Have you made this skincare mistake? You see what you think is a blackhead on your nose and proceed to squeeze it. As a result, you cause more harm than good and end up with irritated skin. Why does this happen? You might be confusing sebaceous filaments with blackheads. If you want to know the difference between sebaceous filaments and blackheads, certain characteristics can help you know what you’re dealing with on your skin. And when you know the difference, you can take steps to improve the appearance of your skin and soothe acne.
Sebaceous glands produce sebum – or the oily substance your skin uses to stay hydrated and lubricated. Visible sebaceous filaments occur when sebum and dead skin cells build up around a hair follicle. They are usually white in appearance and smooth to the touch.
In a world of filters and skin-smoothing apps for selfies, it can be tempting to want to get rid of their appearance. However, sebaceous filaments are a normal part of your skin. They are mostly found around the nose. They can also be seen in the T-zone and other oily spots on your face. When pores fill up with sebum, sebaceous filaments become more visible.
You cannot get rid of sebaceous filaments. Professionals may be able to remove them, but they will always come back. You can reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments with good skincare that helps minimize pores and helps reduce oil production.
So what is the difference between sebaceous filaments and blackheads? There is a relationship between the two. Sebaceous filaments have the potential to turn into blackheads. However, they are not the same.
The main difference is that blackheads are acne and sebaceous filaments are a normal part of your skin.
Blackheads are:
Blackheads can also be minimized or gently removed with some skincare products – such as the Teami Green Tea Detox Mask. This is a natural detoxifying mask designed to get rid of impurities while replenishing the skin with necessary superfood nutrients.
Sebaceous filaments are:
It’s important to remember that when compared to blackheads, sebaceous filaments serve a purpose. They are needed to move sebum from the sebaceous glands and out through the pores.
Sebaceous filaments can never be fully removed. This means that although it is tempting, you should avoid squeezing sebaceous filaments. If you do squeeze them, you may actually damage the pore and make it bigger.
You can’t get rid of sebaceous filaments – but you can take steps to minimize their appearance.
#1 Keep your skin clean
One way to reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments is to keep your skin clean. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice daily – and after a workout.
#2 Use the Teami Green Tea Detox Mask
The Teami Green Tea Detox Mask is made with organic matcha green tea, lemongrass, and bentonite clay to draw impurities out of the skin and keep pores clean. Bursting with antioxidants and superfood ingredients, our mask luxuriously glides onto skin with a refreshingly light effect. Plus, it’s easy to remove with warm water – you won’t have to tug on your skin!
Simply apply to slightly damp skin covering your entire face – or use a spot treatment on specific areas. Allow the mask to dry fully. This usually takes 10-12 minutes. The bentonite clay will act as a sponge and draw out impurities, while other ingredients refresh and revitalize skin by adding back moisture so it isn’t stripping.
#3 Use the Teami Butterfly Toner Mist
Toners help break up the gunk that clogs pores. They can also help reduce the appearance of large pores, reduce dirt and debris buildup, and even out your complexion. Our Butterfly Toner Mist is an all-natural toning mist infused with aloe vera, witch hazel, and our very own butterfly tea.
#4 Use a lightweight moisturizer
Some moisturizers are too heavy for the skin and contain unnecessary ingredients. When this occurs, it can lead to pores being clogged faster than usual. Teami Superfood Moisturizer, Lightweight Daily Cream is ultra-hydrating and absorbs instantly. It’s lightweight and will not leave a tacky layer sitting on top of your skin, and it won’t clog pores! Matcha green tea adds antioxidants to help calm skin while olive oil-derived squalane balances oil.
#5 Consult a professional
A skincare professional such as an esthetician can help reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments and assist with extractions. Never attempt to do this on your own.
#6 Drink water
One of the best things you can do for your skin is to stay hydrated. Acne, sebaceous filaments, and other imperfections are more visible when the skin is dehydrated. Complete our totally free 5-Day Water Challenge to nourish your skin – and your body!
In today’s world, there are so many modern tools and devices that promise to give you smooth and perfect skin. The truth is it is normal to have sebaceous filaments and pores, and it’s normal to see them.
A lot of extraction tools and devices are simply too harsh to be used on facial skin. When they aren’t used correctly, they can cause irritation, damaged skin, broken capillaries, and even permanent scarring. You should never attempt to remove sebaceous filaments. It is better to leave them alone.
Overall, if you see a black bump on your skin, it’s a blackhead. And if you see a smooth pore that looks like there’s something white in it on your nose, that’s most likely a sebaceous filament. The best way to keep your skin supple, clear, and radiant is to drink water, use clean skincare, and practice healthy lifestyle habits.
We want to see YOUR gorgeous skin – so tag us on Instagram using #thankyouteami. Show us your selfies and Teami skincare collections!