Pore Talk: Sebaceous Filaments vs Blackheads
Is it a blackhead? Think again!
Sebaceous filaments are often misunderstood as blackheads, because both have a pin-like appearance that cause the pores to become more visible on the skin. Unlike blackheads, which are clogged pores filled with oxidized sebum and dead skin cells, sebaceous filaments are naturally occurring tube-like structures within the pore that help distribute oil across the skin.
If the pore appears quite dark and large with a raised appearance, it’s a blackhead. If it has a clear, yellow or gray tone and appears in a group on the T-Zone, it’s most likely a sebaceous filament.
Why do sebaceous filaments become visible?
While blackheads are blockages that can develop into acne, sebaceous filaments play an important role in preserving the balance in our skin’s ecosystem. These filaments help maintain our skin’s oil balance, keeping skin moisturized, hydrated and protected from environmental aggressors.
Everybody has these filaments. What causes them to become more visible on the skin is an overproduction of oil, which causes a buildup that stretches the pore.
How can you treat sebaceous filaments?
First of all — sebaceous filaments are a totally normal and healthy part of the skin structure. Almost everybody has them, and their visibility is connected to genetics more than anything else! There’s no way to permanently get rid of them because your skin needs them, and they are designed to refill after extractions.
However there are some skincare tricks you can use to reduce their size and appearance by treating the skin’s over-production of oil. For gentle care, we recommend a nightly double cleanse starting with our Pamplemousse Cleansing Oil. Enriched with gentle fruit acids, it helps dissolve impurities and maintain skin’s natural pH.
Follow up with Kokoleka Purifying Mask, which gently pulls oils and impurities from pores without disrupting the skin's barrier. These steps ensure a deep cleanse while nurturing your skin’s natural balance in oil production.
How can you treat blackheads?
Blackheads are oh-so-tempting to pick, but we recommend leaving all of your extractions to the professionals. For routine maintenance, try Honey Love is our MVP exfoliator that helps cleanse the pores, clear blockages and remove dead skin cell build up. It’s fantastic as a weekly treatment, and gentle enough to be used as step two of a double cleanse ritual several days a week.
Remember the Power of Patience
Patience is essential in skincare. Consistent use of gentle products tailored to your skin’s needs can lead to lasting results. Embrace the journey and trust in the process to achieve a clearer, more radiant complexion over time.