What Causes Strawberry Nose? Here’s A Breakdown Of 3 Popular Treatments

Strawberry nose is every woman’s nightmare when going bare-faced. It makes the skin on the nose appear rough and bumpy with visible black dots—just like a strawberry—and even makeup can’t always cover it perfectly. Strawberry nose (i.e., blackheads) is one of the trickier skin problems to resolve completely. That's why the market is flooded with blackhead-removing masks and facial cleansers, all claiming to have secret formulas that can solve the problem. But how effective are they, really? In this post, we’ll break down what strawberry nose actually is, explore its causes, teach you how to distinguish between blackheads and sebaceous filaments, debunk common myths, and review several blackhead removal methods. If this is something you’ve struggled with, read on!

1

What is Strawberry Nose?

“Strawberry nose” refers to the presence of numerous blackheads on the nose, making it look dotted and rough—just like the surface of a strawberry. It’s most common in people with oily skin. But what exactly are blackheads?

You're probably already familiar with them. Blackheads are similar to acne or whiteheads in that they form when pores get clogged with dead skin cells and surface debris. The difference is that when these clogged pores are exposed to air, the contents oxidize and turn black—hence, blackheads. They tend to appear in areas with large pores or where it's difficult to clean thoroughly, such as the nose or T-zone.

2

Causes of Strawberry Nose

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, “The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon” states: “When the spleen is overheated, the nose turns red.” In TCM's Five Elements theory, the spleen and stomach correspond to the element “Earth,” which governs the central region of the body—represented by the nose. The spleen dislikes dampness, so when damp heat accumulates, it often shows up as reactions on the nose. Summer, which aligns with the “Earth” element, is when blackheads are most likely to worsen.

In oily or acne-prone skin, blackheads typically occur on areas with dense sebaceous glands, such as the nose, T-zone, and cheeks. In adolescents, blackheads are mainly caused by excess sebum and keratin buildup that stretches the pores. When exposed to air, these oxidize and darken. In more mature skin, blackheads can also result from collagen and elastin degradation around the pores, making them less firm and more visible.

3

Blackheads vs. Sebaceous Filaments

Many people try to squeeze out blackheads, thinking it helps. But could it be that what you're squeezing out isn't a blackhead, but a sebaceous filament?

Sebaceous filaments (also called follicular filaments) are natural, normal secretions from the skin and not a skin disorder. They usually appear on the nose or under the eyes as tiny dots or bumps, and they closely resemble blackheads. Dermatologists generally advise that if you clean your skin properly, these filaments won’t accumulate excessively, and treatment isn’t needed. In contrast, true blackheads involve excess sebum, bacteria, and abnormal keratinization.

4

Best Way to Manage Sebaceous Filaments: Acids!

Even though sebaceous filaments are normal, many people still want that smooth, flawless look. So how can you minimize their appearance?

Use skincare products with exfoliating acids like salicylic acid, retinoic acid, or mandelic acid. These ingredients help dissolve the buildup in pores and reduce the formation of sebaceous filaments. Be cautious not to over-apply, especially in sensitive areas like around the eyes and nose. Apply a thin layer every other day, and for dry or sensitive skin, limit use to twice a week.

Alternatively, picosecond laser treatments have become popular for reducing sebaceous filaments, tightening pores, and regulating oil production.

5

Common Solution: How Do Blackhead Extractors Work?

Blackhead extractors are a well-known tool. One end is sharp for making a tiny puncture in the skin, and the other is a loop used to press around the pore to push out the gunk.

Different loop sizes serve different purposes: flatter loops work best for shallow or exposed blackheads, while small round loops are better for deeper ones. However, incorrect use or excessive pressure can damage the skin, leading to scarring, dark spots, or indentations.

6

Common Solution: Do Blackhead Strips Really Work?t

Blackhead strips remain a go-to method for many. Simply apply the strip to your nose, let it dry, and peel it off to pull out blackheads.

However, studies show that what comes off is often just sebum and fine hairs—not actual blackheads. For sensitive skin types, the adhesive can cause irritation, enlarged pores, and even more breakouts in the long run. So use them with caution.

7

Common Solution: Are Pore Vacuums Safe?

