Why is Nose Acne Common?
Acne can appear on any part of your face, but the nose tends to be where acne commonly develops. The nose is part of the T-zone, along with your forehead and chin, where the face has a higher concentration of oil (sebum) glands. Acne breakouts happen when the excess oil mixes with dead skin cells to clog pores. Pores in the T-zone also tend to be larger, leading to pore blockages and acne formation.
What are the Two Main Types of Nose Acne?
Acne vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne, particularly affecting the face. It commonly occurs due to clogged pores, as mentioned earlier. As a result, it leads to the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. Acne vulgaris is categorised as either inflammatory or non-inflammatory acne:
- Non-inflammatory acne
Non-inflammatory acne comprises comedones, which are commonly called whiteheads and blackheads. Whiteheads, or closed comedones, occur when a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells, resulting in a small, white or flesh-coloured bump. Blackheads, or open comedones, are similar to whiteheads but are exposed to the skin’s surface, where oxygenation changes its colour to black or darker shade. Non-inflammatory acne is considered an early warning sign of inflammatory acne. - Inflammatory acne
When any pimple exerts too much pressure on the follicle walls, the walls break. From there, the contents of the pimple (sebum, bacteria, dead skin cells) can spread to the rest of your skin and cause inflammation. Your body will react by sending white blood cells to the area, causing redness and swelling. You may also notice the growth of nodules and cysts, which can cause tenderness or discomfort.
Acne rosacea
While not as common as acne vulgaris, acne rosacea can also affect the nose. It is also an inflammatory skin condition which causes redness, flushing, and sometimes the formation of pimples or bumps. It may even cause your blood vessels to become visible. The actual cause of acne rosacea is still not fully understood; experts believe that its causes may include:
- Overexposure to UV rays
- Stress
- Allergies to certain skincare products/routines
- Hormonal changes
What are the Differences Between Them?
As acne vulgaris and acne rosacea share some similarities, it is easy to confuse them with one another.
If you are unsure about the type of acne you have, we recommend speaking with a doctor to get a thorough diagnosis.
What are the Causes of Nose Acne?
Friction
Facemasks, helmets, and faceguards can put friction and pressure on the skin, irritating it and potentially triggering a breakout. It helps if whatever you wear on your face fits properly and does not cause any irritation. Make sure that it is also cleaned regularly and made from breathable materials.
Bacteria
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a type of bacteria that lives on the skin. While it does help to protect the skin from other kinds of bacteria, it also contributes to acne breakouts. P. acnes can use excess sebum in a blocked follicle to create free fatty acids, which can cause inflammation. You can also transfer other harmful bacteria from the outside to your skin, like when you handle dirty objects or touch your face with unwashed hands.
Hormonal changes
Hormone fluctuations can cause excess sebum production by the sebaceous glands. Hormonal changes can come from pregnancy, puberty, or even medical conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) that leads to higher androgen levels. Hormonal acne can take various forms, such as the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
Blowing your nose
While rare, acne can also develop inside the nose. Irritation to the nose lining – like when you pick or blow your nose – can eventually cause a pimple to form.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Developing Nose Acne?
Prevention is always better than cure, so here are a few simple tips you can follow to prevent nose acne.
Practice good hygiene
It always helps to wash your hands (and your face) as often as possible. Avoid touching your face, especially if you have not washed your hands, to prevent the spread of bacteria. Ensure that anything which must come into contact with your face, like masks, helmets, or faceguards, is also cleaned properly.
Regular face washing
You should wash your face twice daily, especially if you sweat a lot. Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin and scrub thoroughly. Some cleansers may need you to scrub your face to properly exfoliate your skin. When you’re done, use a soft towel to dry yourself. However, it is also important not to wash your face too often. You can end up stripping your skin of natural oils and cause it to dry out, which results in your sebaceous glands working harder to produce more sebum.
Use oil-free or non-comedogenic products
You may want to look at your current skincare routine and make some changes. Some skincare products may be comedogenic, or pore-clogging, which promotes acne breakouts rather than clear them. You should thus look for non-comedogenic products that are less likely to clog pores or contribute to a build-up of oil. Make sure that the product you pick is also safe for your skin, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin or a combination of factors.
What are the Treatments for Nose Acne?
Chemical peels
Chemical peels involve the use of a dermatologically-approved chemical solution on the skin to exfoliate the top layers, unclog pores, and reveal newer, healthier skin underneath. The process causes the outermost layer of your skin to “peel” away (hence the name) and reveal smoother, clearer skin on the “lower” layer.
This treatment can also help regulate the production of oil on the skin, but a professional will know whether a peel will be suitable for your nose acne removal needs. Of particular concern is whether you will feel any irritation or discomfort on your face as the peel takes effect.
Carbon laser peels
Carbon laser peels, or carbon laser facials, apply a thin layer of liquid carbon to the skin, helping to absorb oil, grime, and dead skin cells. Once it dries, a laser is used to gently heat the carbon particles and gradually exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and even stimulate collagen production. The heat from the laser also gets rid of acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation for clearer, smoother skin.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove dead skin cells. It is generally used to clear up non-inflammatory acne and reduce the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads. It can also alleviate fine lines and wrinkles, shallow scars from previous acne outbreaks, and even hyperpigmentation.
Topical treatments
Topical treatments include creams, lotions, and gels. You apply them directly to the skin, where active ingredients like retinoic acids and tretinoin help unclog pores, eliminate acne-causing bacteria, and control sebum production. Before using a topical solution, it is recommended that you consult your doctor or follow the usage recommendations beforehand, as using it too much or too frequently can cause dryness or skin irritation.
OTC acne patches
These adhesive patches are placed directly on top of acne lesions and will remain there to ensure their active ingredients are absorbed by the skin. These patches typically contain hydrocolloids, salicylic acid, and many other helpful additions. While mostly worn overnight, some may be designed with subtlety in mind so you can wear them during the day.
Are You Struggling With Nose Acne?
Having acne in a prominent location on your face can be both frustrating and embarrassing, especially if you need to go out with family and friends. If you are dealing with nose acne, contact us at Curamed Aesthetics and we can help you overcome this ordeal.
