Sebaceous Filaments VS Blackheads: Differences and How to Reduce Them

If you’re seeing small dark spots on your nose, cheeks, or chin, you might think you’re dealing with blackheads. But if you’ve scoured the internet for blackhead removal products, you’ve likely also come across something called sebaceous filaments and wondered if that’s what you’re seeing—especially if the blackhead products you’ve tried haven’t worked.

People often confuse blackheads and sebaceous filaments because they typically appear in the same regions of the face and look similar. However, they are different.

Below, we explain what sebaceous filaments are and the best ways to treat these blackhead look-alikes.

What are sebaceous filaments?

Sebaceous filaments are naturally occurring hair-like formations that have a special job: They channel the flow of oil along the lining of the pores in which they reside. These filaments are a natural part of the skin’s follicle (pore) structure and everyone has them. However, if your skin is oily or if your pores are enlarged and prone to becoming clogged, you’re more likely to notice them. A sebaceous filament becomes visible as the lining of your pore fills up with oil called sebum.

A sebaceous filament may or may not turn into a blackhead—the determining factor is whether the sebum in the pore lining becomes exposed to oxygen (thereby oxidising and becoming dark, changing into a blackhead).

Look closely at the tip of your nose. Do you see small, pin-like dots on the surface of the pore? If the dots are quite dark, then you’re most likely looking at blackheads. If they have a clear-ish tone, or a grey or yellow tinge, what you’re then seeing are sebaceous filaments. Another difference is that blackheads have a plug-like appearance when extracted, whereas sebaceous filaments more closely resemble a free-flowing column of wax-like sebum (like a tiny strand of hair) as they are squeezed out.

Can you get rid of sebaceous filaments?

Truth be told, you can never completely get rid of sebaceous filaments. You can extract them, but they’ll come back soon after, usually around 30 days or less for those with very oily skin. They’re something everyone has, and most people won’t notice them anyway.

Although sebaceous filaments are a natural part of skin, they can contribute to clogged and enlarged pores. Maintaining healthy-looking skin is something we should all do. Regular use of a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliant for sebaceous filaments can really help, because BHA is oil-soluble and can dissolve sebum and other substances crowding the pore lining.

The use of a well-formulated clay face mask for sebaceous filaments might also help due to clay’s oil-absorbing properties. And, of course, a good, gentle skincare routine based on your skin type is always a smart idea!

Do pore strips remove sebaceous filaments?

While pore strips can temporarily make some sebaceous filaments appear less noticeable, it’s a short-term fix. Pore strips can irritate skin as well, so leave-on chemical exfoliants like BHA are a better, more long-term solution for both sebaceous filaments and blackheads.

Learn more about blackheads extraction.

Shop the collection of products to get rid of blackheads at Paula’s Choice today!

References for this information

British Journal of Dermatology, November 2006, pages 890–894
Archives of Dermatological Research, March 1976, pages 9–21