Say Goodbye to Strawberry Nose: The Right Way to Remove Blackheads! | Causes of Blackheads and Acne + Skincare Methods

Say Goodbye to Strawberry Nose! The Correct and Gentle Way to Remove Blackheads / A Complete Guide to Blackhead Removal | From Causes and Ingredients to Skincare and Prevention

Blackheads are one of the most common skin problems for many women. When blackheads appear on the nose, chin, or T-zone, they make the skin look rough and dull. Many people try to remove blackheads by squeezing them with their hands or peeling off nose strips, resulting in larger pores and worse skin condition. The key to improving "strawberry nose" is to use gentle cleansing products to condition the facial skin. This "Blackhead Removal Guide" will guide you through understanding the causes of blackheads, the correct steps for removing/cleansing blackheads, gentle and effective blackhead-removing ingredients, and key prevention methods to help improve acne-prone "strawberry nose," leaving pores clean and skin smooth and radiant.

What are blackheads? Understanding their causes before trying to remove them.

Open comedones (commonly known as blackheads) are formed when a mixture of sebum, dead skin cells, and other substances clogs pores, causing the tip to oxidize and turn black. To effectively remove blackheads, it's essential to understand their formation and address the root causes of clogged pores and sebum buildup.

Common causes of blackheads

• Excessive sebum secretion: Excessive oil secretion can easily clog pores.
• Inadequate cleansing: Incomplete face washing or makeup removal leaves residual makeup and dirt accumulating in pores.
• Over-cleansing: Frequent face washing or the use of strong cleansing products can damage the skin barrier and stimulate more oil secretion.
• Slow keratin metabolism: The accumulation of dead skin cells hinders the normal discharge of oil from pores.
• Long-term incomplete makeup removal: Residual foundation, concealer and other cosmetics clog pores and exacerbate blackhead formation.
• Incorrect removal methods: Squeezing or tearing nose strips with your hands will pull on pores and damage the skin barrier, making it even harder to remove blackheads and whiteheads over time.

The difference between blackheads and whiteheads

Blackheads are actually the result of "sebum + keratinized skin". To effectively remove blackheads, the focus should be on "dissolving keratin plugs + promoting metabolism", avoiding harsh cleaning, so that pores can return to a clean and refined state.

Alt Text: Comparison of blackheads and whiteheads: Whiteheads are closed and unoxidized, while blackheads are open and oxidized, turning black.

Why do blackheads tend to appear on the nose?

The T-zone and nose have the highest sebum secretion. When oil and dead skin cells clog pores and come into contact with air, they oxidize and turn black, forming noticeable blackheads. In Hong Kong's hot and humid climate, coupled with stress or inadequate cleansing, oil production is more likely to become unbalanced, accelerating blackhead formation. To effectively improve this, follow the correct blackhead cleansing steps, gently removing blackheads to gradually unclog pores and reduce recurring blackheads.

Alt text: Blackheads tend to appear on the nose because that's the T-zone area where sebaceous glands are most active. When oil and dead skin cells clog pores, they oxidize in the air and form blackheads.

The correct way to thoroughly remove blackheads: Gentle metabolism is the key to effectiveness.

Now that you understand how blackheads form, the next step is to learn the correct way to clean them. Many people's first reaction upon seeing blackheads is to squeeze them or use peel-off strips to remove them. This can easily cause inflammation, redness, and enlarged pores. To effectively remove blackheads, the key is not to "pull them out completely," but to use gentle methods to allow pores to gradually regain their cleanliness and tightness.

Do not squeeze or tear the nose strip with your hands.

• Squeezing with your hands can easily lead to infection: bacteria from your hands can enter the pores and cause inflammation, and excessive squeezing can also enlarge the pores and leave scars.
• Tearing nose strips damage the skin barrier: Vigorous tearing can damage the skin barrier around pores, causing irritation and compensatory oil production, making blackheads rebound faster.

Three steps to gentle metabolism

The truly effective way to remove blackheads should gently soften the blackhead plugs, remove dead skin cells, and regulate sebum secretion.

• Soften blackheads : Utilizes active ingredients (such as acids) to penetrate pores and dissolve oil and blackheads.
• Metabolize dead skin cells : Promote keratin renewal, help blackheads to be expelled naturally, and reduce the formation of new blockages.
• Regulates sebum secretion : Maintains the balance of sebum and moisture, stabilizes skin condition, and prevents blackheads from recurring.

