How to Get Rid of Sebaceous Filaments—and How They Differ From Blackheads

That stubborn blackhead may actually be a sebaceous filament.

Here, board-certified dermatologists share more, including tips for treating and preventing them.

What Are Sebaceous Filaments?

Sebaceous filaments are a normal part of the skin structure, explains dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, MD.

“They are tube-like structures that line our pores,” Ciraldo says.

“Think of them as the pathway through which we empty our pores.”

They are most common on the T-zone of the face, especially on the nose.

Alicia Zalka, MD, compares sebaceous filaments to straws.

“The tube-like filament provides the moisturizing oil to the skin surface.”

Sebaceous filaments, however, appear more yellow or grayish at the surface.

“Sebaceous filaments appear to be hair-likeextrusions of dried sebumemanating from large pores,” Linkner explains.

“Common examples of active ingredients include retinol, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid.”

These tips should be part of your standardskincare routineas they can help prevent acne and maintain healthy skin.

Squeezing may or may not release a white or yellow discharge, making your pores look bigger.

However, it’s best to leave this to a professional, like a dermatologist or esthetician.

Using tweezers at home on sebaceous filaments can cause damage to the skin.

By using them, you’re free to minimize the filaments and possibly extract some sebum.

Whiteheads and sebaceous filaments are not the same.

Whiteheads result from a skin pore that clogs with oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria.

Meanwhile, sebaceous filaments are healthy structures that moisturize the skin.