How do I get rid of blackheads on my nose?

WikiBirdWatcher823
12/09/24 7:17pm
I have a basic skincare routine and wash my face, apply toner, and moisturize every single day. Nothing I do has gotten rid of the blackheads on my nose and they are driving me crazy! What can I do that will actually work to get rid of them?
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Chloe Goldman
Chloe Goldman
Board-certified Dermatologist
12/10/24 5:55pm
Cleansers with salicylic acid are great at removing debris and clotting, helping to clear out pores and get rid of blackheads. And there are a variety of medications, most famously medications with retinoids in them, whether that be over-the-counter retinol or prescription; those are the really best things to improve the appearance of pores.

I would avoid using pore strips. Pore strips only function to remove the debris inside pores, but they don't help minimize the appearance of pores or prevent the production of material that fills the pores. Also, sometimes they can be irritating and they're not really an effective solution to removing blackheads.
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Lisset Tresvant
Lisset Tresvant
Esthetician
07/16/25 5:41pm
If you have blackheads, they really need to be removed. If you leave them, they’ll continue to stretch your pores—once pores are stretched, they won’t return to their original size.

Think of it like gauging your ear. Once it’s stretched, it stays that way.
So first, get those blackheads extracted—ideally by an esthetician. You can also do it yourself, but you have to be very gentle.

Exfoliation is also crucial, especially on the nose. That area—your T-zone—has larger pores, which get clogged faster. Regular exfoliation helps prevent buildup.

So, there are two key steps: Start exfoliating the area consistently, and get professional extractions. If you decide to visit an esthetician, you should book a facial that includes extractions. The esthetician will then remove the blackheads. If you try to extract them at home and do it incorrectly—as most people do—you can cause hyperpigmentation. Then, not only do you still have clogged pores, but now you also have dark marks. So, it’s often better to let a professional handle it.
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Barbie Ritzman
Barbie Ritzman
Beauty & Skincare Specialist
04/07/25 4:31pm
Start with a gentle exfoliating cleanser that contains salicylic acid 2–3 times a week to help keep pores clear. Clay masks (like kaolin or bentonite) can absorb oil and help draw out impurities. Avoid picking or squeezing, as that can cause irritation or scarring.

Be cautious with pore strips—they may remove surface gunk, but they can also irritate skin or cause broken capillaries, so it’s better to use a BHA serum regularly for long-term results.
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WikiTigerJammer304
12/14/24 12:59pm
It can be really tempting to try to squeeze out your blackheads but that can actually be really bad for you in the long run! You can damage your skin that way. Please be patient and take the time to treat your skin with the proper products.
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WikiGladeLeaper631
12/13/24 7:43pm
Are you sure that you have blackheads and not something else? I spent so much time and money trying to get rid of my blackheads until someone suggested that I might actually be dealing with sebaceous filaments. What worked for me was incorporating salicylic acid and niacinamide into my skincare routine. You also mentioned that you havae a basic skincare routine that includes washing your face every single day. What do you wash your face with and how often do you wash it during the day? I do a double cleanse both in the morning and at night and that has improved my skin appearance.
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Anonymous WikiKoala
Anonymous WikiKoala
03/14/25 9:21pm
I started using a clay mask once a week for my blackheads and saw good results after a few months!
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wikiHow Expert
Barbie Ritzman
Barbie Ritzman
Beauty & Skincare Specialist
05/19/25 10:52pm
Clay masks help by pulling out oil, dirt, and buildup from your pores, which can reduce blackheads over time! They’re especially effective for oily or acne-prone skin.

However, they tend to dry out the skin, and many people think that’s a good thing, but too much dryness can actually cause more oil production. I recommend following with a lightweight moisturizer to help balance your skin and prevent over-drying.
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Anonymous WikiRiver
Anonymous WikiRiver
01/05/25 9:06am
Get one of those tiny face razors and shave it. Make sure anywhere u shave, you exfoliate without irritating first rinse clean then shave but do ur nose in like multiple tiny shaves if that makes sense. The chicks on YouTube can show u, but it's not to shave the hair on ur face, it's to remove all the dead skin and grossness. Only go over ur whole nose once or twice tho. U can always do it again the next day
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Anonymous WikiGopher
Anonymous WikiGopher
12/21/24 5:21am
There was recipes for different facials made with raw honey + more ingredients for different skin types and to remove blackheads
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WikiCheetahGlider673
12/11/24 9:00am
Try products with these active ingredients: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide. azelaic acid, retinoids, and lactic acid. It may take some trial and error because different products work for different people and skin types, but it will be worth it when you see results! Good luck.
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