Whiteheads are types of acne that form when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria become trapped in your pores. These comedones are usually disturbing especially for those people who value their beauty so much. Understanding the cause of whiteheads can help you know what to do to prevent future breakouts. However there are measures you can take to treat this conditions just at home or by over the counter medication.
Whiteheads on Nose
Whiteheads will develop from clogged pores. One cause of blocked pores is hormonal changes. Certain life stages can increase the amount of sebum, or oil, your pores produce. The increased oil production causes clogged pores and whiteheads. People who are in some stages like puberty; menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause are at a hirer risk of developing whiteheads on nose. We will look into these in details.
How Common Are Whiteheads?
These spots can develop anywhere on your body including the nose, chin, and forehead which are collectively known as the T-zone. The oily parts of your face are the most prone to acne. However, you may also develop whiteheads on your chest, back, shoulders, and arms. Acne can affect any one regardless of the gender and age.
Whiteheads on Nose Causes
As we have said above, whiteheads can appear at any stage of life, and they tend to be associated more with puberty, menopause, pregnancy and menstruation. The underlying causes of this condition may include the following:
- Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes in the body are common during puberty, menopause, during pregnancy and during menstruation. These conditions can trigger higher production of sebum in your pores which often culminate in clogged pores. At the end they are seen as whiteheads in the places they form.
- Certain medications
People who are taking some medications that have an impact on hormones can as well develop whiteheads on their noses. For example, those who take oral birth control pills may end up with this problem at some point.
- Genetics
You may be naturally predisposed to acne and whiteheads due to your genetic makeup. If you are one of these people, you tend to develop whiteheads very easily. This condition usually runs down in the families.
- Certain cosmetics
If you are using heavy cosmetic products especially creams with petrolatum, they could also be to blame for your whitehead on nose. This is because the creams block pores when used encouraging dead skin cells and oil to remain inside.
Whiteheads on Nose Keep Coming Back
At some point you may find yourself developing whiteheads that keep coming back after they go away for some time. Small whiteheads on your nose may keep coming back every time you have your periods. The hormonal changes that occur during menstrual periods cause a spike in sebum production from your pores, increasing the chances for their clogging and ultimately the formation of whiteheads.
Young adults who are in pubic stage are also prone to these kinds of comedones that come and go. While whiteheads during menstrual periods tend to develop on the nose, chin and forehead because of their oily nature, they can as well develop on any other area of the body where clogging of pores occurs. That may include shoulders, chest, arms, back etc.
Whiteheads inside Nose
A number of people often perceive whiteheads in nose as a manifestation of a skin condition called folliculitis. As the name suggests, folliculitis is an irritation or infection of hair follicles. Among the factor responsible for this are poor trimming of nose hairs, bacterial imbalance due to inappropriate use of antibiotics, nose picking, and environmental pollutants e.g. chemicals, dust, etc.
The nose provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria to thrive and as such, whiteheads on nose should not be ignored. Unfortunately, the natural shape of the nose makes it tricky to manage the situation and doesn’t leave much in the way of options as compared to whitehead that occur on the surface of the nose.
There are some of the things you have to observe in order to get rid of whiteheads that form inside your nose:
- Don’t pick on them: While you may get the urge pick your nose, you should avoid that at all cost as it might lead to destruction of the delicate nerve endings and irritate the nasal lining. It can also spreading of the infection.
- Apply a warm compress, that is, pat the nose gently with a cotton wool soaked in warm water two times daily.
- If taking antibiotics, talk to your doctor about it for appropriate advice. Never stop using antibiotics halfway unless under instructed to do so by your doctor.
Whiteheads Removal Products
Chemists and cosmetic shops are lined with products formulated to help treat, remove and camouflage your comedones. Here, we are going to look at some of the best products to help ditch whiteheads and blackheads for good.
- White clay and salicylic acid exfoliator
Once in a while you have used a clay mask when your skin is bugging out, but creamy and hydrating are the last words you use to describe them—until now. This surprising white clay– and salicylic acid–infused exfoliator boasts a milky formula to draw out whiteheads on nose and impurities while improving the look of large pores, too.
- Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant
The instant this highly active powder formula activates upon contact with water, ingredients including activated binchotan charcoal and niacinamide begin to work their magic as dirt, oil and grime trapped deep within pores—as well as environmental pollutants often creating a dull complexion—all get washed down the drain.
- Bioré Baking Soda Acne Scrub
Crafted for combination skin, this exfoliating scrub cleanses with baking soda to remove dead skin cells and grime that are likely the cause of your unwanted breakouts while also treating any existing whiteheads on nose and curbing future breakouts with a hefty dose of salicylic acid without drying out skin.
