Sebaceous filaments are tiny plugs that are often mistaken for blackheads, but no, they are different and very much natural and a part of our skin. As we dig deeper, we will find what are sebaceous Filaments and how they are different from blackheads. Can you ever get rid of the sebaceous filaments? What measures can you take and what products should you incorporate in your skincare routine to get rid of them?
What are Sebaceous Filaments?
Sebaceous filaments are naturally occurring tube-like structures that line the walls of your pores. These are normal parts of your skin’s anatomy. Made of sebum, an oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin, it helps lubricate and moisturize the skin. Sebum keeps the skin hydrated and shiny. This is a normal routine of the skin. However, when pores fill up with excessive oil(sebum) production, you will start noticing light-colored, translucent tiny grey dots on your nose, cheeks, and chin as well. The overproduction of sebum can stretch out the pore and start to spill out and hence making the sebaceous filaments more visible.
Sebaceous Filaments vs Blackheads
Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are a type of acne. Commonly found in the T-zone area (Nose Tip and Chin) they start similarly by clogging the pores. They develop when a plug of skin cells and oil becomes trapped within the hair follicles. However, they turn Black because of oxidation as they expose the hair follicle to air, forming a black spec on the skin.
Whereas sebaceous filaments are a normal part of the skin. They become visible when pores fill up with excessive oil (sebum) production. Light-colored, translucent tiny grey dots start to show up on your nose, cheeks, and chin as well.
If you are struggling with blackheads or acne, go through this guide HERE. It will help you build a beginner skincare routine for acne.
How to get rid of Sebaceous Filaments?
As I mentioned above, sebaceous filaments are naturally occurring, a part of our skin, so it’s not possible for you to get rid of them completely. However, you can take different measures to reduce the appearance of Sebaceous filaments over-time. Furthermore, never ever squeeze the sebaceous filaments as it can lead to severe inflammation, irritation, and even more visible Sebaceous filaments.
Here are a few ways to reduce the appearance of Sebaceous filaments
Introduce Oil cleansing:
Oil cleansers are a great way to get rid of all the excess oil and dirt from your skin. Introducing oil cleansing in your skincare routine will not only help you remove excess build-up from oils, dirt, and pollution, but also contribute to reducing the appearance of visible sebaceous filaments. These are perfect for removing makeup as well. Oil cleansers have been an intricate step in the Korean Glass skin routine. Find out here. Use an oil cleanser twice a day and follow up with a gentle cream/ foaming cleanser.
Try Exfoliation:
Exfoliating with AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHA (Beta hydroxy acids) not only removes dead skin cells but also helps unclog pores. This gentle exfoliant by Paula’s Choice 2% salicylic acid is perfect to get rid of visible sebaceous filaments. Salicylic acid is a gentle exfoliant. It will unclog the pores, by breaking the oil and dirt, thereby leaving you with clean pores.
Try Retinoids :
Very effective treatment for sebaceous filaments. Retinoids help unclog the pores and will help reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments. Moreover, it will also reduce the pore size as well. If you are new to retinoids, I suggest you go through this beginner guide to using retinoids. It’s a pot of gold. You must start introducing this magical skincare ingredient into your skincare routine.
Incorporate Clay Mask:
We all have used clay masks for that “me time” without ever knowing their entire purpose. But these little remedies are great, as they suck out the dirt, and excess oil from pores, leaving the skin baby smooth. These not only help draw impurities, but also eliminate excess oil. Furthermore, Clay has some skin-calming effects.
This mask by Aztec Clay is a great pick for cleansing out the pores. It also removes dead skin, improving the overall texture of the skin. This is great for all skin types. Don’t keep them for a long time otherwise, they will leave you with dry skin.
Don’t miss out on the Sunscreen :
Sunscreen is a crucial part of skincare. you must never ever skip it. For all the hard work you put into your skincare routine, if sunscreen is missing, you will not get excellent results. Prolonged Sun exposure causes aging, hyperpigmentation, and melasma, and also can expand the pores with time. Whether you are indoors or outdoors, in the sun or rain, sunscreen is mandatory. Find out here why is sunscreen so important and why you must never miss it.
Seek Professional treatments:
If all these measures don’t help, try seeking a professional treatment like microdermabrasion, or micro-needling. These treatments can help improve the appearance of sebaceous filaments by promoting skin turnover and unclogging pores.
FAQ’s
Can you get rid of Sebaceous filaments?
No, sebaceous filaments are part of your skin anatomy, we can never eliminate them. However, you can reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments with the help of the measures mentioned above.
Should you Squeeze Sebaceous Filaments?
No matter how satisfying and eager you feel to squeeze, you must never squeeze the sebaceous filaments. Attempting to squeeze manually or popping can lead to further inflammation, irritation, and even more visible sebaceous filaments.
What will dissolve the Sebum Plug?
Introduce a good skincare routine and focus on clearing the sebum plug. Use double cleansing; oil cleansing followed by the foaming cleanser, exfoliation, clay masks, and retinoids to get rid of excess oil.
What causes visible sebaceous filaments?
Excess oil production, sleeping with makeup on, not cleansing your face twice a day, and not applying sunscreen can lead to visible sebaceous filaments. Furthermore, age, genetics, and swollen, thick hair follicles can also lead to visible sebaceous filaments and enlarged pores.
Should I use pore strips to remove Sebaceous filaments?
No, you can use pore strips once in a while for stubborn blackheads. However, for sebaceous filaments, they are of no use, as these are part of our skin’s anatomy and they can’t be pulled out. Also, these tend to refill every 30 days so you can never get rid of them. Instead, dedicate a proper skincare routine to reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments by keeping them oil, dirt, and debris free.
Key Takeaway:
Sebaceous filaments are naturally occurring, they get visible with age, genetics, accumulation of excess oil, etc. You can never get rid of them but take some measures, like cleansing twice a day, exfoliating once a week, applying clay masks once a week, using retinoids twice a week, and sunscreen every day for a visible reduction in the appearance of sebaceous filaments.
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