Keep Your Nose Clean and Get Rid of Blackheads

Skin Savvy with Emma Hobson – July 2009 Edition.

Since we were teenagers we have all hated having them and wanted to get rid of them, what am I referring to? Yep - blackheads!

The first place blackheads normally appear are on the nose and from there they seem to spread and multiply out onto our forehead, chin and cheeks. They are most prevalent in our T-zone because this is where we have the greatest oil gland activity. So how do we keep our nose clean and clear of blackheads, and anywhere else for that matter?

Easy, but first I’ll start by clarifying what a blackhead is and how it is formed so it makes it easy to understand the treatment.

A Blackhead (Comedone)

A blackhead is caused by a clog of congestion inside a follicle. The congestion is a mixture of oil (sebum), dead skin cells, tiny hairs, some debris and sometimes bacteria that all combine to make a plug.

The surface of the plug, being open and in contact with the light and air oxidises and turns black. That’s why when you remove a blackhead, the top is black but the rest underneath is a creamy colour. The follicle often contains an over-active oil gland (sebaceous follicle) stimulated by hormonal activity.

Blackheads are non-inflamed lesions but if neglected they can develop into a spot.

Recommended Treatment of Blackheads

The key is to keep the skin as clean as possible, free from debris and to control excess oil production.

The first step is focusing on your cleansing routine. I’d recommend cleansing twice in the morning and twice in the evening. First with a cleansing oil,  these are terrific at really deep cleansing of the skin and the second cleanse with either a facial gel wash or ideally if you have a shiny, oily T-Zone, use a clay based cleanser. The clay acts like oil absorbing genius and removes the excess sebum off the skin without drying the skin out. A second benefit to a clay cleanser is that they are fantastic to use as a ‘mini-mask’, pop the cleanser on your T-Zone then wait two minutes (might as well put this on prior to brushing your teeth) and not only will the cleanser remove all excess oil and shine, it will also ‘draw out’ the impurities and blockages in the skin.  Make sure you cleanse behind the ears and into the hair line as often this is where we miss and breakouts can then appear.  Remove your cleanser thoroughly as leaving a residue can also congest the skin.

Avoid Temptation

It’s hard to suppress the temptation to squeeze your blackheads or to rip them out with those (useless) sticky strips!  The skin on the nose is delicate and quite fine so it’s easy to cause broken capillaries and skin damage. Since the follicles on the nose are small and don’t have much depth to them it is very easy for them to continually congest especially considering the active flow of oil they have pouring into them from the oil glands. Therefore, it’s more effective to use treatment products that clear and decongest the skin vs. squeezing them every other day.

If you are set on having them extracted and knowing a blackhead can be the precursor to a spot (not common on the nose area)  may I recommend you leave it to the professionals and take a visit to a skin care therapist as they can remove them quickly and effectively without causing any trauma or damage to the skin.

Treatment Products

Exfoliation is a key step in the treatment as well as maintenance of congestion and spots since it helps keep the skin clear of surface debris.  If your skin is free from inflamed spots, you can use a scrub two to three times per week - that said, it is important to avoid scrubs if you have sensitive skin as they can irritate or if you have inflamed breakouts as they can spread the infection. Instead, try using Hydroxy Acids in particular Salicylic Acid* or Digestive Enzymes (Pineapple/Bromalane or Papaya/Papain) to focus on the areas of congestion.

Since the nose is easily congested, an ideal way to keep the follicles clear is to use a daily ‘microfoliant’, that will gently polish the skin with Rice Bran powder, Salicylic Acid , Phytic Acid and Papain helping keep it clean and clear.

Masking

I’d recommend using a deep cleansing, sebum controlling mask or a clay based mask that draws out impurities, absorbs excess oil and helps decongest the skin. Mask at least once or twice a week and apply to the areas of congestion.

Clearing Gels, Mattifiers and Purifying Wipes

There are some fantastic products in the arsenal to treat blackheads. Look for night time clearing gels that you apply to the area of congestion, and overnight whilst you sleep your blackheads are treated with powerful clearing ingredients. For the daytime you can apply a clearing mattifier. These light weight lotions usually contain decongesting ingredients coupled with the new wave of oil controlling ingredients finished off with micro sponges, which sap up the excess oil from the surface of the skin leaving the skin with a great matte finish. If you find later in the day that you’re getting an oily shine, whip a travel sized skin purifying wipe out of your bag , fortified with all the ingredient goodies to clear and control the shine.

Lastly, use an oil free, oil absorbing moisturising lotion which seals and protects your skin and stops it from looking shiny. They can also work on reducing the intensity of oil flow without drying the skin out.

Skin Savvy with Emma Hobson
For more information phone: 1800 659 118 or see www.dermalinstitute.com.au

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