Your blackheads might not be blackheads at all. Sometimes those pores that look like teeny, tiny dark spots are actually sebaceous filaments. Read on and learn how to tackle those sebaceous filaments.
What are sebaceous filaments?
Sebaceous filaments are often confused with blackheads. Sebaceous filaments represent a condensation of oils and skin scales within the oil gland duct, but the condensation is not fully congealed and does not usually result in complete obstruction of the duct. Blackheads occur when skin scale and skin oils solidify to form plugs in the ducts leading from oil glands deep in the skin to the skin surface.
Should I squeeze sebaceous filaments?
NO! Squeezing could lead to enlarged pores and scarring. Plus, even if you do, they will fill up again within thirty days. Avoid picking or squeezing sebaceous filaments that can cause skin irritation and permanent scarring. If you’re nervous about that, you are better to seek the help of a professional.
How to deal with sebaceous filaments?
With proper daily cleansing and skincare, sebaceous filaments can be softened, dissolved, lifted and out of the oil gland ducts. Also, skincare products containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid can effectively break down the natural sebum, which fills up the pores to form sebaceous filaments.