- M-61 Powerspot Pads
Each of these petite clarifying pads is packed with salicylic acid, tea tree, camphor, aloe and witch hazel to cleanse problematic skin, then unblock pores, erase blackheads and reverse blemishes. Focus on your problem areas like your chin and T-zone or, if you have problematic skin in general, the pad contains more than enough treatment to use around the entire face for a clean sweep.
Designed for daily use, this concentrated, water-activated powder cleanser transforms into a creamy cleanser packed with bamboo charcoal to exfoliate and clear pores of dirt, toxins, blackheads and debris to reveal refreshed and squeaky-clean skin beneath.
- PUR Joystick
This travel-friendly cleansing stick clears out pores with help from charcoal and Moroccan lava clay much like a mask would, but features the benefits of a cleanser, exfoliator and toner, as well. Specifically formulated for congested, acne-prone skin, this foaming solid is no joke for blackheads everywhere.
- COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
This lightweight serum uses white willow bark water and betaine salicylate to act as a vacuum for stubborn blackheads and prevent new ones from forming. After cleansing, simply apply one or two pumps to problem areas and watch as your blackheads and whiteheads on nose drastically reduce in severity in no time at all.
- GLAMGLOW SuperMud Clearing Treatment
This powerful mud mask uses charcoal to draw impurities out of your pores and unclog them right before your eyes. Apply a thin layer to your trouble spots (this works on breakouts, blackheads or ingrown hairs), and you’ll see dots of vacuum extractions through the mud when it’s ready to be removed. Your skin will be left looking healthy and radiant.
Whiteheads Removal Cream
There has to be multi-pronged approach when you treat whiteheads. While you take efforts to remove whiteheads with the help of over-the-counter products or some natural remedy, you should also be careful in your skincare regime. Cleaning your skin properly is essential not only to get rid of whiteheads but also to prevent them from coming back. Let’s have look into how to remove whiteheads following all these approaches
Get an over-the-counter acne treatment product, the one which contains benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Apply this product on your whiteheads on face, chin, and nose in short apply it to all your face if you have whiteheads all over face. If not all over, apply wherever, you can see these whiteheads.
Benzoyl peroxide will kill the bacteria present in your skin pores.
Salicylic acid will help slough off dead skin cells in order to open the clogged pores. It also helps dry up the excessive oil causing whiteheads. However, it may lead to some tingling when you apply it to your skin due to its acidic composition. If your skin is too sensitive, it is better for you to adopt natural home remedies for whiteheads instead of using commercial products.
How to get rid of whiteheads on Nose Fast – Treatment
There are many ways to naturally treat and get rid of bumpy-looking skin that whiteheads cause. Here are some of the best natural treatments that have helped many people get rid of whiteheads.
- Baking Soda
Baking soda is a very simple and easy way to unclog pores and get rid of whiteheads naturally. Its grainy texture naturally exfoliates the skin to loosen and remove dead skin cells and reduce the buildup of sebum. This will make your skin look less shiny and oily.
Research into baking soda has found that it has antibacterial properties which can help to kill off various strains of bacteria. It is very easy to make a baking soda face mask to reduce the number of whiteheads on your nose and chin. Here is how to do it:
- In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp. baking soda and enough warm water to make a thick paste.
- Gently massage the baking soda remedy to your chin and nose.
- Leave for 15 to 30 minutes and then rinse off.
- Manuka honey
Manuka honey is another natural treatment for helping to rid your nose and chin of whiteheads. Although most raw honey contains antibacterial properties, Manuka honey contains a more potent concentration of compounds that can kill the bacteria causing whiteheads and other forms of acne.
You can apply Manuka honey directly to your skin to help clear acne-causing bacteria and get rid of whiteheads faster.
- Apple cider vinegar for whiteheads
The antiseptic properties of apple cider vinegar (ACV) make it a great home treatment for removing whiteheads. Apple cider vinegar is an effective natural ingredient for cleansing your skin from a buildup of bacteria and sebum. Diluted apple cider vinegar helps to regulate the skin pH levels and can help prevent an outbreak of whiteheads.
To make a skin toner to help quickly get rid of whiteheads on your face you should dilute ACV with equal parts of water. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply to your skin where you have whiteheads and blackheads. Use the ACV remedy daily until you no longer have bumpy skin caused by whiteheads.
- Witch hazel
Use witch hazel to help to get rid of acne and remove whiteheads on nose and chin. Witch hazel is effective in helping to treat acne because it cleans out bacteria from clogged pores and reduces inflammation.
