If you've ever dealt with a blackhead so stubborn you couldn't get rid of it no matter what, chances are it wasn't a blackhead but a sebaceous filament. While it's a natural and common skincare concern, not many people understand the difference between sebaceous filaments and blackheads. Here, board-certified dermatologists share more, including tips for treating and preventing them.
- Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, Miami-based, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare
- Alicia Zalka, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder and CEO of Surface Deep
- Rita V. Linkner, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of RVL Skincare
What Are Sebaceous Filaments?
Sebaceous filaments are a normal part of the skin structure, explains dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, MD. "They are tube-like structures that line our pores," Ciraldo says. "Think of them as the pathway through which we empty our pores."
They are most common on the T-zone of the face, especially on the nose. Alicia Zalka, MD, compares sebaceous filaments to straws. "The filament draws sebum (oil) from deeper in the pore to the skin, like a straw allows you to sip your beverage from the bottom of a cup," Zalka explains. "The tube-like filament provides the moisturizing oil to the skin surface."
Sebaceous Filaments vs. Blackheads
Blackheads are pores clogged with oil and skin debris, creating a dark, bumpy surface. "A lot of people confuse sebaceous filaments with blackheads, but blackheads are actually classified as a non-inflamed form of acne," explains Ciraldo.
Dermatologist Rita Linkner, MD, adds that when sebum in the pore gets exposed to oxygen, it oxidizes and causes the black color. Sebaceous filaments, however, appear more yellow or grayish at the surface. "Sebaceous filaments appear to be hair-like extrusions of dried sebum emanating from large pores," Linkner explains.
How to Treat Sebaceous Filaments
Sebaceous filaments are part of the micro-anatomy of the skin and cannot be removed permanently, but you can minimize their appearance. "Any active ingredients that work to exfoliate the skin will improve the look of sebaceous filaments," says Linkner. "Common examples of active ingredients include retinol, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid."
BHA and AHA Acids
Ciraldo suggests using a beta-hydroxy acid (such as salicylic acid) in the morning and alpha-hydroxy acid (such as glycolic acid) in the evening. "Glycolic is the smallest of all the alpha-hydroxy acids, and it penetrates the best into the pores to naturally unclog any filamentous buildup," Ciraldo says.
Acne Face Wash
In the morning, you can try an acne face wash, which Linkner says is perfect for someone trying to eliminate pesky filaments that can accumulate on the nose. "These tips will help to reduce the amount of sebum held in these tube-like filaments and keep the sebaceous filaments from being noticeable," notes Zalka.
Tips for Preventing Sebaceous Filaments
Though perfectly normal and common, you can do a few things to help prevent more visible sebaceous filaments from forming on your skin. These tips should be part of your standard skincare routine as they can help prevent acne and maintain healthy skin.
- Wash your face: It's important to wash your face daily (often morning and night) with a facial cleanser. And always wash your face after sweating or working out.
- Moisturize your face: After washing your face, it's important to apply a moisturizer. Doing so at night is extra beneficial as your skin loses moisture while sleeping.
- Remove makeup: Always, always, always clean your makeup off before the end of the day. Leaving makeup on your skin can cause buildup and clogged pores.
- Use non-comedogenic ingredients: Check the products you use and purchase to ensure ingredients are oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning they won't clog pores. Most products are labeled as such.
- Avoid touching your face: Touching your skin throughout the day can transfer dirt, oils, and possibly bacteria to your face. Try your best to minimize touching your face, and always wash your hands before doing so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you squeeze sebaceous filaments?
You shouldn't squeeze sebaceous filaments; it can cause skin damage, infections, and scarring. Squeezing may or may not release a white or yellow discharge, making your pores look bigger. It also starts a continuous cycle, as the pore will likely fill up with sebum again, restarting the cycle and increasing your risk for skin damage.
Can you use tweezers to pull out sebaceous filaments?
While manipulating sebaceous filaments is frowned upon, it is possible to use tweezers to pluck or extract the oil or sebum inside of them, which will reduce the filament's appearance. However, it's best to leave this to a professional, like a dermatologist or esthetician. Using tweezers at home on sebaceous filaments can cause damage to the skin.
Should you use pore strips on sebaceous filaments?
Pore strips are typically designed for removing blackheads, but they can help with the appearance of sebaceous filaments, too. By using them, you can minimize the filaments and possibly extract some sebum. Using pore strips won't get rid of sebaceous filaments permanently, but it provides a quick and easy temporary solution.
Are whiteheads and sebaceous filaments the same thing?
Whiteheads and sebaceous filaments are not the same. Whiteheads result from a skin pore that clogs with oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria. Meanwhile, sebaceous filaments are healthy structures that moisturize the skin.
How to Get Rid of Sebaceous Filaments—and How They Differ From Blackheads
