Those tiny dark spots on your nose and cheeks? You may think those are blackheads, but they could be something entirely different — sebaceous filaments. Sebaceous filaments and blackheads are different and call for different actions to be taken. Treating sebaceous filaments as blackheads may lead to scarring and cause a breakout.
What are Sebaceous Filaments?
Sebaceous filaments are natural thread-like formations that line the inside of your pores and channel sebum from the sebaceous glands through the hair follicle to the surface of your skin.
Everyone has sebaceous filaments! They are a natural part of your skin that helps keep it healthy and moisturised. You should not worry too much about them as they serve an important function and are not problematic. However, if your skin is oily, the sebaceous filament becomes more visible as it fills up with sebum. Unlike blackheads, they appear as tiny clear, yellowish or dark grey bumps.
How to Get Rid of Sebaceous Filaments and Sebum?
Sebum is a natural moisturising oil that keeps your skin looking healthy and youthful. Sebum helps the skin with:
– Hydration
– Antibacterial protection
– Antifungal protection
– Sun protection
Sebaceous filaments only become more pronounced – appearing as enlarged pores – when an overproduction of sebum and dead skin cells collect around the opening of the pore. However, because of its importance to skin health, you should not try to get rid of sebaceous filaments. Extracting sebaceous filaments is of no use either as they are part of your natural skin structure and will come back. Attempts to extract them using tools such as tweezers may even be damaging to the skin! What you need to tackle is the overproduction of sebum which causes oily skin that can lead to clogged pores and eventually blackheads. There are ways you can make them appear smaller if you feel conscious about them or worried about blocked pores forming.
How to Reduce Sebum?
To reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments, you need to tackle the root of the problem and know how to get rid of excess sebum. There are skin supplements that help internally control oil production in your skin. The Hakubi Collagen Drink as well as the Japanese Hakubi B Tablets contain Vitamins B2 and B6, which help to inhibit excessive sebum production in your skin. Controlling the levels of sebum secretion will prevent visible sebaceous filaments from forming while maintaining healthy moisture in your skin.
What are Blackheads?
Blackheads are clogged pores or hair follicles and are categorised as a non-inflammatory form of acne. Blackheads usually appear on oily areas of your face such as the nose. They occur when excess sebum and dead skin cells congest around the opening of the follicle’s opening and form a little bump called a comedo. When the comedo is exposed to air, it’ll turn dark grey or black.
How to Get Rid of Blackheads?
Blackhead solutions typically contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which cleans out the pores and kills bacteria. Combined with a good exfoliator that removes dead skin cells, you can slowly unclog the pores at home.
When looking to remove blackheads, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist as incorrect technique can lead to infection and aggravation of the acne, and even scarring. A professional will also advise the most suitable treatment regimen that will eliminate the chances of scarring.
How to Prevent Blackheads?
As we have always advised, prevention is always better than curing skin problems.
A proper skincare routine is essential in preventing skin problems like blackheads. As mentioned, skincare containing salicylic acid should be incorporated into your routine to prevent dirt and oil from clogging your pores. Ensuring that you also constantly use a moisturiser for your face is also crucial for skin health and preventing blackheads.
The Hakubi Collagen Drink is an excellent addition to your daily routine to maintain adequate hydration levels in your skin. Dry skin will trigger more sebum production in the skin in an attempt to moisturise it. Taking the drink to keep your skin moisturised from within can amplify the effect of your skincare routine to regulate sebum levels and prevent inflammation on your skin.
Manage Blackheads and Sebaceous Filaments with Sato Pharmaceutical
Knowing the difference between blackheads and sebaceous filaments is key to tackling them and preventing further aggravation of your skin. Sato Pharmaceutical carries the best Japanese vitamins to keep your skin moist and regulate your sebum production. A healthy level of sebum production is essential in keeping the skin moist and preventing clogging of your pores.
