Sebaceous Filaments Vs. Blackheads: Differences & Treatments

Not all blackish spots on your T-zone are blackheads—some may be sebum-filled filaments.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Seepika Jaiswal, MBBS, FAM

Dr. Seepika Jaiswal is a cosmetic dermatologist, hair transplant surgeon, and micro pigmentation specialist with 7 years of experience. After completing her MBBS, she went on to do a diploma in weight loss and another in clinical dermatolog... more

Written by Annie Jangam, MSc Experience: 11 years

Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer with 11 years of experience. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make science interesting a... more

Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc Experience: 3 years

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, ... more

Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Experience: 4 years

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global Univers... more

• Jan 24, 2024

Blackheads Vs. Sebaceous Filaments Differences And How To Get Rid Of Them

Not all tiny black dots you see on your T-zone are blackheads. Some of them can be sebaceous filaments. Though they look similar, there are differences between blackheads and sebaceous filaments. This article discusses these two to clear your confusion. Keep reading to learn their differences, treatment options, and ways to manage them. Scroll down.

In This Article

Difference Between Sebaceous Filaments And Blackheads

Differentiating Factors	Sebaceous Filaments	Blackheads
What Do They Look Like?	They are not visible unless filled with sebum. They are thin, hair-like structures inside the pores and circulate sebum to the skin surface.	They are plugs at the top of the pores, trapping oil and sebum. They oxidize and look like small black bumps (comedones).
Causes	They are a part of the skin. They become visible due to excess sebum and dead cell accumulation.	Clogged pores due to sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria accumulation. They may form from a sebaceous filament.
Location	Usually on the nose and adjacent cheeks.	On the face (nose and chin), back, neck, chest, arms, and shoulders.
Color	Sandy, clear, or light gray	Black
Extraction	If you squeeze a sebaceous filament, a white or yellow worm-like structure may ooze out.	If you extract a blackhead, the dark plug may come off.

Sebaceous filaments are natural structures on the skin and become noticeable due to excess sebum secretion. You cannot get rid of them. However, you can make them less visible by keeping the pores clean. Remember, the presence of these filaments is not a sign of bad hygiene.

How To Clean Sebaceous Filaments

1. Cleanse

Use mild and gentle products to cleanse your skin.
Avoid alcohol-based products as they can irritate or overdry your skin.
Use skin care products that suit your skin type. Go for oil-free, non-comedogenic products.
Wash your face twice a day (especially after a workout and before sleeping).

A blogger detailed her experience with clogged pores, whiteheads, and blackheads and gave suggestions based on her experience. She wrote, “Ever since I started double-cleansing more consciously and paying more attention to my cleansing, the amount of clogged pores reduced significantly (i).” She also recommended the use of products like salicylic acid, clay masks, and oil cleansing.

Quick Tip

When cleansing your skin, consider using lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can strip away natural oils. After cleansing, pat your face dry with a soft towel to avoid unnecessary friction that may irritate the skin.

2. Exfoliate

Avoid over scrubbing or using physical scrubs as they may aggravate skin inflammation.
Use salicylic acid to gently slough off dead skin cells, bacteria, and excess oil from the pores. It dissolves the oil and helps unclog pores. Use products with 0.5% to 2% salicylic acid for effective results.
Benzoyl peroxide helps regulate oil production on acne-prone skin. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of this ingredient help manage acne.

3. Moisturize

Moisturize your skin every day to keep it hydrated. Hydrated skin does not produce excess sebum and oils. This keeps the sebaceous filaments clean.

4. Use Sun Protection

Use sunscreen to prevent signs of photoaging and any further damage to the skin.
Use a non-oily and non-comedogenic product.

In a survey of 19,133 US adults, participants were asked about their sunscreen application habits when stepping outside their homes. The responses indicate that 16% always apply sunscreen, 24% do so most of the time, 32% apply it some of the time, 25% never apply sunscreen, and 3% have no response as an answer.

These are a few ways to keep the skin clean, protect it, and prevent visible sebaceous filaments. Now, let’s take a look at how you may get rid of blackheads.

How To Get Rid Of Blackheads

Use products with BHA (salicylic acid) to dislodge the blackheads. You may also use AHAs and benzoyl peroxide to clear blackheads.
Topical retinoids (vitamin A derivative) also help in managing acneand blackheads. You will get OTC retinol products. However, for retinoids, you need a doctor’s prescription.
Use steam to loosen the trapped dirt and sebum. This will help in easy blackhead removal and extraction.

Quick Tip

Before using steam, start with a warm compress by placing a clean, damp, warm cloth on your face for 5-10 minutes. This helps open up your pores and prepare your skin for the benefits of the steaming process.

Nose and facial strips and vacuum pore cleaners can also clear blackheads.
Stress can trigger excess sebum production and acne. If you have excess blackheads and acne, try to reduce your stress levels.
Similarly, diet (dairy products and chocolate) can trigger acne. Follow a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
You can also opt for IPL acne treatment and carbon laser peel for both blackheads and sebaceous filaments.

You may follow the tips to keep your skin clean and prevent blackheads and visible sebaceous filaments. A proper skin care regimen is the best way to avoid breakouts and clogged pores.

Extracting blackheads and clogged pores can damage your skin. If you have stubborn blackheads and are concerned about the appearance of your sebaceous filaments, consult a doctor or a dermatologist to learn more about the type of chemical exfoliant and the percentage you need to use.

Sebaceous filaments are skin glands that become apparent owing to excessive sebum production. When they clog, blackheads might form. Controlling oil production and maintaining clear skin can aid in managing both. However, you cannot get rid of them but minimize their appearance. Stick to a proper skin care routine, exfoliate routinely, and use oil-free, alcohol-free, and non-comedogenic products. If you have stubborn blackheads and are worried about the looks of your sebaceous filaments, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about which chemical exfoliant to use and what proportion to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does retinol get rid of sebaceous filaments?

Yes. Retinol and retinoids are quite effective against sebaceous filaments.

Does niacinamide help with sebaceous filaments?

Yes. Niacinamide can help reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments by minimizing enlarged pores.

Do pore strips remove blackheads or sebaceous filaments?

Pore strips only help reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments by removing excess sebum. However, they aren’t much effective against blackheads.

Key Takeaways

Sebaceous filaments are glands in the skin that become visible when filled with sebum, while blackheads are caused when the skin pores get clogged.
Sebaceous filaments are visible on the nose and cheeks, and blackheads are found on the face, back, neck, and chest.
Cleansing and exfoliating your skin can prevent visible sebaceous filaments, while topical retinoids can help manage blackheads.

Understand the differences between sebaceous filaments and blackheads in this video. Learn about their causes, how to identify them, and discover effective skin care tips to manage and improve skin texture. Check it out!

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

(i) CLOGGED PORES & WHITE/BLACKHEADS
https://hellobeautypeadia.wordpress.com/2017/03/30/clogged-pores-white-blackheads/

References

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