Be Nosy

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by Kathleen Giannitti

Be Nosy

Noses take a dive on most people's priority lists -- Enduring much abuse, it's no surprise that they cry out with enlarged or clogged pores, blackheads, pimples, and excess oil.

Pores are natural and essential, but stretched or enlarged pores can be a sign of neglect or something more. The nose's pores are more spacious compared to the rest of our faces. So, don't be alarmed!

Although, our noses deserve a little more quality time during our skin care routines, from harsh environments to breathing in a mask, sweat, bacteria, sunburns, constant rubbing, and allergies.

Almost all typical skin problems can be traced to an inconsistent skin care regimen, poor diet, and dehydration. It's time to get nosy!

 

Common causes of enlarged nose pores

  • Dirty nose, obviously.

    • Poor diet: Not enough raw fruits and vegetables. Excessive consumption of fried, processed, and high sugar foods and beverages.

      • Skin conditions, such as rosacea and acne.

        • Genetics. If a parent has big pores, you may have inherited them.

          • Age. As our skin naturally ages, our pore sizes may increase.

            • Damage from picking and squeezing the nose. Studies have found that nose strips can rupture the nose's skin. Therefore, it might be better to try alternative methods which we'll discuss in a moment.

              • Over-cleansing or over-exfoliating the skin. This can dry out the skin causing put it in overdrive; excessive oil, sebum, breakouts, etc.

                Nose Care Routine

                • Soft Bristle brush or Silicone brush (pictured above) is also a petite but mighty option. If you have a stubborn nose, make sure you cleanse gently for 30 seconds with a brush twice a day. Easy on the pressure, no one wants to abuse the nose more than it has already.
                • Do use a mild cleanser (preferably a salicylic acid cleanser) and rinse with warm water.
                • Cold water, then a toner (optional) but feels nice.
                • Serum is a must. It helps keep our noses' delicate skin resilient. Try Rxescueskin serum which works with any skin type. It increases collagen and cell turnover, which is a must for the nose.
                • Moisturizer. Yes, moisturizer. There has been a myth that we shouldn't moisturize our noses. That is quite the opposite causing an overproduction of sebum. We don't need any more than we get!
                • Ice roller or an ice cube will do. It helps to tighten the pores temporarily. 
                • Sunscreen. Don't be afraid to dab an extra bit of it.

                  • Clay mask. Once or twice a week, this can greatly benefit the nose.

                  Note: The best time to cleanse the nose is after waking up and in or directly after a shower. The pores are more open and willing to let go of what has built up.

                  Nose care may seem like an extra task but it's well worth it. Its pores can't close, but can shrink. Additionally, try a clay mask once a week and see how that goes before getting more serious. Once they are stretched, the nose needs additional resources to help, such as a microdermabrasion, a chemical peel or a professional laser procedure.

                  With consistency, you will see a difference in the quality of your nose if you stick to your good skin care habits.