer some immediate benefits" to reduce the appearance of blackheads," but Dr. Garshick says they "do not prevent future" ones.

Is it okay to use extraction tools?

If you tune into blackhead extraction and pimple-popping videos on TikTok then you've probably seen the super-cool tools professionals use to extract blemishes. However, Dr. Garshick advises against using them at home. "While extractions can’t be helpful for blackheads in general, it is best to avoid doing this at home as this can lead to increased scarring and may be associated with a risk of infection," she says. If you want to use an extraction tool to remove your blemishes, she suggests getting it done professionally, but remember, "Extractions may help to unclog the pores, but it is still important to prevent breakouts from forming."

What about squeezing blackheads?

Extraction tools are a big no, no, and the same goes for squeezing blackheads. It may feel gratifying to watch the gunk come out of your nose when you squeeze the life out of a blackhead, but you may be causing your skin more harm than good. "In general, it is best to avoid removing blackheads at home by picking, popping, or squeezing them as this can risk worsening the breakout, causing more inflammation and scarring," Dr. Garshick warns. "As blackheads are often small, they require precision and gentle pressure to extract, so trying to do this at home can often lead to a larger mark."

When should you seek professional help?

Like most skincare concerns, it can take some time before you see long term results. If you've been incorporating a consistent blackhead removal and prevention routine and still haven't noticed any improvements then it might be time to consult your dermatologist. Dr. Garshick also suggests seeing an expert if you've noticed that your over-the-counter products are leading to scarring.

The right tips, tricks, and dermatologist-approved products can help get rid of the blackheads on your nose and prevent new ones from forming. If you're ready to say goodbye once and for all, check out the best products to remove blackheads on your nose.

Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel 2% Salicylic Acid

Not only does this gel treatment unclog pores, but it also helps reduce discoloration from leftover blemishes. Dr. Garshick recommends First Aid Beauty's Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel because it's "great for sensitive skin" and "can be used up to three times daily." She suggests starting out by applying it one to two times daily and then increasing the frequency as needed.

The Detoxifier Charcoal Facial Mask

Decongest your pores while indulging in some relaxation with this detoxifying charcoal sheet mask.

Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Face Mask

With more than 23,00o ratings on Amazon, Cetaphil's Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Face Mask absorbs excess oil and pore-clogging particles while gently exfoliating dead skin cells.

Normaderm Phytoaction Daily Deep Cleansing Gel

Dr. Garshick recommends this cleansing gel because it's enriched with a combination of salicylic acid 0.5%, zinc and copper minerals to "effectively cleanse the skin and eliminate dirt, oil and buildup without leaving the skin feeling dry or irritated as it is free of soaps, parabens and sulfates." Who doesn't love reducing blemishes while improving the appearance of pores?

Clarifying Toner Pads for Face

When you're having a long day and notice your skin is feeling a bit more congested than usual, use the humane Clarifying Toner Pads to remove gunk from pores, reduce oil, and minimize the appearance of breakouts and blemishes after cleansing your face once or twice daily.

Acne Control Face Cleanser, 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment

Cleansing your face is the first step in a skincare routine, and CeraVe's Acne Control Face Cleanser helps reduce breakouts and gently exfoliates without leaving the "skin feeling dry or irritated.

Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Once you've dried your face after applying your go-to cleanser, follow up with a liquid exfoliant like Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA. It works to dissolve dead skin cells and keep pores clear of gunk that leads to blackheads.

Stubborn Blackheads Daily Serum

Calling all besties with oily or acne-prone skin. Swipe on Neutrogena's Stubborn Blackheads Daily Serum one to two times a day to address blackheads. This drugstore-friendly, oil-free serum is non-comedogenic, so you don't have to worry about it clogging your pores.

Acne Treatment Gel

There are sometimes when you experience more than one skincare concern at a time. If you're dealing with blackheads along with breakouts from acne, head to your local drugstore and grab Differin Acne Treatment Gel. According to Dr. Garshick, this gel is "a must-have for someone dealing with blackheads as it helps to regulate the rate that the skin cells turnover, which helps to prevent the pores from becoming clogged." With consistent use, she says this gel will treat existing blackheads and prevent new ones from forming.

Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum

This BHA + AHA combo dissolves debris from pores while brightening the skin and reducing the appearance of pores.

Daily Glow Toner with Niacinamide

Looking for a refresh before applying your skincare essentials before putting on your makeup? This toner is ideal for besties with dry skin because it's acid-free and contains niacinamide as well as Poretight, which together help to improve the overall appearance of the pores without drying out the skin.

Peace Out Oil-Absorbing Pore Treatment Strips

Along with getting to check out the leftover gunk from your pores once you take it off, Dr. Garshick raves about this product because they "unclog the pores, but also contain retinol to reduce the overall appearance of the pores."

Blackhead Removing Exfoliating Face Scrub

Mix a little chemical exfoliant with a little physical exfoliant, and you come out with a gentle exfoliant that eliminates dead skin cells and oil. Start out by using it a few times per week to reduce potential sensitivity.

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