The Journal of Inflammation stated that the tannins in witch hazel make it a natural astringent and it also contains antioxidant properties. Because of this, witch hazel is an effective topical acne treatment. It also helps to kill off harmful bacteria from the skin.4
All you have to do to help reduce the appearance of whiteheads is to dab some witch hazel on your nose and chin with a cotton ball. Use witch hazel as part of your daily skincare routine to keep your skin clean and prevent any more outbreaks of whiteheads and blackheads.
You can also add some witch hazel to the apple cider vinegar recipe to help clear up your skin. Or you can boost its antibacterial properties by adding some essential oils.
- Essential oils
Many essential oils contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help you get rid of whiteheads faster. When using essential oils on your skin, you should remember to always add them to carrier oil. This prevents the powerful compounds of the essential oils damaging the barrier on your skin. Some of the best carrier oils are coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, rosehip oil, and castor oil.
Here are some of the best essential oils for getting rid of whiteheads on nose:
- Tea tree oil is great for skin complaints and has been well documented for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. For example, the journal Clinical Microbiology Reviews stated that tea tree oil efficiently kills off a number of bacterial strains that cause skin infections. It also helps to reduce swelling, redness, and inflammation on the skin.5 In fact, one study showed that tea tree oil was as effective as a popular anti-acne topical medication.6
- Lavender essential oil is similar to tea tree oil in that it is a powerful antibacterial ingredient for eliminating whiteheads. Information published in the journal Physiotherapy Research showed that lavender oil is effective for destroying harmful skin bacteria.7
- Lemon oil can help to cleanse your skin and also remove any bacterial infections which can cause whiteheads. Studies have shown that lemon oil has antioxidant properties that can help destroy free radicals and keep your skin looking great.8
- Other great essential oils for acne are rosemary, geranium, frankincense, and oregano. You can find out more information in my article about treating acne using essential oils. There you can also discover some practical recipes you can make at home for facial oil cleansing.
How to use essential oils to get rid of whiteheads on nose
To use essential oils for removing whiteheads, you only need a small amount in carrier oil. Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to 1 tbsp. carrier oil. Using a cotton ball, cleanse the area around your nose and chin and leave for about 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Repeat daily until you no longer have any whiteheads or blackheads on your skin. Using essential oils will help to cleanse your skin from acne-causing bacteria.
Oil cleansing method
For healthy, great looking skin you can use good quality oils to rejuvenate and cleanse your skin. Although it may seem contradictory to put oil on your acne-prone skin, oils actually help to nourish your skin and can reduce the production of sebum. The oil cleansing method for getting rid of whiteheads is better for your skin than using harsh commercial facial cleansers which can irritate your skin and cause acne breakouts.
Alternatively, you can use coconut oil in your facial oil cleansing routine. Instead of using castor oil and jojoba oil, replace them with raw, organic coconut oil. Find out about the many reasons why you should use coconut oil for acne.
- Clay facial mask for whiteheads
Clay can help to dry out excess oil from pores and help reduce the appearance of small bumps caused by whiteheads. When you combine clay with jojoba oil, you can make your own effective face mask for pimples.
Apply the anti-whiteheads face mask 2-3 times a week to keep the pores on your skin unclogged and free from bacteria. You should notice that after a few weeks, the number of whiteheads on your face will have greatly reduced.
If you would like to know more about how clay masks can help to get great looking skin, please read my article on how clay masks can help to detox your skin.
Other Natural Remedies for Whiteheads on Nose and Chin
There are many other natural remedies that you can use to remove whiteheads from your face. You can try these if some other remedies aren’t as effective for you.
- Sulfur
Apply some sulfur ointment to your nose and chin to get rid of whiteheads. Studies into the effects of sulfur on the skin have shown that it can help to treat many forms of acne and other skin conditions.10
- Aloe vera
Aloe vera is great for keeping your skin healthy and free of blemishes such as whiteheads. This is because it helps to remove harmful bacteria from the outer layer of the skin and soothes inflamed skin. Aloe vera can also help to prevent acne scars forming because it boosts the skin’s collagen production.
Studies have shown that aloe vera has an anti-acne effect on the skin and can be used on its own or you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to boost its antibacterial properties.
More references
- Causes of whiteheads: http://www.healthline.com/symptom/whitehead
- How to keep whiteheads from coming back: https://www.realself.com/question/rid3
- Pimple in side nose: http://www.healthline.com/health/pimple-inside-nose#overview1
- Products for white heads: https://www.newbeauty.com/slideshow/1814-most-advanced-blackhead-removing-products/