Get Rid of Sebaceous Filaments for Good by Following These Tips From Derms

How to Treat Sebaceous Filaments

Treating sebaceous filaments is easy, especially given the numerous ways you can tackle the dark spots. Dr. Khorana does make a point to note that while you can treat them, you can’t exactly get rid of sebaceous filaments. “They can’t be cured, but they can be minimised so they’re less visible.” She emphasizes that the key is consistency, saying, “You won’t get rid of sebaceous filaments completely, but you can keep them under control so they’re not as noticeable.” Here are a handful of ways to do exactly that.

1. Use a Gentle Cleanser to Get Rid of Excess Oil

Cleansing is a necessary part of any skincare routine. So, if you want to minimize the appearance of sebaceous filaments, you need to use a cleanser—but not just any cleanser. "Use a mild, gentle cleanser that helps control excess oil without irritating the skin,” says Dr. Khorana. We recommend the KATE SOMERVILLE® Gentle Daily Wash because it’s strong enough to get rid of makeup, dirt, oil, and other impurities that can clog your pores, but gentle enough to hydrate and refresh your complexion both day and night.

2. Double Cleanse for an Extra Dose of Clean

Instead of doing a once-over with your go-to cleanser, try double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser first. Use your oil-based cleanser (we love the PIXI BEAUTY EOD Cleansing Oil) to help remove makeup and debris. Then, use a pore-clearing face wash like ORIGINS Checks & Balance Frothy Face Wash. This will help clear up gunk and buildup without over-drying skin, helping to balance oil production. 

3. Incorporate Salicylic Acid to Clean Out Impurities

Both dermatology experts are big fans of salicylic acid for sebaceous filaments. “Salicylic acid is your go-to ingredient if you have sebaceous filaments. It’s a beta-hydroxy acid that helps remove excess oil and exfoliate dead skin cells from the skin to keep the pores clear,” says Dr. Zeichner. Dr. Khorana says to use a salicylic acid-based cleanser or toner to “dissolve oil and debris, keeping pores clearer.” The RODIAL Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser helps to exfoliate and brighten. Pair it with the NEOGEN DERMALOGY A-Clear Toner two to three times a week to keep your skin clear.

4. Try an Exfoliating Toner to Buff Away Dead Cells

An exfoliating toner can make all the difference when it comes to minimizing sebaceous filaments, not to mention leaving you with a gorgeous, healthy glow. Look for gently exfoliating ingredients like glycolic acid, which is amazing for clearing up pores because its super small molecules can penetrate pores easily. We like the FEEL BEAUTY AHA & Vitamin C Toner for bright, glowing skin.

5. Put on a Mask With Ingredients Like Kaolin or Bentonite to Absorb Excess Oil

Who doesn’t love a mask? For those with noticeable sebaceous filaments, one with ingredients like kaolin or bentonite (ingredients commonly found in clay masks) can help clear up your skin in a snap. “[They] absorb excess oil from the pores, reducing the appearance of sebaceous filaments temporarily,” notes Dr. Khorana. Try the MUDMASKY® Vitamin-A Booster Blue Clay Mask. It uses premium French clay to help draw out impurities, excess oil, and toxins from your pores in as little as 90 seconds.

6. Utilize Niacinamide to Minimize the Appearance of Sebaceous Filaments

“Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production and improve pore appearance over time,” notes Dr. Khorana. Again, you can incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine in the form of a cleanser, toner, or even a serum. The GLOW RECIPE Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops not only help reduce pigmentation and pores, but they also leave you with a radiant glow.

7. Weave a Retinol Into Your Skincare Routine to Transform Skin Texture

If you’ve thought about it, consider this a sign to incorporate a retinoid into your evening skincare routine. “Retinoids can regulate skin cell turnover, prevent build-up in pores, and gradually make filaments less noticeable,” raves Dr. Khorana. If you’re new to retinol, ease into it by introducing a retinol serum to your nighttime skincare routine one to two times a week and working up to daily. We’re fans of the COCOKIND Beginner Retinol Gel 0.1% because it’s gentle on skin but still gets rid of fine lines and texture.

