Sebaceous filaments vs blackheads what’s the difference

If you’re curious about your skin and have come across the term “sebaceous filaments,” you might be wondering what they are exactly, and how they’re different from blackheads. These two features are often confused, and we can understand why. In some ways, they do look quite similar, but they’re actually quite distinct. Once you’re clued up on the difference between the two, it can help you make better decisions when it comes to your skincare routine and getting gorgeous glowing skin. So here’s everything you need to know about sebaceous filaments and blackheads and what to do if you think you have them.

What are sebaceous filaments?

Sebaceous filaments are a normal and healthy feature of your skin. They are tiny, thread-like dots inside your pores. The job of the sebaceous filament is to help transport sebum, which is the oil produced by your sebaceous glands, to the surface of your skin to keep your skin moisturised. While sebaceous filaments are mostly invisible or barely noticeable, they can become more visible if the pore fills up with excess sebum, which can be a common issue if you have oily skin or larger pores.

Still, it’s important to remember that, unlike a blackhead, sebaceous filaments are part of your skin’s natural function and shouldn’t be squeezed. Squeezing can lead to damaging or breaking the skin, and while you might squeeze something out of the pore, it will fill up again with sebum and can make your pores appear larger, which is the opposite of what anyone wants!

What are blackheads?

Most people are familiar with blackheads because, chances are, we’ve all had them at some point – and that’s perfectly normal! Blackheads form when sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria get trapped inside a pore. If the pore stays open, the material is exposed to air, causing it to oxidize and turn dark (or black, hence the name). Unlike sebaceous filaments, blackheads are easily dealt with with a little extra attention as part of your skincare routine. However, if you don’t address them, they can lead to more blockages, the further widening of your pores, or even other types of acne.

How to treat blackheads

When it comes to dealing with blackheads, there are a few great options to help keep your skin looking clear and fresh. Salicylic acid is great for tackling blackheads – it’s a beta-hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate inside the pores, and it’s especially good if you’ve got oily skin. For dry skin, a gentler salicylic cleanser is a better bet to avoid any extra dryness.

Face masks like clay or charcoal can help soak up excess oil and pull impurities out of your pores – just be mindful with dry skin, as they can sometimes be a little too effective, so use them sparingly! Retinoids are another good option, speeding up skin turnover and helping prevent clogged pores – they work well for both oily and dry skin, but if you’re on the drier side, you’ll definitely want to pair them with a good moisturiser.

When it comes to preventing blackheads in the first place, a solid skincare routine is going to work wonders. Make sure you’re cleansing your skin morning and night with a gentle cleanser, exfoliating once a week to get rid of dead skin cells, and keeping your skin properly moisturised (yes, even if you’re oily!).

At AP Skincare, we understand how overwhelming it can be to find the right skincare routine, which is why we’re here to help. Along with our treatments like anti-wrinkle injections and lip fillers, we also carry high-end luxury skincare ranges such as ZO Skin Health, created by Dr Zein Obagi to tackle oily skin, acne, and pigmentation, and Heliocare 360°, which offers exceptional protection against premature ageing and environmental damage.

With our expert advice and tailored approach, we’ll help you find the best solutions for your skin! If you have any questions or want to learn more, give us a call today on 01254 297 000 or book an appointment to visit us in Blackburn. We’re always happy to help!