One of the more common requests from clients is to get their “blackheads out.” They really are talking about sebaceous filaments. While the two look a bit alike, the truth is they couldn’t be more different.Â
While blackheads are non-inflamed acne lesions mostly formed by dead skin cells and clogged oil, sebaceous filaments are your body’s built-in lubrication system that keeps your skin soft, moisturized and young-looking. Not everyone gets blackheads, but everyone has sebaceous filaments.
Â
What are Sebaceous Filaments?
We are all mammals, which means our skin is covered in hair follicles. In those follicles, it’s not just hair, but also a sebaceous gland that produces oil (otherwise known as sebum). This is nature’s way of making sure your skin stays moisturized – kind of like your own built-in spa treatment.
If you want to take a deep dive into filaments, you’ll find they’re made of triglycerides – wax esters and squalene that live in the lining of your pores. They’re the conduits that channel the flow of sebum along your skin’s lining to moisturize it. You might also notice more filaments in your T-zone because that’s a naturally oily part of your face.
For people that aren’t acne-prone, it might be hard to spot filaments; at the most, they may appear as light gray or tan tiny dots. But for those of us that do grapple with pimples and have larger pores or oily skin, a sebaceous filament can appear to be the blackhead doppelganger, although not quite as dark.
Â
What are Blackheads?
Blackheads happen when sebum production is in overdrive. If you have acne, you produce up to five layers of dead skin cells a day and loads of excess oil. The dead skin cells and sebum combined with bad products, bacteria, and other impurities clog pores. The black color is the result of oxidization, which happens when that sticky mixture is exposed to air. Unlike sebaceous filaments, which aren’t raised or bumpy, you can feel your blackheads because they’re normally raised and rough.
Â
How to Deal with Sebaceous Filaments
Before you try to get rid of your sebaceous filaments, just know it’s a futile mission. They’re there for good reason – to moisturize your skin – and they’re totally normal.
Following a good skincare routine, including exfoliating products and treatments might help make them less noticeable, but they’ll still be there. So don’t pick or otherwise try to “extract” or fight them; this can just lead to dilated or broken capillaries, causing more problems without providing any kind of solution. Just keep to a daily cleansing regime to be sure your pores are clean and clear.
How To Deal With Blackheads?
Blackheads, on the other hand, can be extracted and treated effectively by a professional. As tempting as it is, don’t try to squeeze or pop them. This can backfire resulting in damaging or scarring your skin, making the problem worse by spreading bacteria and dirt. Keep to your cleansing regime to minimize blackheads and the conditions that make your skin ripe for acne.
Here are a few products we recommend to keep your skin blackhead free and also keep your sebaceous filaments clear:
CytoClear+ –This powerful mandelic acid serum addresses both ends of the problem skin spectrum: acne and signs of aging, including age spots and wrinkles. Specially formulated, mandelic acid is the first line of defense, helping fight acne, discoloration and scarring, reducing inflammation and brightening your overall complexion. It’s joined by niacinamide, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Together they leave your skin with an acne-free, healthy glow.
Daily A-Daily A is an easily layered, smart aging retinol serum that fits seamlessly into any regimen. The lightweight, oil-free formulation addresses signs of aging, such as fine lines, large pores, and uneven skin tone for a healthier, more youthful-looking complexion.
If you have more questions about blackheads vs. filaments, contact us. We’re always happy to help you understand what makes your skin tick.
Carly @Â Austin Skin Plus