8. Hydrate Your Skin Inside and Out to Keep Oil Production in Check

It may seem counterintuitive to add moisture to excess oil, but the truth is that maintaining your skin’s hydration is the key to keeping oil production in check. But it’s easier than it may seem to become dehydrated, so be sure to keep tabs on your water intake throughout the day, every day. You’ll also want to moisturize your skin morning and night to keep oil production and hydration levels balanced. Look for a lightweight formula (like the BYROE Kale Hydrating Gel Moisturizer) that will help balance skin without clogging pores.

9. Wear an SPF That Doesn’t Clog Your Pores

Daily sunscreen use is essential to the preservation of your complexion. Not only that, it can keep your pores small. As Dr. Khorana notes, “Daily sun protection prevents collagen breakdown, which can otherwise make pores appear larger and filaments more obvious.” The key is to use one that won’t clog your pores. While we consistently ship wearing SPF, it’s no secret that finding the perfect non-pore-clogging sunscreen for your face can be super tricky. Enter: SUPERGOOP! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40. Tried and tested by Ipsters of all skin tones and skin types, this baby passes with flying colors. It’s light as air, doesn’t clog pores, won’t leave behind a white cast, and doubles as a super glow-enhancing primer. It’s pretty much an all-around win.

10. Try Professional Treatments for Long-Term Aid

If all else fails, seek out professional treatments like chemical peels or lasers to “refine pores and improve overall skin texture,” recommends Dr. Khorana. You can save some time and money by incorporating a chemical exfoliant into your skincare routine. We like the PAULA'S CHOICE SKINCARE 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant because it’s a non-abrasive skincare powerhouse that sheds built-up layers of dead skin, revealing radiance and refined pores.

How to Prevent Sebaceous Filaments in the First Place

Sebaceous filaments never actually go away, though they can be minimized so they’re less noticeable. There are a few things you should (and shouldn’t) do to treat them.

1. Don’t Squeeze or Pick Them

We know you want to shrink those enlarged pores of yours, but picking or squeezing at sebaceous filaments isn’t the solution. “It may be a quick fix, but it can damage the skin, cause scarring,” says Dr. Khorana. In some cases, it can make your large pores larger, too. We don’t want that.

2. Do Use Chemical Exfoliants

Instead of squeezing or picking at them, try chemical exfoliants. We mentioned how these can help minimize the appearance of visible sebaceous filaments, with Dr. Khorana recommending you use a chemical exfoliant with “salicylic acid (BHA) or glycolic acid (AHA) two to three times per week.” The MOON JUICE Acid Potion AHA + BHA Resurfacing Exfoliator Duo features glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids to sweep away dullness, unclog pores, and smooth out texture.

3. Don’t Over-Exfoliate

You may want to use an exfoliant more often than is recommended, especially with how well they shrink sebaceous filaments. But you shouldn’t. This will only cause irritation you don’t want and skin issues you don’t need. Use chemical or physical exfoliants no more than two to three times a week. Those with sensitive skin types may need to use them less, so do what’s best for your skin.

4. Use a Gentle Cleanser

Cleansers are more powerful than they appear. So while you may think the suds aren’t doing enough, if they contain the right ingredients, they absolutely are. Incorporate a gentle cleanser into your routine, like the SKINCARE JUNKIE Gentle Jelly Facial Cleanser, to keep your skin barrier happy.

5. Don’t Over-Cleanse

Again, you don’t need to do too much if your cleanser contains the right ingredients to deal with excess sebum. “Washing too often dries the skin out and affects the skin barrier,” shares Dr. Khorana. Wash your skin once in the morning and once in the evening. Some can even get away with only washing it at night; it all depends on your skin type.

