Sebaceous Filaments vs Blackheads: What's the Difference?

Have you ever noticed tiny dark dots across your nose, chin or forehead and assumed they were blackheads?

Although they can look very similar, not every visible dot within a pore is a blackhead. In fact, many of the small, evenly spaced dots commonly found on the nose are sebaceous filaments, a completely normal part of the skin.

Understanding the difference between sebaceous filaments and blackheads is important because they don't necessarily require the same approach to skincare.

While blackheads are a type of acne caused by blocked pores, sebaceous filaments help transport sebum through the hair follicle and onto the skin's surface.

In this guide, we'll explain what sebaceous filaments are, how they differ from blackheads, why they're particularly noticeable on oily skin and how to care for your pores without over-cleansing or over-exfoliating.

What Are Sebaceous Filaments?

Sebaceous filaments are normal structures within the skin's hair follicles that help guide sebum towards the skin's surface.

Sebum is the oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. It helps lubricate the skin and contributes to its natural protective surface environment.

Sebaceous filaments are associated with the normal movement of sebum through the follicle, rather than representing a blockage that needs to be removed.

They can become more noticeable when the follicles contain greater amounts of sebum, particularly in areas where sebaceous glands are more active.

Common areas where sebaceous filaments are visible include:

• The nose, particularly around the sides
• The chin
• The forehead
• The central areas of the cheeks

They often appear as small, flat, greyish, yellowish or skin-coloured dots that are relatively evenly distributed across the skin.

Importantly, sebaceous filaments aren't a skin condition or a sign of poor hygiene. They're a normal feature of the skin and don't need to be removed.

What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are a type of non-inflammatory acne lesion.

They develop when a hair follicle becomes blocked with a mixture of sebum and dead skin cells.

Because the opening of the follicle remains exposed to the air, material within the blockage undergoes chemical changes, including oxidation, which contributes to the characteristic dark appearance.

Contrary to a common misconception, the dark colour of a blackhead isn't caused by trapped dirt.

Blackheads can occur on the face and other areas with active sebaceous glands, including the chest and back.

Unlike sebaceous filaments, blackheads represent a form of follicular blockage associated with acne.

Sebaceous Filaments vs Blackheads: How to Tell the Difference

Although they can look similar, there are some characteristics that may help you distinguish between sebaceous filaments and blackheads.

These differences can be useful, but appearance alone isn't always enough to identify a particular skin concern.

If you're unsure whether you're experiencing blackheads, sebaceous filaments or another skin concern, a dermatologist can help.

Why Are Sebaceous Filaments More Noticeable on Oily Skin?

Sebaceous filaments can be particularly visible in people with oily skin because the sebaceous glands naturally produce more sebum.

When there is more oil within the follicle, the filament may become more noticeable at the skin's surface.

Genetics, hormones and age can all influence sebum production, while pore size and skin texture can also affect how visible these structures appear.

This doesn't mean that your skin is dirty or that you need to cleanse more frequently.

Oily skin is a natural skin type, and sebum plays an important role in maintaining skin comfort and lubrication.

To learn more about why some people produce more oil than others, read our guide to what causes oily skin.

Can You Get Rid of Sebaceous Filaments Permanently?

No, sebaceous filaments are a normal part of the skin, so they can't and don't need to be permanently removed.

Even if the contents of a follicle are extracted, sebum will naturally accumulate again over time.

This is why attempts to repeatedly squeeze or extract sebaceous filaments are unlikely to provide a lasting result.

Although their appearance may fluctuate depending on oil production and skincare habits, completely eliminating them isn't a realistic or necessary skincare goal.

Instead, focus on keeping the skin comfortable, cleansing appropriately and maintaining the skin barrier.

How to Make Sebaceous Filaments Less Noticeable

If you're concerned about the appearance of sebaceous filaments, certain skincare habits may help keep excess surface oil and dead skin cells under control.

However, it's important to distinguish between supporting the appearance of your skin and permanently removing sebaceous filaments.

1. Cleanse Gently

Gentle cleansing helps remove excess surface sebum, sweat, makeup and daily impurities.

Choose a cleanser that leaves the skin feeling clean and comfortable rather than tight or stripped.

Our Hydrating Foam Face Wash is designed to gently cleanse the skin and remove dirt, impurities and excess surface oil.

For most people, cleansing in the morning and evening is sufficient.

Washing your face repeatedly throughout the day isn't necessary and may contribute to irritation.

2. Consider Appropriate Exfoliation

Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and improve the appearance of uneven texture.

Chemical exfoliants are commonly used in skincare routines for oily and blemish-prone skin.

Different exfoliating acids work in different ways:

• AHAs: Help exfoliate the skin's surface and improve the appearance of uneven texture.
• BHAs: Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and commonly used in products formulated for blackheads and acne-prone skin.
• PHAs: Provide surface exfoliation and are often included in formulations designed for a gentler approach.

Our AHA & PHA Exfoliating Tonic helps exfoliate dead skin cells from the skin's surface and improve the appearance of skin texture and tone.

It's important to note that an AHA and PHA exfoliating tonic doesn't work in exactly the same way as a salicylic acid treatment for blackheads.

