#How to Reduce the Appearance of Sebaceous Filaments

There’s a very simple difference between the two: Sebaceous filaments are normal structures within the skin, while blackheads are a form of acne.

What does that difference look like? Under normal conditions, the sebum flows up the sebaceous filament to the surface of the skin. When extracted they have a hair-like structure coated in a waxy substance (the sebum). That slight coloration is a combination of the natural color of the sebum and, sometimes, a slight bit of oxidation of the sebum as it approaches the surface of the skin.

If the pore should become obstructed, however, the process of the sebum moving up to the surface is interrupted and the same bit of sebum is exposed to the air for longer. Eventually, it darkens to the familiar color of a blackhead proper. If the blackhead isn’t extracted (either physically or using a cleanser that breaks down the obstruction), then sebum will continue the back up behind the blackhead. In extreme cases, this can lead to a large blackhead in a highly dilated pore know as a “pore of winer.”

Sebaceous filaments are normal, so accepting them as they come can give you peace of mind in the long run.

Although very tempting, you should avoid squeezing them as it could cause the skin around them to break and become exposed to bacteria, ultimately causing an infection. And if you’re thinking of using nose strips, you should know that they can only provide a temporary fix.

If you want to keep the sebaceous filaments healthy but almost unnoticeable, your treatment target should go past surface level. Here are a few ways to go about it.

Use Chemical Exfoliants Regularly

While they can be intimidating at first, they can quickly become your go-to skincare product once you get accustomed to them and start to see the effects. Retinoids can help treat all types of breakouts by accelerating the turnover of dead skin cells inside the pores, essentially exfoliating the skin.

If you’re new to them, you can either turn to a professional for help or start with a low-strength formula that won’t shock your dermis. It’s also worth keeping in mind that retinoids increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so don’t forget to use sunscreen before leaving the house.

Oil plus oil equals clogged pores. If you have naturally oily skin, it’s best to avoid oil-based and non-comedogenic skincare products to prevent them from overloading your pores and causing them to get clogged. This goes for all kinds of products, including make-up and sunscreen.

The sun is not the only thing that can cause dry skin. A harsh, cold environment can do that just as well. Because dry skin can lead the sebaceous glands to work overtime to keep the skin hydrated and protected, you can easily get around it by always using moisturizer. Not only will it keep your sebum levels balanced, but it will also help maintain that youthful glow we all adore.

It’s no secret that long-term sun exposure can cause skin damage. The heat, coupled with UV light, causes your skin to dry, triggering the excessive production of oil and causing your pores to become enlarged. Sunscreen can provide a protective barrier for your skin and minimize the appearance of your pores.