How to unclog enlarged nose pores

Enlarged and clogged pores are a common skin condition that can appear on your face, chest, back, and shoulders, and most commonly, your nose. Your skin naturally has pores, and when they become clogged, it can lead to the swelling and inflammation of your pores. Clogged pores can be unsightly and embarrassing, but with some practice, you can teach yourself how to unclog pores.  And that’s what we are going to go over here.

Before we dive in, here are the top 3 products we recommend for cleaning and unclogging your nose pores.

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What are nose pores?

The skin on your face is primarily made of three layers; the dermis, the epidermis, and the subcutaneous fat. The epidermis is our skin’s protective layer. We have hair follicles in the dermis, and they are mostly covered by the epidermis. One of the sub-layers in the epidermis is the squamous cells.

An excess amount of oil (called sebum) and dead cells gathering in your pores can cause pores to appear larger than usual. Then the epidermis becomes thick and inflamed, and begins to swell. When a blockage forms in the pores, it will create blackheads, whiteheads, or acne breakout.

Blackheads and Whiteheads

When a blackhead is formed in your pores, it is caused by the oxidation of trapped sebum and melanin on your skin. Blackheads can happen by inadequate exfoliation, or if you apply too many chemicals on your pores.

A whitehead is formed by the clogging of your skin pores with excess sebum. Whiteheads have more space in them, which is what causes them to be white.

Both blackheads and whiteheads can give you a bad case of acne and, if left untreated, can lead to a bigger issue of skin infections too. The difference between the two is caused by oxidation on one side and drainage on the other. When you have blocked pores, it’s because of the blockage inside the pores. Only when you remove the obstructions then you can reverse the issue.

Other causes for clogged nose pore

There are quite a few other reasons that can give rise to clogged nose pores.  Sometimes, it can be even just caused by an uneven distribution of the hair follicles, which prevents the skin from exfoliation or letting pores do their job of draining.

In some cases, clogged pores can be caused by allergies to harsh cleansers. If you have a problem with your skin being irritated, the reason could end up being the cleanser. The wrong cleanser can block your skin pores.

Some people are more sensitive than others, and especially seniors or children. With age, the skin tends to thin out, and the pores become more vulnerable to infection. This could also be caused by the amount of sebum your skin produces or the amount of dead skin that builds up on your face over time.

Another potential cause is if you notice yourself scratching certain parts of your face due to irritation, such as allergic reactions or rashes. This scratching will cause the pores to become inflamed and larger than they should be.

Other things that contribute to the problem are the amount of pollution and dirt that gets on your skin. Even pigmentation and rough spots on your skin can cause problems that lead to clogged pores.

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How to unclog pores

Big picture-wise, the first thing to remember to do is wash your face regularly (twice a day and more if you exercise etc) with luke warm water. Try to find a cleanser with glycolic or salicylic acid. After washing your face with this cleanser, then use a soft, astringent-based toner. After toning, remember to use moisturizer and night cream.

Proper cleansing

It is ultra important for you to clean your skin twice every day. Makeup can clog your pores, so you must remove your makeup properly. Make sure you are doing double cleansing as we have described in our best skincare routine guide.

To do a more thorough cleansing job, you should definitely consider the really popular cleaning brushes like Foreo Luna 3. It will be worth your investment.

Your skin needs something gentle on the face yet thorough enough to remove the sweat and bacteria that are responsible for blemishes, clogged pores, and trapped dirt. LUNA 3 is your top choice for this.

With its long and soft touchpoints and bigger brush head than LUNA 2, it will leave your face feeling clean refreshed.  It is also great in removing dead skin cells from your face and nose.

It features T-Sonic pulsations for the most effective facial cleansing. It is made of safe, body-friendly silicone. Lune 3’s design will make sure you have the most thorough cleanse possible.

Now that we have covered a good cleaning brush, let’s look at cleansers.

Gel-based cleansers

If you want to keep your pores unclogged, then it’s critical to find yourself a good facial cleanser. There are quite a few gel-based facial cleansers designed to unclog pores, gently remove debris and bacteria, and cleanses the outermost skin layer effectively.