6. Use Clay or Charcoal Masks

You don’t need to use a clay or charcoal mask more than once a week to control oil production. Try the CÉLA Glacier Clay Mask to purify pores, gently exfoliate, and soften the skin.

7. Don’t Use Pore Strips

We hate to break it to you, but pore strips are a big no-no when it comes to treating sebaceous filaments, even ones that pop up on the surface of your skin. “They may lift oil temporarily, but they won’t stop sebaceous filaments forming (and can irritate sensitive skin),” says Dr. Khorana. Stick to clay or charcoal masks.

Sebaceous Filaments FAQs

Still have questions? We have answers to your lingering queries about sebaceous filaments.

1. Are Sebaceous Filaments Normal?

There’s an easy answer to this one: yes. In fact, Dr. Khorana says they’re “completely normal.” So if you have them, you’re not alone and definitely shouldn’t stress.

2. How Do You Get Rid of Sebaceous Filaments Naturally?

We know you want to get rid of sebaceous filaments for good, but you can’t. Because they exist on every complexion, they’ll always be there. “Sebaceous filaments are a normal part of the skin, so you can’t get rid of them, but they can be minimized so they’re less visible,” Dr. Khorana notes. To do that, she recommends following the above steps.

3. What Triggers Sebaceous Filaments?

Oily skin is a major trigger of sebaceous filaments, with Dr. Khorana saying that “if your sebaceous glands are more active, they produce more sebum, which makes filaments stand out more.”

Another trigger is large pores. Dr. Khorana tells us, “Naturally larger pores give filaments more space to collect oil and keratin, making them easier to see.”

Genetics also plays a role in how visible sebaceous filaments are. “Some people simply inherit skin that produces more visible filaments,” says Dr. Khorana. Sometimes you’re just born with them.

One final major trigger is those annoying hormones. “Hormonal fluctuations (like during puberty or menstrual cycles) can increase oil production and highlight sebaceous filaments,” notes Dr. Khorana.

4. What Cleanser Removes Sebaceous Filaments?

Dr. Khorana recommends a cleanser “with salicylic acid, if you can use it. This can help improve (not remove) sebaceous filaments.” Some of our favorite cleansers include the RODIAL Pink Diamond Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser Mini, the MERCI HANDY Facial Cleansing Gel, and the JOSIE MARAN Argan Apothecary Daily Response Calming Cleanser.

5. Can You Scrape Off Sebaceous Filaments?

You can scrape sebaceous filaments, but should you? No. “You technically can scrape, squeeze, or extract sebaceous filaments, but it’s not a good idea,” Dr. Khorana tells IPSY, noting that this can lead to irritation, scarring, and other damage to your skin.

6. Do Pore Strips Remove Sebaceous Filaments?

While pore strips can remove sebaceous filaments with pore strips, Dr. Khorana advises against doing so. They’re only a temporary solution to getting rid of sebaceous filaments, though they can cause irritation and even make pores more visible if they’re overused.

7. How Do You Tell If You Have Sebaceous Filaments or Blackheads?

Blackheads and sebaceous filaments are often mistaken for one another, looking similar in the T-zone area. But there are differences to note. Dr. Khorana notes that sebaceous filaments “look like tiny, grayish, yellow, or flesh-colored dots. They don’t protrude much above the skin surface.” Blackheads “look like larger, darker plugs that are more raised or stuck in the pores.”

Recap: You Can’t Get Rid of Sebaceous Filaments, But You Can Minimize Them

Sebaceous filaments are something we all have; they sometimes look more prominent on others. So, we’re stressing again that you can’t get rid of them, but you can minimize them. That looks like using skincare ingredients such as salicylic acid, niacinamide, and retinol, while incorporating toners, cleansers, clay masks, and chemical exfoliants into your skincare routine to shrink your pores. You may not have everything already, but the IPSY Shop does. Find every product you could need to shrink your sebaceous filaments.