Your nose may appear to get bigger during puberty due to a combination of factors, primarily related to hormonal changes and the development of your facial features.
Hormonal Influence on Nasal Glands
One significant reason is the influence of hormones on the sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands) within the skin of your nose, particularly at the tip. These glands can enlarge during puberty due to increased hormone levels. This enlargement makes the skin thicker and can give the appearance of a wider and heavier nose.
Nasal Cartilage Development
While there's some debate about whether the nasal cartilage itself actually grows significantly during puberty, the overall structure of your nose does change. This perceived growth can be due to:
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Changes in facial proportions: As the rest of your face develops, the relative size and shape of your nose can appear more prominent. The growth of the jaw, cheekbones, and other facial features can alter the perceived balance of your face.
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Soft tissue changes: Besides the sebaceous glands, other soft tissues like muscle and fat can develop and contribute to changes in the nose's shape and size.
Summary
In short, while the underlying cartilage of your nose may not dramatically increase in size, the enlargement of skin glands and changes in overall facial proportions during puberty can make your nose look bigger or more prominent. It's a normal part of development!
