Dermalogica Skin We Treat It All-Sebaceous Filaments - (2024)

There’s a lot ofchat these days about sebaceous filaments, how they’re often confused withblackheads and multiple tips and tricks to treat them. Dermalogica’s IrelandEducation Manager Louise O’Brien talks us through what to look for and how totreat your pores for healthy skin.

What aresebaceous filaments?

Sebaceousfilaments are a natural component of your skin and most obvious on thenaturally oiler T zone. Sebaceous filaments line the inside of your pores andhelp move sebum (oil) from your sebaceous (oil producing) glands to the surfaceof your skin. They can be more noticeable on oily skin and during puberty.Pores look ‘open’ and sometimes you can see tiny creamy/yellow filamentsprotruding from the pores. It’s important to note that this is a normal functionof the skin. Pores aren’t blocked or clogged in the same way as when you have ablackhead. Sebaceous filaments do vary in colour and may appear as a grey,light brown or yellow ‘spot’.Sebaceous filaments compared to blackheads

sebaceous filaments vs blackheads

Blackheads,whilst often confused with sebaceous filaments are typically larger and moreraised. The pores are congested with oil, skin cells, dirt and bacteria forminga plug in the pore which is black on the surface. This plug prevents oil frominside the pore moving up onto the surface. A blackhead is classified as a mildform of acne and if left untreated may develop into an inflammatory papule orpustule.

Tips forclearer pores

Whetheryou’re concerned with sebaceous filaments, blackheads or enlarged pores, thereare some everyday skin care tips you can follow to keep pores clear andminimise their appearance to keep skin looking healthy.

Oil cleansers – Dermalogica are big advocates of double cleansing skin daily,starting with a cleansing oil. Oil attracts oil so work in a plant-basedcleansing oil to your congested areas and if you’re concerned with the look ofsebaceous filaments, it can be helpful to massage the oil into the pores for afew minutes to helps break down sebum. Always follow with a second cleanse andtry a face wash with a little hydroxy acid to refine to refine the poresfurther. Louise’s top pick for this is Dermalogica’s PreCleanse CleansingOil (€54), melts make-up and impurities from skin.

Acid basedwashes and exfoliants – Regular exfoliation is keyto clearer skin and Salicylic Acid is the ingredient of choice when it comes tounclogging pores due to its affinity with oil and its ability to exfoliateinside the pores. Either use a daily wash with a little hydroxy acid or a skinpeel a few times a week to refine skin’s texture and pore appearance. TryLiquidPeelfoliant (€74),a potent blend of acids and enzymes smooths theappearance of fine lines while helping to visibly minimise pores and even skintone. Professional-grade at-home peel with a blend of 30% acids and enzymes.

Dermalogica Skin We Treat It All-Sebaceous Filaments - (2)

Claybased masques – Using masques with natural clayssuch as Kaolin can help draw out excess oil. Sulphur is another ingredientfound in masques that can help reduce sebum production and draw out impurities.Dermalogica’s Sebum Clearing Masque (€62),helps clear breakouts andminimise premature signs of skin ageing.

Pore refiningformulas – Look for specialist formulas designed toreduce pore appearance with Niacinamide. Along with reducing pore size,Niacinamide offers multiple skin benefits such as brightening and improvedbarrier function. Louise recommendsPorescreen SPF40 (€65) this multitaskingsunscreen delivers SPF 40 protection, while supporting healthy-looking pores,minimising their appearance with a blurring, primer-like effect, and enhancingskin tone with a hint of tint for radiant skin.

Dermalogica Skin We Treat It All-Sebaceous Filaments - (3)

things toavoid

Don’t try andsqueeze or extract sebaceous filaments. Rather follow the tips above to keepthe pores as clear and refined as possible.

Pore strips areoften shown to remove blackheads and sebaceous filaments; however, these areusually quite aggressive and can irritate the skin. Again, pores will re-fill,so results are only temporary.

Don’t strip theskin. Oily and congested skin does need deep cleaning and pore clearinghowever, be careful not to strip skin of its essential moisture as dehydrationwill cause more oil production creating a vicious cycle.

There’s a lot ofchat these days about sebaceous filaments, how they’re often confused withblackheads and multiple tips and tricks to treat them. Dermalogica’s IrelandEducation Manager Louise O’Brien talks us through what to look for and how totreat your pores for healthy skin.

What aresebaceous filaments?

