If you’ve ever been bothered by those tiny dark specks around your nose and thought they were blackheads, think again. And if you’ve wondered why your products aren’t doing the trick, there’s a chance they might not be blackheads at all – they could be sebaceous filaments.
Dr Shereen Eidriss, a certified dermatologist, recently shared a TikTok video that clears things up. Mixing up blackheads and sebaceous filaments can lead to ineffective treatment, so let’s get the lowdown on both and find out how to deal with the latter.
What Exactly Are Sebaceous Filaments?
Sebaceous filaments are not the same as blackheads, and the good news is, they’re completely normal – everyone has them. These filaments are like tiny threads that run alongside your oil glands, helping sebum (that oily stuff) move from the glands to your skin’s surface.
Photo credit: Cleveland Clinic.
When your oil glands overproduce sebum, these filaments become more noticeable.
How to Tell Them Apart from Blackheads?
According to Dr Shereen, the key difference is the size – sebaceous filaments are all pretty much the same size across your nose, while blackheads come in various shapes and sizes.
Sebaceous filaments (left) vs. blackheads (right).
How Do You Get Rid of Sebaceous Filaments?
Getting rid of sebaceous filaments is a bit of a challenge, but Dr Shereen has a handy tip to keep your nose smooth. She advises against using oil cleansers for massaging out sebaceous filaments, especially if you have very oily or easily clogged skin.
Instead, go for a sulfur-based cleanser like the Kate Somerville EradiKate™ Daily Cleanser. Apply it on your nose, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it off.
This potent daily cleanser with 3% sulfur is designed to reduce blackheads and breakouts. To calm and soothe stressed complexions, an advanced, patented botanical complex is also added into the mix, including redness-reducing honey extracts, sebum-balancing oat extract and rice bran extract, which hydrates and offers the antioxidant protection of vitamin E!
It’s suitable for various skin types and can help with blemishes, pores, and oiliness.
According to Dr Shereen, sulfur is effective for sebaceous filaments because it helps control sebum production. So, if you’ve got oily skin and those pesky clogged pores, this could be your secret weapon.
Where to Find Sulfur Treatments?
Kate Somerville EradiKate™ Daily Cleanser
The Kate Somerville EradiKate™ Daily Cleanser retails for S$66.66 at Amazon Singapore, and S$68.40 at Cult Beauty.
De La Cruz Acne Treatment Ointment (with 10% Sulfur)
The De La Cruz Acne Treatment Ointment with 10% Sulfur is a potent, oil-free, and water-washable solution for acne. It effectively clears pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and blemishes while promoting faster healing and restoring clear, healthy skin.
The De La Cruz Acne Treatment Ointment (with 10% Sulfur) retails for S$3 (0.21 oz) or S$9.93 (2.6 oz) at iHerb online.
Grisi Bio Sulfur Soap
Grisi Sulfur Soap with Lanolin is an effective acne treatment. This soap has antiseptic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties that help remove excess oils and dirt from the skin.
The Grisi Bio Sulfur Soap retails for S$31.08 (4.4 oz, Pack of 2) at Amazon Singapore.
Featured image credit: @shereeneidriss/TikTok.
