Sebaceous Filaments: What They Are and How to Manage Them

Discover what sebaceous filaments are and learn the best tips to manage them for clearer, smoother skin. Say goodbye to pesky pore concerns!

Have you ever noticed that your nose is covered in tiny bumps? You may have assumed they were blackheads and even tried to squeeze them out only to find that they came right back in a matter of days. 

While annoying, these spots are likely not actually a form of acne and are simply there to keep your skin moist. It’s more likely that they’re what’s called sebaceous filaments.

So, is there anything that can be done to get rid of or reduce the appearance of these pesky sebaceous filaments? The short answer is yes! Let’s talk about what sebaceous filaments are, how you can get rid of them, and how you can prevent them from appearing in the first place.

What Are Sebaceous Filaments

Sebum is a naturally produced, oily substance that moisturizes and protects the skin. Sebaceous filaments allow for that sebum to cover the skin; however, if there is an overproduction of sebum, the sebaceous filaments can fill up and become more visible.

Sebaceous filaments are often confused for blackheads because they can look like enlarged, dark spots on your skin. The critical difference between the two is that blackheads plug the skin, whereas sebaceous filaments do not. Additionally, blackheads are considered a form of acne and sebaceous filaments are not. That being said, sebaceous filaments can cause whiteheads or blackheads if you aren’t using products to clean the skin and clear the sebum.

Products to Use to Clear Sebaceous Filaments

You may be tempted to squeeze the sebum out of your skin; however, this can damage the skin and leave scars. It is generally recommended not to squeeze or pop anything on your skin for this reason.

Instead, there are products that you can use to clear the sebum out of your pores and get rid of those sebaceous filaments. Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tea tree oil are all products that can help to clear your skin. Look for products from reputable brands, like SkinCeuticals, and make sure to purchase your products from authorized retailers of SkinCeuticals Canada to ensure you are only putting high-quality ingredients on your face.

If you have sensitive skin or are on any types of medication, always speak to your doctor or dermatologist before adding any new products to your skincare routine.

How to Avoid Sebum Build Up

You don’t want to take away too much moisture and oil from your skin, as that can dry it out and cause damage. However, too much oil can also have unwanted effects, as we now know.

To strike the right balance of oil on your skin, it’s important to wash your face every morning and every evening with a gentle cleanser that works for your skin type. Look for products labelled “oil-free” to avoid adding unwanted oils to your skin. After washing, use a product with one of the ingredients mentioned above to combat oil. Finish off by moisturizing your skin, again, avoiding any products with added oil.

Keep in mind that people whose skin naturally produces more oil are more prone to visible sebaceous filaments. Additionally, those with larger pores may notice that their sebaceous filaments are more noticeable than those who have smaller pores.