Over-cleansing can damage the skin barrier, causing the skin to produce even more oil in an attempt to protect itself, creating a vicious cycle.

Choosing Effective Ingredients to Remove Blackheads | Analysis of the Efficacy of BHA, AHA, and Azelaic Acid (Azelaic Acid)

Besides cleansing techniques, choosing the right ingredients is also crucial for successful blackhead removal. To thoroughly improve blackhead and whitehead problems, selecting the right ingredients is paramount. Below are representative ingredients commonly found in medical aesthetics and home skincare that effectively aid in "dissolving + metabolizing + repairing":

Salicylic acid (BHA) : Dissolves sebum and blackheads, helping to remove blackheads and control oil production.
Suitable for oily skin and those with noticeable blackheads in the T-zone.

Fruit acids (AHA) : Accelerate keratin metabolism, improve dullness, and brighten skin tone.
Suitable for those who want to brighten their complexion and improve dullness.

Mud mask (kaolin, activated carbon) : Absorbs excess oil and dirt, helping to remove blackheads on the nose .
It is recommended to use it 1 to 2 times per week.

Azelaic acid : balances oil production, soothes redness, and improves acne and sensitivity.
Suitable for sensitive skin, combination skin, and those troubled by redness.

Hyaluronic acid and ceramides : lock in moisture, repair, stabilize skin condition, and prevent dryness and oiliness rebound.

Suitable for all skin types, especially recommended for use after cleansing or exfoliation.

After removing blackheads or exfoliating, the skin barrier becomes temporarily vulnerable. It is essential to replenish moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides to lock in moisture, balance oil production, and prevent blackheads from forming again.

Complete Blackhead Removal Care Steps | Gentle and Step-by-Step Pore Care

Once you understand the ingredients, you can follow the steps to complete a blackhead-removing skincare routine. The key to effectively removing blackheads is integrating cleansing and repair into your daily skincare routine. A gentle, gradual approach to conditioning pores is essential for maintaining clean and stable skin in the long term.

Gentle makeup removal and cleansing

Use a soap-free, low-irritant cleanser to thoroughly remove makeup, oil, and dirt. Avoid using excessively hot water or excessive scrubbing to prevent damaging the skin barrier.

Recommended frequency: once in the morning and once in the evening.

Soften keratin plugs or apply warm acidic compresses

On areas with noticeable blackheads (such as the nose and chin), use a toner or serum containing BHA/azelaic acid (azirionic acid) and gently pat or apply as a compress for 5-10 minutes to help soften blackheads and unclog pores.

Recommended frequency: 2 to 3 times per week

Mud film deep adsorption

Apply kaolin clay or activated charcoal mud evenly to the T-zone or areas with more blackheads, leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. This can effectively clean blackheads and absorb deep oil.

Recommended frequency: 1 to 2 times per week

Astringent, moisturizing, water-locking and repairing

After cleansing, gently pat with a mild astringent toner, then apply a moisturizing serum or lotion containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides to enhance moisture retention and repair, preventing dryness from causing excessive sebum secretion.

Recommended frequency: Daily

High-efficiency repair and import

After metabolism and cleansing, the skin's absorption capacity is at its peak. At this time, a highly active serum containing NMN, glutathione, exosomes, or azelaic acid can be used to enhance the skin's absorption, strengthen repair, and stabilize its condition.

*Repair Reminder: After cleansing and metabolism, the skin barrier is more fragile. Remember to strengthen repair to help rebuild the sebum film, stabilize oil secretion, and prevent blackhead recurrence.

Alt Text: Complete blackhead removal care steps: Gently cleanse your face every morning and evening, use an acid-based product to soften blackheads 2 to 3 times a week, use a mud mask for deep absorption 1 to 2 times, then tighten and moisturize daily, and use a high-efficiency repair essence as needed to gently and gradually condition pores.

Recommended frequency for blackhead removal

• Deep cleansing (mud mask/acid): 1-2 times a week is sufficient. Avoid over-treatment to prevent skin sensitivity or dryness.
• Daily care: Focus on gentle cleansing and ample moisturizing to maintain oil-water balance and keep pores clean and stable in the long term.