If you're new to exfoliating acids, introduce them gradually and follow the product instructions.

3. Keep Your Skin Moisturised

Even if you have oily skin, moisturising is still an important part of your skincare routine.

Oil production and hydration are different processes, meaning oily skin can still become dehydrated.

Our Ceramides Face Cream is designed to replenish moisture and support the skin barrier.

Maintaining skin hydration can help keep the complexion feeling comfortable, particularly if you're using exfoliating products.

4. Wear Sunscreen Every Day

Daily broad-spectrum sun protection is important for all skin types.

Our SPF 50 Face Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection in a non-greasy, fragrance-free formula.

It can be incorporated into your morning routine as the final step after cleansing and moisturising.

Should You Squeeze Sebaceous Filaments?

It's best to avoid repeatedly squeezing or extracting sebaceous filaments.

Although you may notice a thin, thread-like material when pressure is applied, this doesn't mean the filament is something that needs to be removed.

Frequent squeezing can contribute to:

• Redness and irritation
• Damage to the surrounding skin
• Inflammation
• Potential changes in pigmentation
• An increased risk of introducing bacteria into damaged skin

Because sebaceous filaments naturally reform, repeated extraction is unlikely to provide a lasting cosmetic benefit.

If you're concerned about blackheads, professional advice is preferable to aggressive home extraction.

Do Pore Strips Remove Sebaceous Filaments?

Pore strips can temporarily remove some surface material from pores, including sebum and dead skin cells.

However, they don't permanently remove sebaceous filaments or prevent them from becoming visible again.

Adhesive pore strips may also irritate the skin, particularly if used frequently or on sensitive areas.

For this reason, a consistent, gentle skincare routine is generally a better approach than repeatedly trying to extract normal follicular contents.

Can You Shrink Your Pores?

Pore size is influenced by factors including genetics, age, skin structure and sebaceous gland activity.

Skincare products can't permanently change the anatomical size of your pores.

However, their appearance may become less noticeable when excess surface oil and dead skin cells are managed appropriately.

It's also important to remember that visible pores are a normal feature of healthy skin.

Rather than aiming for completely poreless skin, focus on maintaining skin comfort and a balanced skincare routine.

What Actually Helps with Blackheads?

Unlike sebaceous filaments, blackheads are a type of acne  caused by blocked pores and may benefit from targeted treatment.

Ingredients commonly used in blackhead treatments include:

• Salicylic acid: A beta hydroxy acid commonly used to help manage clogged pores and comedonal acne.
• Topical retinoids: Certain retinoids can help normalise follicular skin cell turnover and reduce the formation of comedones.
• Other acne treatments: Depending on the severity and type of acne, a pharmacist or healthcare professional may recommend additional options.

Not all exfoliating products have the same effects, so it's important to choose products according to the concern you're trying to address.

If blackheads are persistent, widespread or accompanied by inflamed spots, seek advice from a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist.

A Simple Skincare Routine for Visible Pores and Oily Skin

If you're concerned about visible sebaceous filaments or occasional congestion, you don't necessarily need an extensive skincare routine.

Morning Routine

1. Cleanse: Use Lucy Bee Hydrating Foam Face Wash to remove excess surface oil and impurities.
2. Moisturise: Apply Ceramides Face Cream to help maintain hydration and support the skin barrier.
3. Protect: Finish with SPF 50 Face Sunscreen for broad-spectrum UV protection.

Evening Routine

1. Remove makeup and sunscreen: Use Reviving Cleansing Cream as an optional first cleanse.
2. Cleanse: Follow with Hydrating Foam Face Wash if a second cleanse is needed.
3. Exfoliate when appropriate: Incorporate AHA & PHA Exfoliating Tonic according to your skin's tolerance and the product instructions.
4. Moisturise: Apply Ceramides Face Cream to help maintain skin comfort.

This routine focuses on gentle cleansing, surface exfoliation and barrier support. It isn't intended to remove sebaceous filaments permanently or treat persistent acne.

For more detailed guidance, explore our best skincare routine for oily skin.

Final Thoughts

Although sebaceous filaments and blackheads can look similar, they're not the same thing.

Sebaceous filaments are normal structures associated with the movement of sebum through hair follicles, while blackheads are a type of acne lesion caused by follicular blockage.

Most importantly, sebaceous filaments don't need to be removed, and attempting to extract them repeatedly can irritate the skin.

Gentle cleansing, appropriate exfoliation, moisturising and daily sun protection can help maintain healthy-looking skin without unnecessarily disrupting the skin barrier.

If you're concerned about persistent blackheads or acne, consider seeking professional advice about targeted treatments.

For more information about caring for oily skin, read our Ultimate Guide to Oily Skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

Picardo, M., Ottaviani, M., Camera, E. and Mastrofrancesco, A. (2009). Sebaceous gland lipids. Dermato-Endocrinology, 1(2), 68–71.

Williams, H.C., Dellavalle, R.P. and Garner, S. (2012). Acne vulgaris. The Lancet, 379(9813), 361–372.

Zaenglein, A.L. et al. (2016). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(5), 945–973.e33.

For further information about acne and blackheads, visit the NHS acne guidance.