Blackheads, like any other irritated skin or breakouts, are no fun. The protocol regarding provoked pimples and irate blackheads is typically this: don't pop them. 

Since you can't pop them, what can you do to get rid of nose blackheads? Let's talk about everything blackhead-related — how to avoid them and ways to cope in case of future outbreaks. 

Table of contents:

• What Are Blackheads
• Spotting a Blackhead
• Symptoms of Blackheads
• Removing Blackheads
• Salicylic Acid
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Use a Charcoal Cleansers
• Use a Skin Brush
• Popping Nose Blackheads: Hands Off
• When To Leave Blackheads Alone

What Are Blackheads

Blackheads are commonly found around the nose and mouth area but can develop anywhere on your face. They are essentially clogged hair follicles. While they don't look like traditional pimples, they are considered a mild form of acne. 

A common initial reaction to pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads is to squeeze the blemish. But that's the last thing you want to do. Popping or squeezing your acne can cause other skin-related issues (and new acne to form). 

Spotting a Blackhead

Blackheads are rarely mistaken for pimples but are sometimes confused with whiteheads or other forms of comedonal acne.

The first step to treating any form of acne is to identify what type of acne you're dealing with. 

If you've noticed an increase of black spots appearing around your nose and mouth area, they're probably blackheads. They occur when the hair follicle pores become blocked or clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, and oil. Even with proper skin care, your pores can still become clogged. 

Whiteheads are clogged pores that the skin has grown over, whereas blackheads are clogged pores that are still exposed to the air and other elements.

Element exposure is what causes the clogged pore to turn black. Like certain fruits or vegetables, oxygen causes the materials in the pores to oxidate.  

The popular opinion is that blackheads are filled with dirt when in reality, blackheads are accumulated oil and dead skin cells. Clogged pores don't always close up; unclosed clogged pores are considered blackheads. 

Symptoms of Blackheads

A blackhead is more defined than a freckle. Unlike pimples, blackheads shouldn't cause you any pain or discomfort. However, they can affect your confidence levels. Blackheads can look a little dirty or gritty, especially when they appear on the nose where the pores appear a little bigger. 

Any type of acne can be detrimental to your confidence and self-esteem, which is why doing something like popping your unwanted blackheads can be tempting. Resist the urge to manhandle your blackheads. Your skin may thank you (and you won't inadvertently cause new blackheads to appear because of it).

Removing Blackheads

While anyone can get blackheads, people with an oily skin type or those who come into frequent contact with more dirt and debris are more likely to develop blackheads. If you aren't washing your face twice a day, it's easier for those oily areas to build up and lead to blackheads.

Whiteheads and pimples are more difficult to remove since they're under the skin. Blackheads, however, are clogged pores that remain open. 

• Salicylic Acid

Washing your blackheads with salicylic acid could help cleanse your clogged pores. Salicylic acid may help unclog your pores by breaking down the excess oil and dead skin cells in the pores.

• Apple Cider Vinegar

The strong scent of apple cider vinegar may be eye-opening, but some people find it a helpful way to maintain skin health. Apple cider vinegar may have antimicrobial effects, which could help it cleanse your skin and pores. 

Here at WOW Skin Science, we suggest using a facial cleanser with antimicrobial ingredients like our Apple Cider Vinegar Face Wash With Brush.  

• Use a Charcoal Cleansers

Skin exfoliation is a hotly debated subject among skincare gurus, but everyone has different skin. There is no easy right or wrong answer when it comes to charcoal cleansers. There are only right and wrong products for you and your skincare needs.

If you're someone with severely dry skin, then charcoal exfoliation may not be for you. However, if your oil production has become unmanageable, weekly exfoliation could help support your skin's health. 

There are many types of exfoliation products. Just bypass the exfoliators containing synthetic beads or micro-beads. Micro-beads can sometimes cause skin discomfort or irritation. Stick to all-natural exfoliants like face washes with charcoal as the main ingredient. 

• Use a Skin Brush

Using a skin brush during your facial cleansing routine can ensure your pores are adequately cleaned with each wash. 

Skin brushes could help offer a way to get your skin and pores clean without the fear of over-exfoliating. 

Here at WOW Skin Science, we make certain facial cleansers with a built-in skin brush. Facial brushes could help support your skin barrier if you have oily or blackhead-prone skin. 

• Popping Nose Blackheads: Hands Off

Blackheads scattered around the nose can be especially tempting to extract. If your skin has seen increased exposure to dirt, oil, and grime, you may notice a few too many blackheads appearing. 

Compared to whiteheads and pimples, blackheads aren't as prone to infection. Since blackheads remain open, there is less chance that they will cause irritation or infection under your skin. 

When you notice a blemish like a blackhead, it can be tempting to pick at it, squeeze it, or pop it. But those actions could cause you more skin problems in the long run. Not only will you transfer the dirt and oil from your hands onto your face, but you could do more damage to your skin too. 

Popping a blackhead or squeezing the area could lead to further inflammation, the potential for more blackheads or other blemishes to appear, and hyperpigmentation. It could even cause scarring, an infection, or enlarge your pores.

The best way to deal with blackheads is by taking care of your skin. Don't touch your face, and wash your face morning and night with products that work for your skin. Add our Green Tea Foaming Face Wash With Brush to your current beauty routine and help support your skin barrier.

When To Leave Blackheads Alone

No matter what type of acne you're dealing with, it's not good to constantly touch or pick at it. Messing with your skin can cause more breakouts and blemishes, so keep your hands off your face. You should always leave your blackheads alone. 

Each pore contains a hair follicle and sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland produces the sebum that keeps your skin moisturized. The dead skin cells and oil can clog, leading to blackheads. Anyone at any age can have blackheads. 

Follow your usual skincare routine, cleansing and moisturizing, and using WOW Science products to support your skin. The right facial products can help you reduce the appearance of blemishes and support smoother, more youthful-looking skin. 

Blackheads can be frustrating, but taking care of your skin can help improve its overall appearance. You don't want to cause further damage to your skin by constantly poking and prodding it. 

Popping blackheads could cause bigger skin problems in the future, like more blackheads or blemishes, larger pores, hyperpigmentation, and even scarring. Leave your blackheads alone and work on improving the appearance of your skin instead.

Use products from WOW Skin Science designed with your skin type in mind, and you could support a healthy skin barrier and improve the appearance of your skin.