Prevent blackheads from recurring

Improving blackheads requires long-term care. In addition to daily skincare, maintaining good lifestyle habits is equally important.

Eat a light diet and drink plenty of water : reduce sugar and oil intake, eat more fruits, vegetables, and antioxidant-rich foods to help balance fats and metabolism.

Keep clean : Change pillowcases and towels regularly to prevent bacteria and oil from clogging pores.

Avoid touching your face and squeezing : This reduces infection and inflammation and prevents pores from becoming enlarged.

Regular sleep schedule and stress reduction : Sleep and emotional stability help normal skin metabolism.

*Maintaining these habits can stabilize sebum secretion, prevent blackheads from recurring, and make the skin more delicate and radiant.

Home care steps and product recommendations

To achieve the ideal internal and external conditioning effect, it is recommended to perform home care and professional treatments simultaneously . For home care, use an exfoliating toner (such as a BHA serum) or a mud mask to unclog pores and deeply cleanse. Follow this with a moisturizing product containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides to repair the skin barrier. Finally, use a high-efficiency repair serum (such as Dr.Once Microneedling Serum) to deliver active ingredients to the skin's base layer through a dual-infusion technology, simultaneously promoting metabolism and repair.

Home product recommendations:

Exfoliation (metabolism)

Recommended products: Exfoliating toner / BHA serum
Functions: Gently dissolves keratin plugs, promotes the metabolism of dead skin cells, and keeps pores clear.
Suitable for oily or combination skin types: Suitable for regular use.

Moisturizing and repairing (locking in moisture)

Recommended products: Moisturizing lotions or serums containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Functions: Deeply moisturizes, repairs the skin barrier, stabilizes skin condition, and prevents dryness and oiliness.
Suitable for all skin types, especially after cleansing or exfoliation.

Active essence infusion (repair + conditioning)

Dr.Once's Japanese-made "7-in-1 King of Microneedles Essence" utilizes a dual-infusion technology of "natural diatom microneedles × beauty serum" to deeply deliver a high concentration of exosomes, retinol, vitamin C, and azelaic acid, along with medical-grade high-efficiency ingredients such as NMN, glutathione, and 4GFs, into the skin's base layer for simultaneous metabolism and repair. Suitable for all skin types, especially those requiring enhanced repair and stabilization.

Alt Text: Dr.Once's Japanese-made Quad-Core Microneedle Serum series showcases four Needle Shot Serums: yellow (vitamin C), purple (exosomes), red (retinol), and green (azelaic acid), highlighting its skincare technology containing 95,000 microneedles.

Professional treatment recommendations: For more severe cases

If you experience frequent blackheads, severe clogged pores, or acne inflammation, it is recommended to seek professional help.

Medical Aesthetic Skin Rejuvenation Treatment

Treatments such as salicylic acid peels and glycolic acid peels can be performed under the supervision of a doctor to accelerate the metabolism of keratinocytes and deeply cleanse pores.

Pore ​​cleansing and care

Performed by professional beauticians, this procedure safely cleanses blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged areas, and includes soothing and repairing steps to reduce inflammation and irritation.

FAQ about blackhead removal

Q1: How to quickly remove blackheads and whiteheads?
A1: Use products containing BHA (salicylic acid) or AHA (fruit acid) to gently dissolve keratin plugs, followed by deep cleansing with a mud mask, once or twice a week.

Q2: Can Vaseline really remove blackheads?
A2: No. Vaseline can only soften blackheads, it cannot metabolize them. We recommend using products containing acids or azelaic acid (azelaic acid).

Q3: What happens if blackheads are not cleared up?
A3: Pores will continue to become clogged, enlarged, and may even become inflamed and develop blackheads.

Q4: Why do I keep getting blackheads?
A4: Due to excessive sebum secretion or improper cleansing leading to oil buildup, it is recommended to strengthen cleansing and moisturizing.

Q5: How to remove blackheads on the nose?
A5: First, apply a warm compress to soften the skin, then cleanse with a product containing BHA/azelaic acid (azelaic acid), and finally strengthen moisturizing to lock in moisture.

Q6: Do blackheads need to be squeezed out to get rid of them?
A6: It is not recommended to squeeze with your hands. Squeezing can easily damage pores and cause inflammation. Blackheads should be gently removed through metabolism.