Sebaceousfilaments are a natural component of your skin and most obvious on thenaturally oiler T zone. Sebaceous filaments line the inside of your pores andhelp move sebum (oil) from your sebaceous (oil producing) glands to the surfaceof your skin. They can be more noticeable on oily skin and during puberty.Pores look ‘open’ and sometimes you can see tiny creamy/yellow filamentsprotruding from the pores. It’s important to note that this is a normal functionof the skin. Pores aren’t blocked or clogged in the same way as when you have ablackhead. Sebaceous filaments do vary in colour and may appear as a grey,light brown or yellow ‘spot’.

Sebaceous filaments compared to blackheads

sebaceous filaments vs blackheads

Blackheads,whilst often confused with sebaceous filaments are typically larger and moreraised. The pores are congested with oil, skin cells, dirt and bacteria forminga plug in the pore which is black on the surface. This plug prevents oil frominside the pore moving up onto the surface. A blackhead is classified as a mildform of acne and if left untreated may develop into an inflammatory papule orpustule.

Tips forclearer pores

Whetheryou’re concerned with sebaceous filaments, blackheads or enlarged pores, thereare some everyday skin care tips you can follow to keep pores clear andminimise their appearance to keep skin looking healthy.

Oil cleansers – Dermalogica are big advocates of double cleansing skin daily,starting with a cleansing oil. Oil attracts oil so work in a plant-basedcleansing oil to your congested areas and if you’re concerned with the look ofsebaceous filaments, it can be helpful to massage the oil into the pores for afew minutes to helps break down sebum. Always follow with a second cleanse andtry a face wash with a little hydroxy acid to refine to refine the poresfurther. Louise’s top pick for this is Dermalogica’s PreCleanse CleansingOil (€54), melts make-up and impurities from skin.

Acid basedwashes and exfoliants – Regular exfoliation is keyto clearer skin and Salicylic Acid is the ingredient of choice when it comes tounclogging pores due to its affinity with oil and its ability to exfoliateinside the pores. Either use a daily wash with a little hydroxy acid or a skinpeel a few times a week to refine skin’s texture and pore appearance. TryLiquidPeelfoliant (€74),a potent blend of acids and enzymes smooths theappearance of fine lines while helping to visibly minimise pores and even skintone. Professional-grade at-home peel with a blend of 30% acids and enzymes.

Claybased masques – Using masques with natural clayssuch as Kaolin can help draw out excess oil. Sulphur is another ingredientfound in masques that can help reduce sebum production and draw out impurities.Dermalogica’s Sebum Clearing Masque (€62),helps clear breakouts andminimise premature signs of skin ageing.

Pore refiningformulas – Look for specialist formulas designed toreduce pore appearance with Niacinamide. Along with reducing pore size,Niacinamide offers multiple skin benefits such as brightening and improvedbarrier function. Louise recommendsPorescreen SPF40 (€65) this multitaskingsunscreen delivers SPF 40 protection, while supporting healthy-looking pores,minimising their appearance with a blurring, primer-like effect, and enhancingskin tone with a hint of tint for radiant skin.

things toavoid

Don’t try andsqueeze or extract sebaceous filaments. Rather follow the tips above to keepthe pores as clear and refined as possible.

Pore strips areoften shown to remove blackheads and sebaceous filaments; however, these areusually quite aggressive and can irritate the skin. Again, pores will re-fill,so results are only temporary.

Don’t strip theskin. Oily and congested skin does need deep cleaning and pore clearinghowever, be careful not to strip skin of its essential moisture as dehydrationwill cause more oil production creating a vicious cycle.

Dermalogica is available fromDermalogica.ie and local authorized stockists nationwide, and Brown Thomas andArnotts.

Dermalogica is available from Dermalogica.ie and local authorized stockists nationwide, and Brown Thomas and Arnotts.

Dermalogica Skin We Treat It All-Sebaceous Filaments - (2024)

FAQs

What is the best product to remove sebaceous filaments? ›

Regular use of a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliant for sebaceous filaments can really help, because BHA is oil-soluble and can dissolve sebum and other substances crowding the pore lining. Use of a well-formulated clay face mask for sebaceous filaments might also help due to the clay's oil-absorbing properties.

How do you get rid of sebaceous filaments completely? ›

You can't get rid of sebaceous filaments, but you can make them smaller by following a skin care routine that includes: Exfoliation: Exfoliating facial scrubs scratch away dead cells on the surface of your skin.

