Have you noticed small blackheads or whiteheads in the pores on your nose? Maybe a larger, red, inflamed bump? The causes of acne are basically the same regardless of location, so nose acne can be treated with the products in your usual acne-fighting routine.

Nose acne is just like acne vulgaris anywhere else on the face, but they may have unique triggers. While pimples on and around the nose differ in appearance and severity, all can be treated in the same way: with a holistic skincare routine. Your routine should consist of ingredients such as salicylic acid and green tea extract to clear pores and curb sebum production, two of the main culprits of acne.

Nose acne can appear to be more prominent because it is at the forefront of your face, but it can be treated the same way as any other breakout.

Also read: How to choose the best acne treatment

The Causes of Nose Acne

Acne on your nose occurs for the same three reasons as any other breakout:

• Clogged pores from excess dead skin cells and overactive oil glands

• Inflammation

• Bacterial overgrowth

These main causes of acne can be exacerbated by certain triggers such as facial sweating, environmental pollutants, hormonal fluctuations, and smoking, but always revolve around these three, skin-deep reasons.

What is the T-Zone?

Your nose is in an area called the "T-Zone," consisting of the forehead, nose, chin, and sometimes eyes and mouth. This area produces more sebum than the cheeks and chin (the "U-Zone").

While the skin on your nose may be more oily and thus become a concentrated spot for breakouts, acne on your nose still occurs for the same reasons as acne on your forehead, chin, or cheeks, and thus will respond to the same forms of treatment.

Why Do I Get Acne on My Nose?

It is proven that we touch our T-Zone frequently, and if we live in an area with environmental pollutants that can exacerbate acne, this may increase the prevalence of acne on this particular region of the face. Our nose often experiences excess facial touching because of nose blowing, wearing glasses, or adjusting a nose piercing.

Some of this touching can be avoided with gentle reminders, but there are better ways to curb acne that occurs on your nose.

How Do I Get Rid of it?

Targeting nose acne and getting rid of it begins with a consistent, balanced skincare routine that addresses all of the root causes of acne on the nose and elsewhere on the body. For this reason, you want to choose products that specifically target clogged pores, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation.

Step-by-Step Skincare Routine

Finding products that target all three of the root causes of acne is simple with Exposed Skincare. We choose our ingredients with care to specifically address acne at its foundations.

Clogged Pores

Pores become clogged when a combination of excess sebum and dead skin cells build up in the pore and do not naturally shed away. This can be remedied with ingredients that gently dissolve or absorb sebum while exfoliating the dead skin cells away.

Ingredients like salicylic acid naturally chemically exfoliate the blockages, causing pores to free up and close normally. For an extra boost, an application of sulfur once or twice a week can help to absorb any excess sebum. Try our Facial Cleanser to gently exfoliate clogged pores twice daily and our Clarifying Mask twice weekly to absorb excess oils (here are some ingredients to include in a face mask as well).

Bacterial Overgrowth

Bacterial overgrowth specifically refers to an excess of P. acnes bacteria, a normal component of skin's natural flora but whose overgrowth can cause irritation and inflammation. These bacteria thrive in clogged pores.

To combat P. acnes, you will want to implement an ingredient like benzoyl peroxide. In the proper concentration, benzoyl peroxide reduces acne-causing bacteria to a healthy level, thus bringing down irritation and inflammation. Try it in our Acne Treatment Serum.

Inflammation

Inflammation is considered one of the primary causes of acne as it is the process that occurs in the skin to cause the pimple itself once a clog occurs or bacteria overgrows. Therefore, once these aforementioned causes are addressed, it is essential to bring down the inflammation as well.

Ingredients like sage extract are natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatories and will calm redness and irritation associated with nose acne. It is found in our Clearing Tonic.