- Up to one in five adults has blackheads, and they can be ‘frustratingly hard to treat’, experts agree. Still, there are ways to avoid having any
- We take a look at what causes them, why relying on make-up wipes can clog your pores and why, if you have to, you should use your fingers to squeeze blackheads
Blackheads are a form of acne. They happen when a skin pore becomes clogged with oil, bacteria and dead skin.
“Like potholes in a road, our pores can fill with debris, which then oxidises with air and turns black,” says Brian Toy, a dermatologist in the United States.
Up to one in five adults has blackheads, which, although common, “can be frustratingly hard to treat,” says Toy.
Still, there are some steps that you can take to prevent blackheads and get rid of them when they occur.
Why you have so many blackheads on your nose
Blackheads are most common in areas of the skin that have more sebaceous glands, which produce oil.
The highest concentrations of these glands are found on the nose, chin, neck, back and chest, says Smita Ramanadham, a US plastic surgeon and skincare expert.
Because of that, the nose and cheeks are prone to blackheads. Since many people wear make-up – which can clog pores – and touch their face frequently during the day, which can introduce bacteria, blackheads on the face are very common.
Still, “it is not uncommon to find blackheads in other areas”, Ramanadham says.
Blackheads aren’t contagious, but it’s common to have a cluster in the same area, she says. That goes back to the fact that certain areas, like the nose, are more oily and likely to become clogged.
Anyone can experience blackheads, but males are more susceptible to them because testosterone increases oil production, Toy says.
People going through puberty or menopause are also more susceptible because of hormonal changes that can increase oil production, he adds.
How to get rid of blackheads on your nose for good
The best way to get rid of blackheads is to prevent them from happening in the first place with a great skincare routine.
“Hygiene plays a critical role in the development of blackheads,” Toy says.
Washing make-up, oil, sunscreen, dirt and bacteria from your face in the morning and at the end of the day can keep your pores from becoming clogged. Here’s what else can help prevent blackheads.
Don’t rely on make-up wipes
While make-up wipes are efficient, they aren’t always effective, says Toy.
Don’t rely on a cleansing wipe alone. Instead, use soap and water or a cleanser in addition to the wipe, he says.