What are sebaceous filaments and how to get rid of them

What you can expect:

What are sebaceous filaments?
Where are sebaceous filaments often found?
What causes sebaceous filaments?
Sebaceous filaments vs blackheads
Do sebaceous filaments turn into blackheads?
Can you get rid of sebaceous filaments?
How to treat sebaceous filaments
Best way to clean sebaceous filaments
Should you squeeze sebaceous filaments?
Do pore strips remove sebaceous filaments?

If you’re seeing small spots on your nose, cheeks or chin, you might think you’re dealing with blackheads. However, you might be experiencing something else entirely: sebaceous filaments.

Blackheads and sebaceous filaments are easily confused because they typically appear in the same parts of the face. They can look similar, too, but they are indeed different. Below, we explain what sebaceous filaments are and the best ways to treat these blackhead look-alikes.

What are sebaceous filaments?

Sebaceous filaments are naturally occurring, hair-like structures that line the walls of your pores. Their job is to help guide sebum — the skin’s natural oil — from the sebaceous glands to the surface. Everyone has them, but you’re more likely to notice them if your skin is oily or if you have large pores. When sebum builds up along the pore lining, a sebaceous filament can become visible, often appearing as a fine, waxy strand when extracted.

These filaments are a completely normal part of skin anatomy and shouldn't be confused with clogged pores or blackheads. Understanding what sebaceous filaments are, and how they function, is essential for managing their appearance without over-treating the skin.

Where are sebaceous filaments often found?

Sebaceous filaments are most commonly found in areas of the face that produce the most oil — typically the nose, chin, and cheeks. If you look closely at these areas, you might notice small, pin-sized dots that are yellow, grey or translucent in tone. These are sebaceous filaments on the nose, cheeks, or chin, and they can be especially noticeable in people with oily or combination skin types.

Because they appear in the same areas as blackheads, it’s easy to confuse the two. However, unlike blackheads, sebaceous filaments don’t indicate that a pore is clogged — they’re just a visible part of how your skin works.

What causes sebaceous filaments?

Although everyone has sebaceous filaments, certain factors can make them more noticeable:

• Unprotected sun exposure: UV damage weakens the skin and enlarges pores, making filaments more visible.
• Genetics: Those with naturally oily skin are more likely to have noticeable sebaceous filaments.
• Ageing: As skin loses elasticity, pores can stretch, leading to the appearance of large sebaceous filaments.
• Excess oil production: More sebum flowing through pores increases the visibility of filaments, especially on the nose, cheeks and chin.

Sebaceous filaments vs blackheads

When trying to determine whether you're looking at sebaceous filaments or blackheads, it helps to understand their differences. Sebaceous filaments are light in colour — often grey, yellowish, or clear — and have a soft, waxy texture. When extracted, they appear as thin, hair-like strands of oil. Blackheads, on the other hand, are darker because the oil in the pore has oxidised after being exposed to air. They’re firmer and come out as solid plugs.

If you're still unsure, consider this: if the spots on your skin are dark and stubborn, they're likely blackheads. If they’re lighter and less plug-like, they’re probably sebaceous filaments. For proper blackhead extraction, we recommend following our step-by-step guide blackhead removal guide.

Do sebaceous filaments turn into blackheads?

Yes — occasionally. A sebaceous filament can turn into a blackhead if the oil inside becomes exposed to oxygen and oxidises. This causes it to darken and solidify, creating what we recognise as a blackhead. However, this isn’t inevitable. With regular skincare, including products that help regulate oil flow and exfoliate dead skin cells, you can keep sebaceous filaments from turning into blocked pores.

Can you get rid of sebaceous filaments?

In short, no — you can’t completely get rid of sebaceous filaments, and that’s because they’re not a flaw; they’re a feature of healthy skin. While you can extract them, they’ll return within around 30 days as your skin continues to produce oil. Trying to eliminate them entirely is not only impossible, but often leads to over-cleansing and irritation.

Instead, the goal should be to minimise sebaceous filaments and reduce their visibility. That way, your skin continues to function as it should, without drawing unwanted attention to your pores.

How to treat sebaceous filaments

Although sebaceous filaments are natural, they can contribute to the appearance of congested or enlarged pores — particularly in oily skin. The most effective sebaceous filaments treatment includes a skincare routine that regulates oil production and helps prevent buildup within the pores.

Using BHA for sebaceous filaments is especially beneficial. Beta hydroxy acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate the pore lining and dissolve the sebum that causes visible filaments. A well-formulated clay mask may also help, thanks to its oil-absorbing properties. The best skincare for sebaceous filaments is consistent, gentle, and tailored to your skin type — focusing on balancing oil and supporting the skin barrier rather than stripping it.

Best way to clean sebaceous filaments

Despite the name, sebaceous filaments aren’t caused by dirty skin — but cleansing still plays an important role in their appearance. The best way to clean sebaceous filaments is to use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that removes oil, sweat, and debris without irritating the skin.

A pore-normalising cleanser followed by a BHA exfoliant works well for managing the build-up that causes filaments to become more visible. Harsh scrubs or drying soaps should be avoided, as they can disrupt your skin’s balance and actually increase oil production — making the problem worse.

Should you squeeze sebaceous filaments?

You can squeeze sebaceous filaments — but it should be done very carefully, and not too often. Overly aggressive squeezing can cause irritation, redness, or even long-term damage to the skin. If you choose to extract them, follow the same techniques you’d use when treating a spot: use clean hands, gentle pressure, and never force it. We also suggest following our extraction guide for the best way to squeeze sebaceous filaments [link needed].

Keep in mind that even when removed, sebaceous filaments tend to refill due to your skin’s natural oil cycle — often in less than a month. So if you’re squeezing, do it sparingly and always follow up with soothing, non-comedogenic skincare.

Do pore strips remove sebaceous filaments?

Pore strips can remove the tops of some sebaceous filaments, but they don’t offer a long-term solution. The results are temporary, and strips can be harsh on the skin, especially if used frequently. They may cause irritation or even small tears in sensitive areas like the nose.

For more effective, long-term results, we recommend sticking to a consistent skincare routine that includes sebaceous filaments removal techniques like BHA exfoliation and oil-balancing products. The goal isn’t to strip the skin, but to manage oil flow and maintain a healthy pore environment.

References for this information:

1. British Journal of Dermatology, November 2006, pages 890-894
2. Archives of Dermatological Research, March 1976, pages 9-21