How to Get Rid of Sebaceous Filaments: Clear Skin Tips

Who doesn’t want flawless skin? Unfortunately, there are usually a few things that stand in the way of the skin we have and the skin we want. Wrinkles, fine lines, blackheads, pimples and sebaceous filaments to name a few! 

Out of all the above listed skin imperfections sebaceous filaments can actually be helpful to your skin. Sebaceous filaments are found on the oily parts of your face such as your nose, chin and forehead, many people try to eliminate them, but they help with moisturizing your skin.

Although sebaceous filaments are common and helpful, in this article I will explain how to get rid of sebaceous filaments. 

What Causes Sebaceous Filaments?

In order for you to know how to get rid of sebaceous filaments, it might be a good idea to understand what causes them. 

Sebaceous filaments are actually hair follicles that have become filled with sebum. Sebum is a natural oil that everyone has, and the skin produces to keep itself moisturized. 

Although everyone has sebaceous filaments, they are usually more noticeable on people with oily skin or combination skin. Large pores, hormonal changes, genetics and improper skin routine can all contribute to sebaceous filaments. 

While sebaceous filaments are normal, they do cause insecurity in some people. 

Knowing how to get rid of Sebaceous filaments starts with the proper diagnoses. Sebaceous filaments are often confused with blackheads. Blackheads are a form of acne and sebaceous filaments are not. Sebaceous filaments are mainly found on noses, chins and foreheads. They appear as a small gray, or yellow dot. When someone has several, they are all the same size and usually can’t be felt. 

Cleansing & Exfoliating 

Cleansing your skin is important; especially if you are wondering how to get rid of sebaceous filaments. Use a cleanser with a gentle chemical exfoliation. Exfoliating with ingredients such as salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids can help remove dead skin cells, unclog your pores, and control your sebum production. Adding one of these exfoliants to your skincare routine 2-3 times a week is how to get rid of sebaceous filaments, reduce your sebum production and reveal a smoother, more even complexion. 

Moisturizing

Moisturizing is a key ingredient for you to have healthy looking skin. If you are wondering how, you can moisturize and how to get rid of sebaceous filaments here is the key. Find a moisturizer that balances your hydration without clogging your pores. Always avoid products with mineral oil or petroleum. These ingredients can increase sebaceous filament production. Heavy creams, especially when you already have oily skin, can also cause sebaceous filaments. 

When you are selecting your moisturizer choose something light and non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. Hyaluronic acid or glycerin can help hydrate the skin without clogging pores. 

Peels

If your sebaceous filaments are causing you insecurity and you want to know how to get rid of sebaceous filaments, consider a peel. 

There are several types and strengths of peels. 

An enzyme peel is made from fruits like papaya, pineapple or pumpkin. The enzymes in the fruit remove dead skin and open up clogged pores.  Enzyme peels are mild and great for people with sensitive skin, but it might take several sessions before you can see a difference. 

If you ask an esthetician how to get rid of sebaceous filaments, he or she is likely to recommend a salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid peel. These types of peels are stronger and work faster than enzyme peels but can also be more of a risk especially for individuals with darker skin tones. 

Chemical peels administered by a doctor or under a doctor’s supervision are usually stronger than ones administered by an esthetician. Regardless be sure to speak with the professional about your skin type and sensitivity, pre and post treatment and doing a patch test to assure you aren’t allergic to any ingredients. 

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a top contender for those wondering how to get rid of sebaceous filaments. Like peels there are different types of laser therapy some include (IPL) or intense pulsed light and (CO2) carbon dioxide laser therapy. The type of laser and number of sessions depends on the severity of the sebaceous filaments and your skin type. Laser therapy and chemical peels aren’t for everyone and can cause some side effects. If you do choose one of these options, be sure that the person you choose to perform the service is licensed, trained and experienced. 

Oil Control 

Controlling the amount of oil your skin produces can reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments. Some ways you can minimize oil production are using an alcohol- free toner, pure aloe mask, or blotting papers. 

Hydration

When most people are wondering how to get rid of sebaceous filaments, I’m sure water isn’t the first solution that comes to mind. 

Drinking enough water can do wonders for the appearance of your skin including decreasing sebum production and minimizing sebaceous filaments. 

Dehydration can cause your body to kick into overdrive in an attempt to stay hydrated. The amount of water a person should drink everyday depends on a few factors; age, sex, weight, activity level and climate. The rule of thumb is to drink at least half a gallon or 64 oz of water a day. 

Balanced Diet

Many of us, me included, often look for a quick fix outside of our daily habits to fix our health and beauty problems. I truly believe many of our issues can be improved or eliminated with the proper diet. You are probably wondering how food can get rid of your sebaceous filaments. 

If you are trying to eliminate the appearance of sebaceous filaments, it’s important to watch what you eat. Creating a diet that includes mostly vitamin rich, high antioxidants and omega -3 fatty acid foods are important. These foods decrease inflammation. Sugary; processed foods will add to sebum production and increase sebaceous filaments. 

You should also limit foods that break down into sugar, such as pasta, and bread. Eat whole grains, (not whole grain flours) legumes and non-starchy vegetables like spinach, asparagus, and broccoli instead. 

Common Mistakes in Treatment

Throughout this article I’ve discussed what you should do to get rid of sebaceous filaments. Here are a few things you should avoid. 

1. Excessive Exfoliating: Too much exfoliation is never a good idea. In this case it can increase oil production which causes sebaceous filaments and irritates the skin. The amount of exfoliation each person can tolerate depends on your skin type and the type of exfoliant you are using. Redness, irritation, burning and stinging can be signs of over-exfoliation.
2. Using Harsh Products: Using toners or wipes that contain alcohol can remove too much oil from your skin and push your skin into overdrive. This will cause your skin to create excessive amounts of oil. can remove all the natural oils from your skin and force your skin into overdrive, which causes it to produce an excessive amount of sebum and sebaceous filaments. 
3. Improper Extractions: Trying to remove or extract sebaceous filaments without the right knowledge or tools can cause you to scar your face or worse. 
4. Using Comedogenic Products: Using products with heavy oils, emollients, silicones can clog your pores and increase the appearance of sebaceous filaments. 

Inconsistent skincare routine: Inconsistency in skincare can lead to imbalanced oil production and ineffective management of sebaceous filaments.