Whiteheads can be just annoying as pimples. Even though they are not painful, whiteheads can make you feel embarrassed and less confident. Whiteheads tend to form due to clogged skin pores with sebum. They frequently appear around the nose. Whiteheads are easily treated at home with over-the-counter products and natural remedies. However, if with six weeks of daily treatment no improvement is achieved, get an appointment with a dermatologist. Other treatment options might be required.

What Causes Whiteheads Around Nose?

Before knowing how to remove the whiteheads from the nose naturally, it is essential to know what causes whiteheads in the first place. The most common reasons are:

• Poor Skin Hygiene: Not cleaning and washing the face regularly and not removing the dead skin cells through exfoliation can lead to skin problems, including whiteheads.
• Makeup and Cosmetic Products: Excessive use of makeup and cosmetic products can lead to whiteheads and other skin problems due to the skin pores being clogged.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, menstruations, pregnancy or menopause can lead to the formation of whiteheads on nose. The amount of sebum produced is increased during these periods. Women are more likely to have problems with whiteheads than men.
• Increased Levels of Androgen: Women have androgen as well but in very small amount. If these androgen hormone levels are increased in women due to hormone replacement therapy, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and acne can occur.
• Certain Medications: Medications like birth control pills affect the hormonal level, leading to whiteheads.
• Heredity: The production of the sebum is controlled by genes. Some people produce more sebum, prone to whiteheads and other skin problems.

How to Get Rid of Whiteheads

1. Check Your Skincare Products

If for any reason you have noticed an outbreak of whiteheads around nose and on other parts of your face, check the cosmetic products that you are currently using and make sure that these products are oil-free products. Your cosmetic products should be free of mineral oil and petrolatum as well. You can also avoid applying cosmetic products on your nose for a couple of days and check for any improvement in the meantime.

2. Wash Face

As whiteheads are caused by the buildup of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria within the pores, a thorough face washing can help eliminate them. Wash your face twice a day if you are prone to whiteheads. Use oil-free cosmetic products and gently wash it. Washing the face too rigorously can make it get even more irritated and dry out.

3. Use Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid kills the bacteria on the skin surface. It slows down the shedding process of the follicles which lead to clogged pores in the first place. So fewer whiteheads will form. However, it does not unclog the pores.

4. Apply 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Cream

It is well known that benzoyl peroxide is an effective treatment for acne. However, it is also a good treatment option for whiteheads around nose as it can help unclog the pores. It also kills bacteria on the skin surface.

5. Use Retinoid Cream

Retinoid creams are mostly made of vitamin A which is a great treatment option for most of the skin problems, including whiteheads. Retinoid creams prevent the skin pores from clogging. They also promote the cell turnover.

6. Apply Heat

Heat applied to the face, in the form of steam or hot compresses removes the whiteheads from the nose. Heat will help your pores open up, allowing the bacteria, dead skin and sebum to escape. After applying heat, wash the face with a mild facial cleanser and close the pores by washing the face with cold water at the end.

7. Try Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a great natural treatment for whiteheads. As it contains citric acid, lemon juice opens the skin pores and dries the excessive oil. Lemon juice should be applied once a day as excessive use of it will cause your skin to dry.

Collect the juice of one lemon and mix it with water. Use damp cotton, soak it in the lemon and water mix and apply it directly to the affected areas of the face, including your nose. You can also rub the lemon skin on the face for about five minutes. Rub the lemon skin twice a day.

8. Use Oatmeal

Oatmeal works by exfoliating the face. It also helps get rid of dead skin cells as well as bacteria from the face. Powdered oatmeal should be mixed with a cup of unflavored yogurt. Mix the ingredients and place it on the skin face. Rinse it using warm water after about 15 to 20 minutes. Apply cold water at the end to close the pores. Repeat the process twice a week.

9. Try Sugar Scrub

Sugar scrub is a great exfoliator which can help eliminate dead skin, trapped dirt, and bacteria. Mix sugar with honey and form a paste which should be applied on the face for about 10 minutes. Wipe it off the face using a clean washcloth. Rinse it with water. Repeat sugar scrubs once a week.

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps kill the bacteria and remove excessive dirt and oil. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with water; use a cotton ball and apply it on the skin. Leave it for about 30 minutes and rinse it carefully with lukewarm water.

In cases when none of the above mentioned at home natural treatments works, you can always have the whiteheads around nose extracted by a dermatologist. The dermatologist will extract the whiteheads using sterilized instruments like comedone extractor. You are not supposed to do this at home on your own.

More Tips to Help with Whiteheads

Besides the above remedies, here are more tips to help remove whiteheads on nose.

• Always remove the makeup before you go to bed. If you go to sleep with your makeup, your face will be predisposed to create pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or even a rash appearance.
• Do not touch the whiteheads with your hands as bacteria and germs can make them look worse and even create more skin problems.
• Do not pop or pluck the whiteheads on nose or on your face as it can easily lead to scarring and skin infections, making things even worse.
• Apply a skin toner every morning and every evening after you have washed your face thoroughly. Skin toners will help tighten the pores up and keep them closed as well.
• Drink plenty of water a day to keep your skin good hydrated. A good skin hydration will prevent whiteheads, blackheads, acne and other skin problems.
• Do not drink alcohol and do not smoke cigarettes. Alcohol and nicotine will dehydrate your skin.
• Exercise regularly for about 20 minutes a day.
• Change the bed sheets and pillows frequently. By doing so you will keep the bacteria away.
• Avoid overexposure to the sun. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen or sunblock with at least 15 SPF, even in the winter. This will protect your skin from sun rays.
• From time to time follow a detox diet plan for 2-3 days, which will help your body flush out the toxins. These detox diet plans should include fresh fruits and vegetables. Coffee, alcohol, chocolates, carbonated drinks, as well as oily and spicy foods should be avoided.