Nose acne is a common condition that’s caused by the buildup of dead skin cells, overproduction of oil, and contact with bacteria or dirt [1]. Plus, your nose sits smack dab in the middle of your T-zone, typically the oiliest region of your face.
But just because acne may have everything it needs to thrive on your nose doesn’t mean you have to be stuck fighting a losing battle. It’s easy to learn how to get rid of nose acne.
Luckily, there’s an impressive inventory of products and strategies to help rid your nose of troublesome blemishes and red spots. We’ll break those down for you here so that you can start building up your own acne-fighting arsenal.

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What Causes Nose Acne?
Like other types of acne on your forehead or chin, a nose pimple is caused by a combination of excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells that clog your pores and create inflammation [2]. However, additional factors may contribute to those pesky spots on your nose. Some of the common causes of nose acne and nose pimple include:
- Overproduction of sebum – While your face naturally produces oils to moisturize and protect your skin, your body can produce too much sebum (or oil), resulting in oily skin, clogged pores and hair follicles [3].
- Hormonal fluctuations – Diet, pregnancy, or puberty can contribute to hormonal imbalances that increase the production of sebum and support the development of acne on the nose [4].
- Stress – Chronic stress can influence your hormone levels, causing increased sebum production due to hyperactive sebaceous glands [5].
- Genetics – Some families may be at a higher risk of acne than others due to the presence of genes that influence the activity of sebaceous glands [6].
- Bacteria – Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is a type of bacteria that thrives in the warm, moist environment of your skin. This bacteria can produce chemicals that can trigger an inflammatory papule, pustule, or nodule on your nose [7].
- Pollutants – Environmental pollutants, like dirt, debris, and dust, can gather on your face and make their way into your pores, causing inflammation and facilitating the development of nose acne in every clogged pore [8].
Types Of Acne on the Nose
Like other parts of your face and body, blemishes on the nose can appear in various forms. The most common types of acne include:
- Pustules – Small, red inflamed bumps that contain a yellowish-white fluid called pus [9].
- Blackheads – Small, dark-colored spots that develop in partially open pores as a result of the oxidation of oil and bacteria [10].
- Whiteheads – Small, raised bumps that appear white. Unlike blackheads, these blemishes result from a completely closed, clogged pore [11].
- Cysts – Large, fluid-filled sacs that develop deep within the skin [12].
- Nodules – Firm, fibrous growths that occur due to inflammation from bacteria or fungus.

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4 Steps to Help Clear Nose Acne
Learning how to get rid of nose acne may take some time and patience. But with these four steps, you’ll be well on your way:
#1 Invest in a High-Quality Cleanser
A natural face cleanser, like the PROVEN facial cleanser, contains a formula that’s uniquely suited for your skin. This cleanser even takes it a step further, not only cleansing and exfoliating your face, but also combating acne-related issues like redness, hyperpigmentation, and dryness with its natural ingredients.
#2 Wear Moisturizer with Sunscreen
Wearing a daily moisturizer with SPF can keep your skin feeling hydrated and supple. Incorporating a moisturizer with sunscreen can help prevent your nose from drying out while protecting it from UV exposure from the sun.
#3 Incorporate a Night Cream into Your Bedtime Routine
#4 Avoid Touching Your Face
The takeaway? Resist the urge to pick, pop, or prod at your face. Leave that blind pimple and other blemishes alone because it could result in an acne scar. If the temptation is too great, learn how to get rid of a blind pimple overnight through safer methods.
Keep Your Skin Confidently Clear With PROVEN
Painful pimples and persistent blemishes on your nose can sometimes feel maddening. But with PROVEN’s 3-step custom skincare set you could finally be on your way to banishing those blemishes for good.
Designed specifically for you, each formula contains specialized ingredients to address your unique skin concerns. PROVEN truly nose best—take our Skin Quiz today to find the right formula for you.