Oily Nose: Causes and How to Get Rid of It

If you have a nose that is shiny and greasy 24/7, you’re far from the only one. An oily nose is a common complaint, especially among teenagers and guys in their early twenties.

Excess oil on the nose can be caused by several factors, most of which can be boiled down to hormones and genetics. While you may not be able to do much about your genetics, there are several steps you can take to combat a perpetually slick nose. So, what’s the deal with your shiny nose and how can you get it under control?

Here are three things guys need to know about oil on the nose:

1. Oily noses can be caused by hormonal fluctuations, gender or by having a combination skin type.
2. Skin care ingredients such as Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide and Retinoids can help control oil on the nose.
3. For guys with combination skin types, a skin care system that is formulated for all skin types is recommended.

Oily Nose Causes

It may seem odd that your nose can become so oily when the rest of your face appears to be normal. There are several reasons why this could be, some of which may not come as a total surprise:

Gender: Guys generally have oilier skin than women do. Scientists believe that this may be due to the increased number of androgens in the male body—specifically, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a metabolite of testosterone.

The link between acne and androgens was first explored in a 1971 study published in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology. According to their findings, subjects with acne produced 2-20 times more DHT than subjects with normal skin (see claim: “Acne bearing skin produced from 2 to 20 times more dihydrotestosterone than did normal skin.”)

Enlarged Nose Pores: If you struggle with large pores, you’ve probably noticed that they are most apparent on your nose. The nose is part of an area called the “T-zone,” which simply refers to areas on the face (the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin) that are known to produce excess oil.

Combination Skin: One of the simplest explanations as to why your nose is oily is because you have a combination skin type. This means you can have normal skin on, for example, your cheeks and forehead, while experiencing oily skin on your nose and chin. The best way to combat this problem is by finding a skin care system formulated for all skin types.

Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations can increase oil gland activity, which is why teenagers often struggle with acne breakouts the most. If you have enlarged nose pores or combination skin, this increase in oil production can be most apparent on your nose.

Going Overboard with Skin Care Products: If you’ve been using Benzoyl Peroxide as a spot treatment for your nose to control shine, you could be making the problem worse. In a 2004 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, researchers suggest that the skin on the nose is particularly sensitive to inflammation (see claim: “…this area easily develops…dermatitis because of various external agents.”)

How to Get Rid of an Oily Nose

While your oily nose may be the result of genetics or uncontrollable hormones, you aren’t entirely out of luck. Here are a few ways to combat oil on the nose and keep shine at bay:

Clean and Exfoliate Regularly: Use a gentle face wash twice daily to clean away debris (i.e., excess oil, dirt and grime) from the face. After you wash your face, exfoliate with a face scrub (only twice per week) to get rid of dead skin cells and oil. Follow up with a daily moisturizer to lock in moisture and help control oil production.

Apply Salicylic Acid: To control oil on your nose, seek out an acne cream containing Salicylic Acid. Unlike Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid is much gentler on the skin and is just as effective—if not more so—at controlling oil.

The two acne-fighting ingredients work in different ways. While Benzoyl Peroxide eliminates acne by destroying acne-causing bacteria deep in the pore, Salicylic Acid penetrates deep into the skin to break down dirt, oil and dead skin cells.

Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, Niacinamide offers several skin care benefits. When it comes to helping you combat an oily nose, Niacinamide has a proven track record of reducing shine on the face. In a 2006 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, a Niacinamide topical was found to reduce oil production and shine on the face (see claim: “Topical 2% niacinamide may be effective in lowering the SER in Japanese individuals and CSL in Caucasian individuals.”)

Use a Retinoid: Retinoids aren’t only used to combat dark spots and wrinkles. They can also be used to treat acne. An over-the-counter retinoid can help tighten the skin and shrink pores, reducing your nose’s overall oil production.

A Simple Way to Control Shine

When the stubborn oil on your nose won’t go away, it can be difficult to resist the urge to over-treat it with harsh spot treatments. However, treating your oily nose with Benzoyl Peroxide and other harsh ingredients will likely just make the problem worse.

Instead, treat your oily nose with a gentle skin care system that will control oil production without drying out your skin. If you haven’t tried Tiege Hanley yet, give it a test run and let us know what you think!