How to Get Rid of Nose Pimples

Pimples are an uncomfortable part of skin care no matter where they are. But they’re an especially annoying skin complaint when they show up on or around your nose. That’s not only because the area is front and center, making every blemish more noticeable, but also because they seem to be particularly frequent and persistent — and a pain to deal with. 

The good news is that these breakouts are completely manageable, whether they're related to external factors or hereditary factors. The key lies in understanding what causes pimples on your nose, how to prevent them, what to do when they appear, and when to check with a professional.

Whether you’re dealing with a whitehead on the bridge of your nose or a painful bump near your cheek, knowing how to get rid of nose pimples can effectively save you a lot of skin care frustration. And, of course, mirror time.

Below, we’ll go over how to create a well-balanced skincare routine that can prevent these flare-ups ahead of time. We’ll also explore the root causes and give you a basic routine you can follow, even if you’re new to skincare.

What Causes Nose Pimples

Just like blemishes on your forehead or chin, pimples on your nose form when pores and hair follicles become clogged, usually with excess oil (also known as sebum) and dead skin cells. Your nose, however, tends to be more of a hotspot because it has a higher concentration of sebaceous glands. As a result, there’s usually more oil there than in most other areas of your face.

But things don’t end there: That excess oil can also trap debris and bacteria in hair follicles, creating the perfect environment for inflammation and breakouts. Throw in a few other stressors (sweat, friction from sunglasses, touching your face, or using the wrong skincare products), and pimples are sure to follow. So don't assume that poor hygiene is the problem; it could also be hereditary factors such as the so called "acne gene".

Yet, your body (or your sebaceous glands, to be exact) isn’t the only culprit. That overproduction of sebum can be caused by multiple triggers, such as:

• Hormonal changes or stress
• Buildup of bacteria from infrequent cleansing
• Heavy, greasy skincare products
• Poor shaving habits

Lifestyle plays an important role as well. Diet, sleep, activity levels, and other factors affect your body’s oil production and hormonal balance. Managing your habits and staying hydrated can minimize flare-ups and complement your skincare routine from within.

It’s also possible to get pimples inside your nose. When bacteria enter the follicles inside your nostrils, they can create small, yet extremely tender pimples. These can be pretty painful, but they don’t usually require extra care. Just avoid touching the area altogether, and check with a professional if they don’t go away within a week.

Are Nose Pimples Different From Other Pimples?

Yes and no — or better said, they can be.

Nose pimples fall into one of two categories: 

• Acne vulgaris: The result of clogged pores or trapped bacteria in the skin
• Acne rosacea: A persistent inflammation that causes redness and pimples mostly across your cheeks and nose

You could have both of these conditions at the same time: rosacea on your nose and acne vulgaris on the rest of your face, for example.

If you’re having doubts, make sure you check with a healthcare professional to be safe. Your doctor may treat acne rosacea and acne vulgaris differently, so you’d need to adapt your skincare routine accordingly.

How To Prevent Pimples on the Nose

Preventing pimples on the nose mostly comes down to consistency: maintaining an effective skincare routine that keeps oils, bacteria, dead skin, and outside stressors in check.

The first step is cleansing your face. Using a cleanser removes dirt and oil without over-drying your skin like soap would. The best moments to do this are when you wake up to prepare for the day ahead, and at night to remove anything that your skin may have picked up while outside. A cleanser with essential oils is easy on your skin and prevents irritation from synthetic fragrances which can irritate acne rosacea.

Exfoliation, which gently removes dead skin cells from your face, can also prevent clogged pores around your nose. However, avoid over-scrubbing, as it can quickly lead to irritation and redness — two to three times a week should do the trick for most people. Chemical peels are another exfoliation option, but should not be overused since they can lead to irritation. Again, if you choose a scented product, it's best to be scented with essential oils.

Moisturizing with a topical cream is the final key step for prevention, keeping your skin healthy and hydrated throughout the day. Sunscreen is also a must — although it won’t prevent pimples per se, it helps avoid hyperpigmentation. Some people are able to prevent acne with topical retinol, topical retinoids, or glycolic acid. Everyone's skin is different, so you may have to try a few options to find what's best for you. Hydrocolloid pimple patches, hydrating face masks, blue light therapy, and laser skin resurfacing are also available options - but it's best to consult with a dermatologist before going with any potentially harsh treatment.

