Sebaceous filaments: What they are and how to get rid of them

Published: November 2024

If you have noticed dark-coloured spots on your nose, forehead and chin, blackheads may be the first thing that comes to mind. Although easily mistaken for blackheads, sebaceous filaments are perfectly normal and harmless, though they can be a cosmetic concern for some due to their appearance.

Sebaceous filaments are a normal part of the skin.

Sebum is our body's natural oil, which helps keep our skin moisturised.

Sebaceous filaments look like small, flat, pinprick-sized spots and are particularly visible on oilier parts of the face like the nose and forehead, which is why they are sometimes mistaken for blackheads. They can be dark, yellow or brown in colour.

The appearance of sebaceous filaments has little to do with cleanliness or hygiene.

Excessive sebum production can enlarge pores, making sebaceous filaments more noticeable - especially for individuals with oily skin. Other factors that may contribute to enlarged pores include:

• Genetics
• Thicker-hair follicles
• Age
• Sun exposure

As mentioned above, sebaceous filaments can often be mistaken for blackheads due to their similar appearance and the fact that they appear in the same locations. While sebaceous filaments are not a direct reflection of your skin's cleanliness, blackheads can and do appear because of buildup in the skin.

Blackheads are a type of acne, and they look like open, dark-coloured bumps on the skin's surface, resembling a speck of dirt. Blackheads appear black because of a process called oxidation, which occurs when the oil and dead skin cells trapped in a clogged pore are exposed to air.

If you have noticed sebaceous filaments on your face and mistaken them for blackheads, you have probably tried squeezing them. When you squeeze sebaceous filaments, a waxy, threadlike substance may come out of your pore. However, sometimes nothing comes out, or you might only get a small amount of oil.

Additionally, picking and squeezing your skin can cause irritation, damage, and lead to scarring.

Although it may be satisfying, squeezing blackheads can cause skin damage in the same way squeezing sebaceous filaments can and can lead to scarring. On top of skin damage, squeezing blackheads (or any other type of acne) can cause infection from bacteria on the hands and worsen acne overall. So, to answer the question of whether you should squeeze blackheads, no you should not squeeze blackheads.

Using pore strips to remove blackheads and reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments can give quick but temporary results. While they can pull out some of the material in pores, making blackheads and filaments less noticeable, they don’t address the root cause. Frequent use may irritate the skin, potentially enlarging pores over time and making them look more visible.

Instead, a skincare routine with salicylic acid or retinoids is more effective for reducing blackheads and sebaceous filaments over time without the irritation pore strips can cause.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer to the question of how to remove sebaceous filaments. They can’t and shouldn’t be removed as they are an essential part of the skin’s structure. However, there are ways to reduce their appearance.

As sebaceous filaments are more visible when the skin is oily, a skincare routine for oily skin that helps control oil production and keeps pores clear will help reduce their appearance:

Start with Eucerin DermoPurifyer Oil Control Cleansing Gel. This gentle gel cleanser removes excess oil and impurities without drying out the skin, which can help minimise sebaceous filament visibility.

Two to three times a week, use Eucerin DermoPurifyer Skin Renewal Treatment. This product contains a blend of AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) that exfoliate and help smooth out the skin texture.

If you feel your skin needs extra oil control, follow up with Eucerin DermoPurifyer Toner. This toner contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and helps clear out pores. Apply it with a cotton pad, focusing on areas with visible sebaceous filaments, like the nose and chin.

Use Eucerin DermoPurifyer Mattifying Fluid to hydrate without adding excess oil. It provides a matte finish and contains salicylic acid to exfoliate gently and prevent pores from clogging, which helps keep sebaceous filaments from becoming prominent.

End with a lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen, such as Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control SPF 50+. Sun exposure can increase sebum production and lead to larger pores, so daily SPF is essential. Learn more about the best sunscreen for oily skin.

Apart from washing your face regularly using an appropriate skincare routine, below are some tips to follow to prevent sebaceous filaments from becoming a skin concern:

• Opt for sebum-regulating ingredients
• Use non-comedogenic skincare products
• Remove your makeup at the end of the day
• Exfoliate regularly