Pore vacuum devices have surged in popularity, marketed as at-home alternatives to professional spa equipment. These tools use suction to remove blackheads after steaming or softening the skin.

However, home-use pore vacuums are often less powerful and less safe than salon-grade machines. Improper use can cause bruising or even scarring. There have been cases where users ended up with red marks and no blackheads removed. These devices often lack the acid-based softening that professional treatments provide, making them less effective and more damaging.

8

Can Vaseline Help?

There’s a DIY trick going around involving Vaseline to remove blackheads. Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is rich in mineral oils that can dissolve sebum. The method: cleanse your face, massage Vaseline into your nose, apply a thick layer, cover with plastic wrap, and apply heat (e.g., with a warm towel or warm water). After 30 minutes, remove the wrap and gently press with a cotton swab to extract blackheads.

9

Does Egg White Work?

Egg whites are often touted as natural blackhead removers. The idea is to apply egg white to your nose, cover with tissue, and peel it off after 15 minutes.

However, as the egg white dries, your pores contract, making it harder—not easier—to remove blackheads. It also dries out the skin and may cause flaking. We don’t recommend this, especially for sensitive skin.

10

Can Honey Help?

Though lesser known, honey can help both internally and externally. Eating honey in moderation supports healthy skin, and applying it topically can reduce blackheads.

Apply a thin layer of honey to your nose and leave it on for 5–10 minutes before rinsing with cool water. You can also mix honey with sugar and massage the nose area to exfoliate. For better results, use natural, unprocessed honey.

11

Editor’s Personal Experience: Perfect Medical Acne Treatment

I’ve struggled with blackheads and strawberry nose since high school. Though things improved with age, I still have oily skin and occasional flare-ups.

I’ve tried nearly everything—Vaseline masks, egg whites, even a blackhead vacuum gun. From my experience, the common thread is that any method that traps heat (like with cling wrap) helps open pores and loosen blackheads, but the actual substance you use matters less. Honestly, egg whites are messy and ineffective when dry. Vaseline is way more user-friendly.

As for which method cleans most thoroughly? Honestly, none of them truly work unless you follow up with manual extraction. You might be able to wash away some surface blackheads, but deeper ones need to be physically removed. Whether your strawberry nose comes back quickly depends on how thoroughly you extract them.

A warning about the blackhead vacuum gun: don’t waste your money! It’s nothing like professional Aqua Peel treatments, which combine suction and exfoliating serums to gently dissolve and extract blackheads. Most vacuum guns are too rough, use dry suction only, and leave red marks without removing anything. Mine didn’t work at all—it just left bruises. I threw it in the trash after one use!

What Happened Next

After that lesson, I’m convinced those hyped-up blackhead suction devices on the market can never replace a proper Aqua Peel deep cleansing treatment. So I started looking for a cost-effective blackhead and acne removal treatment that I could do regularly—one that wouldn’t require me to do manual extractions myself, which are time-consuming, ineffective, and always end up damaging my pores and making me bleed! What I found was the Perfect Medical Acne Treatment, and it’s honestly a lifesaver!

I personally tried the Perfect Medical Acne Treatment and found the value for money to be incredibly high. The price is reasonable and the results met all my expectations. The technology behind the treatment isn’t a big secret—it uses a dual-drainage vacuum suction system that simultaneously sprays fruit acid essence (which also contains anti-inflammatory and hydrating ingredients) while gently vacuuming out the softened, dissolved blackheads. It pulls them out from the root without damaging the skin or leaving any red marks. After the treatment, you’re left with a fair, smooth, and incredibly clean face. It also has anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and redness-reducing effects. Even the pimples I had started to shrink right away!

It saves so much time compared to doing extractions myself, which are never thorough enough. Although it may not completely eliminate a strawberry nose (unless your sebaceous glands completely shut down), it does leave your nose looking clean for a long time. Mine stayed clear for almost three to four weeks, which is more than enough for me! It met all of my expectations, so I now do the treatment monthly to keep blackheads and acne under control. Since I started, I haven’t had any more breakouts—just one or two pimples around my chin during my period, and that’s it.

If you’re also struggling with blackheads or strawberry nose, and don’t want to do extractions yourself—especially if you're worried about making your pores larger—I highly recommend trying the Perfect Medical Acne Treatment!