This oil-free face wash is uniquely formulated with a 4.7 pH level. It deeply, yet gently cleanses, exfoliates, removes makeup, and deep-cleans the pores. It leaves skin smooth, moisturized, and revitalized. Highly effective cleansers formulated with glycolic acid to gently, yet thoroughly wash the face and unclogs pores leaving skin soft and smooth.

EltaMD Facial Cleanser cleans deeply without over-drying and leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and clean. It doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like AHAs. Great for removing long-wearing makeup including waterproof mascara, this foaming face wash is gentle enough to use every day.

This cleanser gently removes makeup and everyday impurities for a clean, fresh complexion. Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel is a gel-based cleanser that gently removes makeup and daily impurities to leave even the oiliest skin clean and fresh. It’s suitable for normal to oily skin type.

Exfoliating Scrubs and Masks

You can also replace the cleansers above in your routine occasionally with exfoliating scrubs, a chemical exfoliant and physical exfoliating face mask, or a chemical peel. Try to do this once or twice a week. You can follow the exfoliating scrubs and masks with a good serum after. Exfoliation – either physically or chemically – can remove your dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliants are acids to do this job:

Dr. Brandt Skin care Pore Purifying Mask is an incredibly effective and cooling mask that breaks apart stubborn dirt and oil to unclog pores and shrink their appearance for a deep clean, less shiny complexion. This purifying mask instantly reduces shine, feels deeply cleansing, and tightens pores.

This highly-active resurfacer delivers your smoothest skin ever, helping fight environmental triggers known to accelerate skin aging. The powder formula releases powerful enzymes and skin care ingredients. It resurfaces and cleanses for your smoothest skin ever by adsorbing pollution such as toxins and harmful substances that can harm the skin.  It also effectively blocks bacteria, cleans pores, and deep exfoliates for your smoothest skin ever.

Cleansing is a fundamental pre-requisite in addressing clogged pores.  But there are a number of other things you can do too to fine-tune your skin care routine to effectively tackle enlarged and clogged pores.

Clay masks

This is one of the best ways to get rid of the whiteheads and blackheads in your nose pores. Clay and charcoal masks are a great way to absorb oil and restore a natural-looking glow.

After your clay mask hardens up, the blackheads and whiteheads are stuck to the mask. Then you can remove the mask and with it comes the stuck blackheads and whiteheads.

Clay draws out oil from your pores, which temporarily gives your skin a nice, tightened sensation and refined texture. The pores look smaller as a result.

However, watch the frequency of using clay masks as overusing them may over dry and irritate your skin.

These are excellent options that you can pick up easily.

La Roche-Posay clay mask for oily skin has salicylic acid, and deeply cleanses and dissolves impurities to control shine. Enriched with gentle clays, it removes excess oil and helps eliminate redness and breakout-causing impurities. It’s a 2-in-1 pore-purifying formula that helps leave skin mattified, smooth, and glowing.

For the most sensitive skin type, this soothing and calming mask is your choice.  If dull, congested skin is plaguing your face, then this herbal lavender repair mask is for you.

Using this product will make your skin look and feel pure, soothed, and rebalanced. It also comes with oil high-performance booster oils with NIA-114 technology to accelerate the performance of any skincare routine for superior results.

Baxter of California Purify Clay Mask AHA for Men cleanses and purifies the skin, removing excess oil and impurities. It also removes toxins from the skin, rejuvenating it and revitalizing the complexion. Additionally, it soothes the skin and moisturizes it, providing hydration. This face mask is deep cleansing treatment tailored for men.

Hydrating Glycolic Acid Toner

Using a good hydrating glycolic acid toner after cleansing will help to clear out the pore and prevent the whiteheads and blackheads from forming again. Find a toner with tea tree oil in it once in the morning and once at night.

A specialist in pore treatments, the BeautyRx Derma Stick for Pores is a Glycolic Acid-based treatment, enhanced with ingredients such as Pumpkin Seed Extract and Tea Tree Oil effectively reduces the appearance of large pores without irritation.