Why shouldn't you remove sebaceous filaments? ›

Sebaceous filaments are natural, healthy features that help move sebum to the skin's surface for moisturizing. Blackheads form when too much sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog a pore. Because sebaceous filaments are a normal part of your skin's moisturizing process, they should be left alone.

What cream removes sebaceous filaments? ›

Salicylic acid (or butylated hydroxyanisole) Benzoyl peroxide. Mandelic acid.

What is the white stuff coming out of sebaceous filaments? ›

The white stuff that comes out of your pores like thin strings when you squeeze your nose is called a sebaceous filament. It's mostly made up of sebum (oil that your skin produces) and dead skin cells. This substance typically collects in pores around your nose and chin.

What is the best face mask to get rid of sebaceous filaments? ›

Clay Masks: Clay masks can draw out excess oil and dead cells, helping to clean and minimize the appearance of sebaceous filaments, leaving your skin looking refreshed and revitalized.

What ingredient gets rid of sebaceous filaments? ›

Salicylic acid, also known as beta hydroxy acid, is an ingredient in many facial cleansers and acne creams. These products may contain 0.5% to 2.0% percent salicylic acid. This type of acid may help reduce the amount of oil on the skin and the size of sebaceous filaments.

How to get rid of sebaceous filaments with oil cleanser? ›

Skin Gritting involves vigorously massaging an oil cleanser for 15 to 20 minutes to coax out blackheads and sebaceous filaments. This trend uses the idea of “like removes like” – using oil cleansers to “absorb” the blackheads and sebaceous filaments out of pores.

What to apply after removing sebaceous filaments? ›

After you're done with your extractions, you are going to want to replenish the skin, especially since you might look a little red and irritated from all the squeezing. Rouleau recommends a gel-based calming mask, as this will calm any “redness that was created from a little trauma messing with the skin.”

What is the best moisturizer for sebaceous filaments? ›

Although it may seem counterintuitive to add moisture to your skin when it's already oily, keeping your skin hydrated and your moisture barrier intact can actually stop the overproduction of sebum. Try a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer, like La Roche-Posay's Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturizer.

Do pore strips get rid of sebaceous filaments? ›

Although they won't get rid of sebaceous filaments — because nothing will — they can still help. “Pore strips are helpful in temporarily removing excess sebum and making the appearance of sebaceous filaments less prominent,” Dr. Marcus says. So, strip away!

Can I use olive oil to get rid of sebaceous filaments? ›

Cassandra used olive oil and rubbed it on her face for 30 minutes. It took about 3 minutes to get her first sebaceous filament out, and by 5 minutes, Cassandra actually had a few chunks come out. Around 17 minutes, her sebaceous filaments truly started to lift.

What is the best face wash for sebaceous filaments? ›

The best thing to use is a salicylic cleanser. Salicylic acid is oil soluble, meaning it dissolves oil. You can also use techniques like oil pulling or gritting as well.

Does baking soda remove sebaceous filaments? ›

Oatmeal and Baking Soda Mask

Gently massage in circular motions before rinsing off with warm water. This mask acts as an exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and unclog sebaceous filaments, leaving your skin refreshed and smoother.

Does CeraVe get rid of sebaceous filaments? ›

To keep your sebaceous filaments in check, we recommend you wash your face with a gentle, salicylic-acid-packed formula like the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser ($12) daily to help dissolve any oil buildup, and then apply an OTC retinoid treatment to keep sebaceous filaments from coming back.

How to oil pull sebaceous filaments? ›

Oil pulling is when people use skincare oils or even cooking oils to get gunk or “sebaceous filaments” out of their pores. Oil pulling requires you to rub oil into your face for 5 to 30 minutes.

Does retinol get rid of sebaceous filaments? ›

Retinoids: retinol and prescription products like adapelene, Tretinoin and Tazarotene increase cell turnover and can help regulate oil production. This can help to minimise the appearance of sebaceous filaments. Niacinamide: put simply, niacinamide can help regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of pores.

How do you break down sebum plugs? ›

6 tips for treating sebum plugs
  1. Cleanse: Use a mild cleanser twice a day, in the morning and evening. ...
  2. Exfoliate: Use chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid rather than physical exfoliants, to gently dissolve dead skin cells. ...
  3. Apply topical creams: Apply topical treatments designed to address acne.

References

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