Blackheads do not affect only teenagers! We have all had moments when we have wanted to squeeze the hell out of these pesky dots! So, what causes blackheads on your nose? how do you get rid of blackheads at home and prevent and zap these unwelcome visitors? Are salicylic acid products the answer you have been looking for? Just follow our blackhead guide.
Blackheads (or open comedones) crop up when sebaceous glands in our pores produce too much sebum. As the sebum comes into contact with the air, it oxidizes and turns black (a bit like rotting food!). And produces what we call a 'blackhead'. Blackheads often appear on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and can leave our complexion looking dull and dirty. So, how do you get rid of these blackhead causes and enjoy smooth and glowing skin?
Blackhead causes are often associated with oily or combination skin, which tends to produce too much sebum and suffer from open pores – teenagers often get the worst deal. That said, all skin types can be affected, for example, when our hormones go haywire (pregnancy, menopause), meaning comedones are formed. Dry skin also gets its share of blackhead causes: dehydrated skin makes up for its lack of water by producing lots of sebum that, in turn, leads to blackheads.
Even if our skin type makes us prone to blackhead causes, there are plenty of other reasons why these bothersome blemishes appear. Our skin defends and protects itself from the elements by producing sebum, so it is also a question of changing our habits and beauty routines.
The first preemptive strike to get rid of blackhead reasons involves daily cleansing with a gentle cleanser or micellar water. Avoid abrasive cleansers like the plague – they will only kick-start sebum production. If you do not religiously cleanse, bacteria will multiply and increase the likelihood of blackheads forming. Try the L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Daily Foaming Face Cleanser, which is designed for deeply cleansing pores, exfoliating, and delivering bright and clear skin! It removes the smallest impurities, effects of pollution, excess sebum, oil, and make-up – and suits all skin types!
Once a week, get rid of dead skin cells, a major blackhead reason, with a facial steam followed by a gentle scrub and carbon-based face mask. Alternatively, you can also use chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid for blackheads to refine your skin’s texture from within. You probably already know the power of salicylic acid for skin concerns, and you can use salicylic acid for clogged pores as well. But what is salicylic acid exactly? Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that mildly exfoliates your pores and gets rid of all the dirt and gunk from deep within your skin.
We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro Essence — it penetrates up to 10 skin layers deep* to refine your pores and skin texture and give you bright and clear skin that looks youthful, and Centella Asiatica helps keep your skin hydrated. The salicylic acid essence also accelerates skin renewal and is safe for everyday use.
Depending on your skin type, go for moisturising, purifying, mattifying, non-comedogenic products that will close your pores and counter the reasons for blackheads on the nose. Look for salicylic acid for oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, and more to address your skin’s unique needs.
Alcohol and greasy food, two blackhead-causing culprits, and eat a diet rich in zinc – cocoa, eggs, dry pulses, dairy products, and foods that trigger causes of blackheads on the face.
Avoid staying out in the sun, as this causes the upper layer of our skin to thicken, leading to pockets of sebum that cause blackheads to appear as our skin subsequently returns to its normal state. When outdoors, always use a sunscreen or a day cream with SPF to protect your skin from the damaging UVA and UVB rays.
A great way to enhance to avoid reasons for blackheads on the nose is a hydrating sheet mask that nourishes your skin and improves your skin’s texture right after using Crystal Micro Essence. The brightening actives in the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro Essence Sheet Mask help get rid of dead skin cells and minimize pores, revealing smoother and clearer skin in just 15 minutes. With one bottle worth of facial essence, it holds up to 30X more essence as compared to other masks**. Use the sheet mask three times a week to maximize the benefits and get smooth, radiant, and glowing skin.
Another great way to dodge blackhead causes and keep your skin hydrated is by incorporating hyaluronic acid in your daily skincare routine! Try the L’Oréal Paris 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum that boosts your skin’s radiance by 42%*** and gives ultimate hydration! The hyaluronic acid serum is fragrance-free & paraben-free and suitable for all skin types.
And yes, avoid the temptation to pick and squeeze them. You will only embed any bacteria and trigger reasons for blackheads on the nose!
Now that you know what causes blackheads on your nose and how to get rid of them, browse through the versatile skincare products by L’Oréal Paris and build a regimen for yourself. Use the Skin Genius tool and address other skin concerns to inch closer towards glassy, flawless skin.
*Within the epidermis in the stratum corneum layer
