If you have tiny bumps/dots on your skin, knowing if they’re comedones (whiteheads & blackheads) or sebaceous filaments, can be confusing.
We’ve covered comedones in the past here’s a link. Today, we’ll differentiate them from sebaceous filaments and discuss the management of these filaments.
What is a sebaceous filament?
A sebaceous filament is a small collection of sebum(oil) and dead skin cells that is deposited around a hair follicle or pores of the skin. It usually looks like a tiny, yellowish to grayish dots on the skin and produces a creamy or waxy, thread-like material when pressed or if you try to pop it.
Sebaceous filaments are actually naturally occurring on the skin. They are a part of the skin’s follicle/pore structures, lining the pores and controlling the flow of sebum(oil) along the pores and skin. They help the skin stay moisturized and healthy, and are mostly found in areas of the skin that produce oil the most, like the T-zone(forehead, nose, and chin), although it can be found in other areas.
It becomes problematic when the pores get clogged and sebum can’t flow freely, causing collection of oil and deposition in these filaments. People with enlarged pores, & people with oily skin are highly prone and notice this condition more often because of the excessive sebum production, which can cause these filaments to become filled with oil deposits.
Sebaceous filaments may or may not cause blackheads. Blackheads and whiteheads can follow after sebaceous filaments and usually presents with bigger and darker bumps, and they produce a black or yellow, solid, plug-like material when popped or extracted. They’re clogged pores and usually have a raised surface.
Even though sebaceous filaments are naturally occurring and can’t be noticed sometimes, they contribute to blackheads/whiteheads, which can become pimples of infected. And can eventually lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Managing sebaceous filaments
It can be left alone if minimal, but if it’s very visible & becoming bothersome, then it should be treated. Products that help exfoliate, minimize pores and control oil production work best in managing sebaceous filaments.
BHA(Beta hydroxy acid) like Salicylic acid works best as its oil-soluble and can penetrate the pores to dissolve the sebum and other substances causing the blockage.
AHAs like lactic acid, glycolic acid & mandelic acid are also useful exfoliants that can help in getting rid of sebaceous filaments.
Retinol also helps as it minimizes pores, promotes skin cell renewal and help control oil production, so proves very useful in the management of these filaments.
Niacinamide is great for pore care and oil control. It is one of the key ingredients used in keeping the formation of sebaceous filaments at bay.
Clay masks containing bentonite clay, absorbs oil/sebum and can be of great help, especially for people with oily skin.
Deep pore cleansing wash/cleansers, or pore strips containing activated charcoal will help get rid of the trapped sebum & dirts in the pores.
And lastly, contrary to popular belief, oil-cleansing can help even if your skin is oily. This is because oil dissolves oil and sebum is basically oil. It’ll dissolve the sebum, help clear out the pores and stop the obstruction. Oil-cleansing is a great way to unclog the pores.
Do not use scrubs, and desist from squeezing or picking at sebaceous filaments as this will cause more harm, such as irritation, scarring & even infection.
In conclusion,
Because sebaceous filaments are natural and normal, they are reoccurring and usually come back even after removing them. You can’t get rid of them completely, but you can minimize its appearance. You have to be consistent with your regime. Sometimes, you might have to let them be, especially if they are not problematic.
Washing the face/skin regularly with lukewarm water, adequate exfoliating, using a moisturizer, devoting to a skincare routine for your skin type/skin needs, avoiding products that can clog the pores & using non-comedogenic products, and general good skincare practices will help maintain a healthy and beautiful skin.
