What are sebaceous filaments and how can you get rid of them?

Sebaceous filaments, blackheads, comedones... It is possible to tell them apart and treat them. We explain how in this article.

What are sebaceous filaments?

Sebaceous filaments are fine, elongated structures found inside our skin's pores. We especially find them in areas with a higher number of sebaceous glands, that is, the T-zone (chin, nose and forehead). Although they are often confused with blackheads, they are important for maintaining our skin in good condition.

Why do they appear?

Sebaceous filaments consist of an accumulation of sebum in the pore, which appears in order to hydrate and protect the skin, but does not completely block it. They look like small whitish, grey or pale yellow dots and, as mentioned, sebaceous filaments on the nose, chin and forehead are the most visible.

Sebaceous filaments vs blackheads: what is the difference?

Sebaceous filaments and blackheads are often confused because they are similar, but they differ in composition, appearance, causes and the way they should be treated. They do not necessarily need treatment, but their appearance can be improved.

• Sebaceous filaments are made up of sebum and dead skin cells, and they do not block the pore. Although they can sometimes bother us because we can see them building up, especially on oily and combination skin.
• Blackheads are a form of acne in which dead skin cells, sebum, sweat and other substances have built up inside the pore, blocking it and causing acne. When this comes into contact with oxygen in the air, it oxidises, creating a black appearance. It should be treated and prevented in the same way as the type of acne involved.

How can you get rid of sebaceous filaments?

It is possible to reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments by using different cosmetic actives:

• Acids: Actives such as AHAs, BHAs and PHAs help improve the appearance of sebaceous filaments because they are able to penetrate the pore.
• Retinoids: They stimulate cell renewal, helping to unclog the pore.
• Cleansers and astringent toners: They work by combating excess sebum on the skin.

• Clay masks: They absorb excess oil from the skin and help regulate its production.
• Oil-free products: As the name suggests, these are oil-free products, so they will not add more oil to the skin.
• Products with non-comedogenic actives: These actives do not encourage pore blockage.

The best unclogging creams for removing sebaceous filaments

Removing and preventing sebaceous filaments and improving the appearance of the skin is possible if you choose the right actives for your daily routine and know how to combine them. To do this, it is essential to follow a good daily cleansing and moisturising routine, keeping your face clean and healthy. To achieve this, we suggest 2 essential products to add to your skincare routine:

Avène Anti-Blemish Concentrate

This product contains comedoclastin (an Avène patent) as its star active, made from milk thistle extract.

The concentrado antiimperfecciones Avène Comedomedregulates the sebum in our skin, preventing it from building up inside the pore and reducing the appearance of sebaceous filaments on the chin, nose or forehead. As a result, it reduces the appearance of possible blackheads, while also treating and preventing acne.

It can be applied morning and/or evening after cleansing.

Ducray Unclogging Cream

The crema Keracnyl Glycolic+ reduces excess sebum and unclogs pores, improving the appearance of sebaceous filaments and blackheads. It smooths and refines the skin, improving its texture. It does this thanks to its active ingredients: celastrol and glycolic acid.

It can be applied morning and/or evening after cleansing.

Now that you know what they are and how to get rid of sebaceous filaments, we would like to remind you that you can contact our team of expert pharmacists if you have any remaining questions.