This week, new question in the Ask Seasonly: "I have white filaments on my nose, how do I get them out?" Together we decipher the difference between sebaceous filaments and blackheads and we give you our advice to reduce their appearance. If you would like to ask us a question for next week, click HERE .
Often confused, sebaceous filaments and blackheads differ significantly. Blackheads can be treated as an occasional problem, while sebaceous filaments are a natural feature of the skin and can be minimized but not eliminated. In terms of color, blackheads are dark, brown, or even black, while sebaceous filaments have a light, gray, or even yellowish tint. During extraction, the sebaceous filaments release a column of sebum, while blackheads have a lumpy plug appearance.
What is a sebaceous filament?
Sebaceous filaments are naturally present in each pore of the skin, similar to small channels, they serve to transport sebum to the surface of the skin to nourish the skin barrier and the hydrolipidic film. Sebaceous filaments are therefore common to all people, however, they are more visible and in people with combination or oily skin because their pores are generally larger. Unlike blackheads which are made up of dead cells and bacteria mixed with sebum which oxidize on the surface of the skin, sebaceous filaments look like microscopic whiteheads.
How to reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments?
Although it is unnecessary to extract them, it is however possible to use a gentle exfoliant with fruit acids (AHAs) every week which will rid the skin of impurities. We also recommend using a daily lotion enriched with zinc and niacinamide on combination to oily skin, the aim of which will be to purify the skin and tighten the pores of the skin and thus reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments.
However, we must not forget that it is completely natural to have sebaceous filaments since they are essential for the proper functioning of the skin. Be careful not to strip the skin too much in order to make them disappear since you risk creating an imbalance which will push your skin to produce even more sebum.
Advice from our facialists
Remember to remove your makeup in the evening by double cleansing, this will prevent pores from becoming clogged and sebum from oxidizing. To refine skin texture and reduce pore size, we recommend using a gentle peeling mask every week adapted to your skin type and sensitivity.
