Blemishes and other unwanted marks have always been a problem to many. Especially so if those marks are on the face, which makes them very visible to others. One of the most prominent, and most problematic facial mark is the dark mark on your nose.
This dark coloration on your nose, otherwise known as Hyperpigmentation, can happen elsewhere on your face. Aside from your nose, you can also get it on your cheeks, your chin, and your forehead. But what causes this black mark on your nose? Is it an indicator of something bad? Is there any way you can get rid of it?
We’ll tackle of these questions today, and hopefully by the end of the article, you’ll learn something new, and finally get rid of that troublesome black mark.
What is This Black Mark?
Contrary to what you may think, the black mark isn’t actually a problem with black head on nose. Most of the time, it’s simply a case of hyperpigmentation on that area. Hyperpigmentation is a type of skin condition that turns your skin darker. Sometimes, it happens in large patches and sometimes, it occurs in smaller ones, like the case with age spots.
Normally, these dark patches aren’t anything serious you have to worry about. On very rare cases, however, they can be indicative of more serious issues, like skin cancer. But as we’ve said, these are rare, and if you’re really worried, you can take a trip to your local dermatologist and see what they have to say about it.
What Causes Black Marks?
Depending on the type of black mark you have, there are many different ways you can end up getting it. If it’s regular hyperpigmentation, it’s usually because of sun damage, or the normal effects of aging. These dark spots can also be the result of trauma on the skin, or inflammation, such as what you would get if you had acne, burns, scars, skin conditions like psoriasis, or simply a reaction to a certain skin care product.
On the other hand, if you’re suffering from a specific type of hyperpigmentation known as Melasma, then the causes can be a bit different.
Melasma is most common among women, especially with darker skin tones. Although Melasma is also triggered by constant exposure to the sun, it’s also mostly caused by hormonal imbalance. If you’ve recently been pregnant, are currently taking contraceptives, or are currently undergoing hormonal therapy of any kind, and you notice darkening on your skin, then it’s probably Melasma.
Melasma can be a bit more difficult to deal with than other types of hyperpigmentation. This is simply because hormonal problems are much difficult to deal with, especially if you need hormone therapy in order to function normally. Melasma can fade over time though, so don’t lose hope. If you suspect you have melasma, visiting the dermatologist can help you a lot, not only with diagnosis but also with the treatment.
Are Black Marks on your Nose Harmful?
Generally, these black marks on your nose are not harmful. It’s usually a cosmetic issue rather than a medical one. You can pretty much ignore them without seeking treatment and get out of the ordeal unscathed. On the other hand, if it’s really bothering you, then you can always try to seek treatment. You can visit the dermatologist, or you can try doing home remedies at home.
Of course, if you think your hyperpigmentation is caused by something serious, always have it checked by a healthcare professional. You should also be very observant when it comes to the things going on with your face. If you notice your black marks spreading, or it’s accompanied by open wounds or scars, then seek help immediately.
How to Clear the Black Marks on your Nose
The treatments you can do pretty much depends on the type and severity of the marks on your nose. Here are some of the things you can do to clear out the dark marks on your nose.
Use Sunscreen
This treatment is pretty much applicable to everyone, whether they have black marks on their noses or not. Regardless of skin type, the sun has always been the leading cause of skin problems and making sure your skin is properly protected can fix many of your skin issues. Aside from sunscreen, wearing clothes that protect your skin from the sun, like sun hats and long-sleeved clothes, is also a definite must.
Aloe Vera
The healing properties of aloe vera has been talked about for many years now, but did you know that it can also help lighten the black marks on your nose? Aloe vera contains a compound known as aloin. Aloin is a natural depigmenting compound that has been known to lighten your skin when applied to it.
I order to make use of this natural compound, start by applying pure aloe vera gel to your nose right before bedtime. When you wake up the next morning, wash your face using warm water. Do this daily until the black marks fade.
Green Tea Extract
Another item that has a depigmenting effect on the skin is green tea extract. You can buy green tea extract online and apply it as directed on the label, or you can also use green tea bags directly on your face. Using green tea bags may not be as effective as getting green tea extract, but if you want to give it a try, it’s definitely easier and cheaper to do.
If you plan on using green tea bags, start by steeping the bags in boiled water for about 3 to 5 minutes. Take the tea bag out of the water and give it time to cool down. Rub the tea back across the dark patches on your skin, but make sure you don’t burn yourself in the process. You can do this treatment two or more times daily until you see results.
Apple Cider Vinegar
One more popular home remedy for clearing out the black marks on your nose is apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is rich in acetic acid, which, according to research, may help lighten skin that suffers from hyperpigmentation.
To use apple cider vinegar as a treatment, you’ll need to first combine it with water. You should combine equal parts vinegar and water into a container. Next, apply the solution on the dark patches of your skin using a cotton ball or something similar. Leave it on for at least 3 minutes. Afterwards, rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this treatment twice a day until you see any results.
Licorice Extract
There are few treatments for hyperpigmentation caused by melasma, since the nature of this skin condition is directly connected to your body’s hormone production. Licorice extract is one of the few available on the market that has been proven to help with the black marks associated with melasma. Licorice extract is available over the counter in the form of topical creams and certain lotions. Simply follow the instructions and the label, and you should be able to see results within a few weeks.
Milk or Buttermilk
Milk contains a type of compound known as lactic acid. Lactic acid has been known to lighten and even out your skin tone quite effectively. As a matter of fact, people from the ancient times have used milk in their beauty regimens just for this reason. This lightening effect is also a good way to treat hyperpigmentation.
To use milk as treatment, soak a cotton ball in milk. Any milk will do, including buttermilk or even sour milk, though try to avoid sour milk if you can help it. Rub the milk over your black marks at least twice a day. Repeat until desired, or until you see results.
Vitamin C
Another known treatment for hyperpigmentation is vitamin C. You can incorporate vitamin C into your diet by eating foods rich in it, such as citrus fruits and dark green vegetables. You can also use citrus fruits, such as lemon and apply it directly to your black spots. You can combine the fruit extract to water, or you can use the juice directly.
Things to Consider
Go See A Doctor
Sometimes, regardless of what you do, the discoloration on your nose may simply not fade. If it bothers you too much, then seeing a doctor or a dermatologist is always your best option. Not only will they be able to help diagnose the problem, they also have the proper know-how to treat the issue. You can easily work with them to help expedite your treatment process.
Stay Away from the Sun
Like many ailments of the skin, most forms of hyperpigmentation can be attributed to sun damage. To keep your skin looking pristine, and to eliminate the probability that your black marks are caused by the sun, protect yourself right. Wear sunscreen whenever possible, and minimize the amount of time you spend out in the sun if you can help it.
Wait and See
In most cases of hyperpigmentation, taking no action is usually the best. Sometimes, the discoloration on your nose will just clear out on its own after a few weeks. If it’s the type of hyperpigmentation that occurs during pregnancy, for example, it’s usually fades away a few weeks after giving birth. Cases of hyperpigmentation that occurs after you had an acne on your nose will also fade a few days after your acne problem has healed.
