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An oily nose is a common problem. Oiliness occurs when the sebaceous glands on your nose produce too much sebum. This is a natural oil that protects and lubricates your skin.

If you have oily skin, your nose may produce considerably more oil because your pores are naturally larger than other pores on the face.

Pore size is mostly determined by genetics. But while you can’t control the makeup of your pores, you can take steps to reduce how much sebum your nose produces.

Here’s a look at 15 remedies to get rid of an oily nose:

1. Use makeup specific to your skin type

When shopping for foundation and other cosmetics, choose makeup that’s specific to your skin type, which is oily. These cosmetics are typically oil-free and won’t clog pores.

Using the wrong type of makeup, such as products for combination or dry skin, could potentially increase oil production, worsening an already shiny nose.

2. Wash your face at least twice a day

Develop a routine of washing your face in the morning and before bed to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oils from your nose. Use a gentle face wash and warm water.

3. Use a moisturizer

After washing your face, apply an oil-free moisturizer. This keeps your nose hydrated while balancing the oiliness on your skin. Look specifically for moisturizers that contain an oil-absorbing ingredient like oatmeal.

4. Exfoliate your face

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, allowing your skin care products to penetrate your skin. An accumulation of dead skin cells on your nose can cause dryness. Your sebaceous glands increase oil production to compensate for lack of hydration.

5. Use an oil-free primer

Primer is a cream or gel that creates a smooth base for makeup. It also helps absorb excess oil on your nose and skin, as well as minimize the appearance of pores. Choose an oil-free primer that doesn’t add extra oil to your face.

Shop for oil-free primers online.

6. Apply oil mattifiers

An oil mattifier can dull a naturally shiny complexion. Apply this product before applying moisturizer and foundation. It absorbs excess oil, resulting in a matte finish.

Shop for oil mattifiers online.

7. Control acne with salicylic acid

Oily skin and acne go hand-in-hand. Salicylic acid might be your best defense — not only for improving acne blemishes, but also reducing an oily nose. This ingredient is in many facial washes and acne creams. It can exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and remove excess sebum.

8. Use oil-blotting sheets

Carry oil-blotting sheets and dab your nose throughout the day to control oil production. The sheets are coated with a powder that absorbs excess sebum.

Shop for oil-blotting sheets online.

9. Look for noncomedogenic sunscreen

Sunscreen protects your skin from sun damage and reduces the risk of cancer, but some sunscreens also contain oils. These products can clog pores and add oil to your nose. Look for noncomedogenic sunscreens, which won’t clog your pores.

Shop for noncomedogenic sunscreen online.

10. Don’t forget toner

Your skin care routine shouldn’t only include a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, you should also use an alcohol-free toner to help make your nose pores appear smaller. This temporary fix can reduce oil production.

11. Try a clay mask

Add a clay mask to your skin care routine a few times a week. These masks include ingredients like bentonite and salicylic acid which draw out oils from your pores.

Shop for clay masks online.

12. Clean your face with a mild soap

Use mild soap when cleansing your face. Soaps with harsh ingredients and fragrances can dry out your skin, causing an overproduction of sebum.

13. Watch your diet

Your diet can affect your skin more than you realize, especially if you love spicy foods. These dishes cause blood vessels to dilate and trigger perspiration, increasing the appearance of a shiny, oily nose. Limit eating spicy foods to once a week.

14. Stay hydrated

Keeping your skin hydrated can also fight excess sebum production. When your skin is dry, your glands compensate by producing more oil. Drink plenty of water and spray your skin with primer water to combat dryness.

Shop for primer water online.

15. Try a honey mask

Honey has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help clear acne and control oil production. Massage natural, raw honey into your nose. Allow the honey to sit on your nose for 10 minutes and then rinse.

If an oily nose doesn’t respond to self-care, see a dermatologist to discuss possible treatments. Options include:

  • Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure that gently exfoliates dead skin cells on the face, including the nose. It can improve the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and keep oil production under control.
  • Chemical peel. A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing procedure that lifts the top layer of dead skin from your nose. It can reduce wrinkles, skin discoloration, and scars, and improve symptoms of acne and oiliness.
  • Prescription creams. A dermatologist can also prescribe a cream to reduce the appearance of the size of nose pores and minimize oil production. If you have oily skin induced by hormones, a low-dose birth control pill may help stabilize oil production.

Here are a few tips to prevent excess sebum production on your nose:

  • Wash your face every day with a gentle cleanser. Use a clay mask a few times a week.
  • Apply moisturizer and toner after washing your face to add hydration and minimize the appearance of pores.
  • Don’t wear heavy makeup and remove makeup before bed.
  • Choose oil-free makeup that doesn’t add extra oil to your face.
  • Exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and prevent dryness.
  • Avoid harsh, fragrant skin care products that strip the face of natural moisture.
  • Limit your consumption of spicy foods.
  • Don’t touch your face. This can spread oil from your hands to your nose.

Different factors contribute to an overactive sebaceous gland.

  • Hot, humid weather is a trigger for some people. The skin seems to produce more sebum in these conditions.
  • Hormones can contribute to an active gland. Men have higher testosterone levels than women, and tend to have oilier skin. Some women also notice an increase in sebum around the time of ovulation.
  • Your current skin care routine can also cause an oily nose. If you don’t moisturize enough, your skin can become dehydrated, causing your nose to produce more oil.
  • Over-cleansing is another factor because it can strip your face of natural oils, as does washing your face with extremely hot water.
  • Sometimes, the cause of an oily nose isn’t due to environmental factors, but genetics. If you have inherited larger pores, you can expect to have more sebum on your nose.

Even if you’re predisposed to an oily nose, these simple tips can help reduce sebum production and get rid of a greasy look. The key is understanding the science behind an oily nose, and recognizing your individual triggers.