How to treat Sebaceous Filaments (often confused with blackheads)
- Angeline Rodriguez
- Apr 17, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 4
Do you have blackheads on your nose that just won’t go away, no matter how many times you try to extract them? Chances are, you're dealing with sebaceous filaments instead of blackheads. While they may look similar, sebaceous filaments are actually a completely different type of blemish. In this blog post, we will discuss what sebaceous filaments are, how to treat them at home, and why it's so important to avoid build-up in the first place!
What are sebaceous filaments?
Sebaceous filaments are naturally occurring, tube-like structures that line the walls of your pores. Their purpose is to direct oil flow. They are a part of your skin, and therefore you can't get rid of them—but you can minimize their appearance. The skin's normal process of producing sebum (an oily substance that helps keep your skin moisturized) can cause sebaceous filaments to become noticeable. This is more likely to occur in people with oilier skin types or larger pores, and they are especially prominent on the nose.
If you've ever had professional extractions, you may have noticed that the esthetician expresses a small, yellowish hair-like strand from your pores. These are sebaceous filaments! Sebaceous filaments can also appear black, white, or colorless, where it seems as though there's nothing there, but your pores simply appear larger.
How do you treat sebaceous filaments?
The key is to avoid build-up in the first place instead of only relying on professional extractions.
Key Ingredients That Help Tackle Sebaceous Filaments
Salicylic Acid: A powerful exfoliant that helps penetrate pores and dissolve the oils that cause build-up.
Retinoids: Known for improving skin cell turnover and reducing the appearance of pores.
Niacinamide: Reduces the visibility of pores and helps regulate oil production.
Oil-Free Sunscreen: Helps prevent excess oil production and protects your skin from UV damage.
By using these ingredients regularly, you can help prevent sebaceous filaments from forming in the first place.
Why is it so important to avoid build up in the pores in the first place?
Sebaceous filaments require consistency to minimize their appearance. If we avoid build-up in the pores from the beginning by using the right ingredients, we can help prevent these problems before they even start! Not to mention, it will make professional extractions much easier for your skin specialist.
PREVENTION > CORRECTION
It’s always MUCH easier to prevent a skin condition from occurring than it is to treat an existing one. So don’t wait until you have a problem to start taking care of your skin—take preventive action today to keep your complexion looking its best!
What is the difference between a blackhead and sebaceous filaments?
Blackheads are a type of acne that forms when a pore becomes clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and dirt. The contents of the pore oxidize and turn black when they come into contact with air. Blackheads can be a sign of an underlying skin condition and should be treated by a skin specialist.
Sebaceous filaments, on the other hand, are not acne at all. They are tube-like structures that help transport oil from the sebaceous glands to the surface of the skin. While sebaceous filaments are completely normal and you can never get completely rid of them, we can minimize their appearance. And if they are impacting your self-confidence, there is absolutely no shame in seeking professional help to target this concern.
Extracting Sebaceous Filaments
Please DO NOT attempt to extract sebaceous filaments yourself. They are more difficult to extract than blackheads, and you may not only be unsuccessful at extracting them, but also cause unnecessary harm to your skin, possibly leading to dark spots that could take months to fade. It’s a lose/lose situation. Skin professionals are properly trained to carry out extractions and can be seen for maintenance, usually once a month.
Now that we understand the importance of your at-home skincare routine, be sure to speak to your skin specialist about which products you should use daily and what in-office treatments they can provide to help effectively treat sebaceous filaments and give you the clear, smooth skin you deserve!
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