Apart from skincare products and routines, pay attention to your everyday habits. Change pillowcases frequently, avoid touching your face, clean your glasses often, and be mindful of stress, diet, water intake, and sleep.

Over time, a solid skincare routine and these small lifestyle adjustments can prevent oil buildup and retention in your pores. 

Creating a Basic Skincare Routine

If you’ve never tried your hand at skincare, creating a skin care routine from the ground up can seem… intimidating, to say the least.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all skincare routine for all men — but there are a few things all of our skin needs, like face wash. For men with hectic schedules, or for those who aren’t all that interested in learning about skincare, here’s a simple routine to follow:

• Cleansing: Start your day with our Acne Controlling Face Wash, which cleanses your skin and reduces breakouts. Its formula with 2% salicylic acid penetrates deep into the skin to unclog pores and remove debris.
• Exfoliating: Our Renewing Face Scrub is specifically designed to gently remove dead skin and excess oil from your pores. Even though it’s gentle and made from natural ingredients, remember to use it only two to three times a week.
• Targeting breakouts: For active breakouts, use a spot treatment, such as our Acne Controlling Spot Treatment. Designed to target acne-causing bacteria, it effectively controls and soothes highly stubborn acne.
• Moisturizing Our Acne Controlling Face Moisturizer Treatment goes beyond just hydrating — it also reduces inflammation and redness. Otherwise, you could opt for something like our Daily Essential Face Moisturizer.

Although this routine may seem like a lot if you’re a skincare beginner, it shouldn’t take you more than five or ten minutes. Consistent skincare is all about getting into a rhythm, so give yourself time to adjust. There are a variety of ingredients that work on acne vulgaris - like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid - but they might not all be right for your skin.

Also, don’t forget about sunscreen. While it doesn’t necessarily prevent pimples by itself, it can prevent hyperpigmentation and reduce the redness in the area.

How To Treat Nose Pimples

If prevention didn’t catch everything (or you didn’t have time to start yet) and you wake up with a breakout, don’t panic. Knowing how to get rid of nose pimples quickly comes down to patience and the right products -which depends on whether you have pus-filled bumps, a bacterial infection, nasal vestibulitis, or other acne related concerns.

Start by washing your face gently to remove oil and debris. Pat (don’t rub) your face until it’s almost dry and apply a warm compress to increase blood flow to your pimples. If they are painful, apply an ice cube or ice pack covered in a light towel for at least ten minutes to reduce inflammation.

Then, apply a topical treatment to target the affected zone. Our Acne Controlling Spot Treatment contains ingredients such as witch hazel, willow bark extract, and 2% salicylic acid to profoundly clear problems at the source. If you don’t have any products, home remedies such as tea tree oil or green tea can do the trick for a while. Some folks opt for benzoyl peroxide, but it can be harsh and drying when used to treat acne vulgaris.

Make sure you don’t scrub the area — even if it’s time for exfoliating. Being too aggressive with a pimple can increase irritation and worsen inflammation. Once you’re done applying the topical treatment, put on a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer such as our 6-in-1 Gel Face Moisturizer to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.

What if They Don’t Go Away?

Most pimples on the nose should clear up within a few days with proper treatment, but if you notice persistent or excessively painful breakouts, it may be time to dig deeper. Chronic pimples on or around the nose could be caused by several factors, ranging from hormonal imbalances to underlying skin concerns.

Take a look at your routine and try to evaluate if you’re over-cleansing, skipping moisturizer, using harsh products, or other similar factors. Switching to natural, balanced products, such as our Acne Control Line, can help restore your skin barrier and reduce irritation.

If the pimples are still not going away, make sure you check with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Keeping Your Skin Clear Starts with the Basics

Now that you understand why you get pimples in your nose and what to do about it, you can keep your skin healthy with the right combination of consistency and quality products. To get rid of nose pimples, focus on prevention and stick to a routine that covers four bases: cleansing, exfoliating, targeting blemishes, and moisturizing.

When breakouts do happen, resist the urge to overreact. Stay patient and give your skin time to heal while applying the right topical products. Stick with a solid routine, and your skin will sooner or later reward you with fewer flare-ups and lasting confidence.

Also, remember that skin habits go beyond the bathroom shelf. A balanced diet, plenty of water, good sleep, and frequent exercise all support healthy skin.