Tea Tree Oil

Since we started talking about tea tree oil, I might as well take the chance to tell you its many benefits for clogged pores. Tea tree oil can work its way into skin pores and disinfect them. It can help unblock the sebaceous gland by penetrating deep into the skin and unclogging pores. It will also prevent blackheads from turning into blemishes and even prevent bacteria from inflaming certain areas.

So in addition to including it in the toner you use, you can also apply a few drops of natural, pure tea tree oil on the areas that you want to target as an extra measure.

Moisturizer

This is a key step in your battle with clogged pores. Moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize.

You have to keep your skin at a good hydrated level; otherwise, it will work itself to produce more oil instead.

The Murad Acne Control Daily Hydrating Face Moisturizer is a lightweight moisturizer that helps keep pores clear and minimized to create smoother-looking skin. It delivers shine-free hydration while refining skin texture. This perfect acne treatment product, an excellent non-greasy moisturizer, is best for hydrating acne prone skin and minimizing pore appearance.

Retinol

You can also try to use a retinol serum or night cream. Skin care products with retinol can make pores appear smaller by increasing cell turnover unclogging pores. It’s best to use retinol at night only due to its UV sensitivity.

Apply a very thin layer at bedtime and you can help unclog pores, reduce oiliness, and remove and prevent small blackheads and whiteheads.

Extraction

To really rid of blackheads, you can also do extraction. Some think this is better done by someone professional who can extract them properly, in fear of inflammation or worsening the spots. But in practice, many do this successfully at home.  However, you must know what you are doing and be fully prepared.

You will need a steamer to loosen up and soften the trapped debris to start.

This nano ionic steamer also comes with a stainless steel toolset. After steaming then you can use this kit to unclog pores, remove blackheads and blemishes.

Sunblock

Also remember to protect your face when you are in the sun. Sunblock should be used every day, regardless of whether you plan to go outside or not.

Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch 100% Oil-Free Sunscreen provides advanced protection for your skin. It absorbs pore-clogging oil in the heat & humidity. Sensitive skin types need not worry; it’s formulated with Cell-Ox Shield technology and is suitable even for sensitive skin.

This face sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays. It combines filters to deliver broad-spectrum SPF 60 protection, including in the heat & humidity.

This daily face sunscreen hydrates and protects skin without clogging pores. Oil-free face sunscreen creme with broad-spectrum SPF 40. It protects the skin from UV rays while also nourishing and fortifying it with antioxidants. Gravel-free formula means you don’t have to worry about clogging pores.

Pore Strips

We generally do not recommend using pore strip (charcoal or otherwise). Pore strips are made with adhesive. Some dermatologists caution they can cause irritation and may not remove blackheads at all. If you have sensitive skin then you should definitely avoid using pore strips.

Final take

When you have enlarged, clogged spots on your nose, it is important that you do your best to get them unclogged as soon as possible. Since your body naturally produces sebum, you will never be able to remove it from your pores completely. Maintaining a good skincare routine to keep them unclogged is the only way to win the clogged pore battle. Following the tips we’ve shared, you will find the swelling going away, and you will be happier that you have taught yourself how to unclog your nose pores.

Questions and answers

Should I squeeze the gunk out?

It’s so tempting to squeeze it out but don’t. Your pores are sensitive, and if you use force you will likely damage it. Then you will likely just end up with an inflamed pimple.

Why do clogged pores appear mostly on the nose and chin?

We’ve all had blocked pores at some time in our life, and your nose and chin are likely to be the first areas you’ll notice them. “The pores that clog quickly are called sebaceous follicles, and we have more of them on the T panel of our face, as well as our chest and upper back. This explains why we see more breakouts in certain locations.

Does ice reduce pores?

Cold water or ice can cause your pores to constrict.
Although cold water will not reduce your pores, putting ice or cold water to your face for 10-15 seconds after cleaning will assist to tighten the pores and keep them from clogging further.

Check out our Best Skincare routines for day and night guide for oily acne prone skin for some ideas. Once you find a routine that works for you, make sure to follow it diligently. By putting the time into caring for your face and body, you can unclog the pores on your nose and face and prevent clogged pores from happening in the first place.