How to remove blackheads and sebaceous filaments on the nose? A dermatologist answers: Femme Actuelle Le MAG

Perfect skin without imperfections, we all dream of it. We would like to have smooth skin texture, without the slightest blackhead or sebaceous filament. However, these undesirables are sometimes stubborn. And the icing on the cake is that we are not all on the same footing when it comes to this phenomenon. Certain skin types such as oily skin are more exposed to this problem, others are less so. If you are part of the first team, you may have tried all types of beauty products (patches, exfoliants, scrubs and masks) but nothing works? Don’t worry, dermatologist Shereene Idriss reveals to us on TikTok how to make sebaceous filaments disappear? And good news, the principle is the same for blackheads.

What is a blackhead?

Blackheads, also called “open comedones”, are due to an overproduction of sebum which clogs the skin pores. They appear as a small, black, hard lump on the surface of the skin, which gave it the name “black dot”. This is a type of non-inflammatory acne that can appear at any age and is often concentrated in the T-zone (forehead, chin and nose).

What is a sebaceous filament?

“Sebaceous filaments are natural, white to pale yellow, threadlike structures that line the pore walls of the skin”can we read on the cosmetics brand’s website Typology. These filaments are naturally present on the pores of the skin and everyone has them. However, if your skin is oily and the lining of your pores fills with sebum, they may be more visible.

What is the difference between sebaceous filaments and blackheads?

Although they are different, blackheads and sebaceous filaments are often confused. Unlike blackheads which result from blocked pores, sebaceous filaments are natural structures around hair follicles. The latter settle deeper in the skin, without obstructing it, while open comedones are lodged on the surface of the skin.

If the blackhead is dark, brown or even almost black, the sebaceous filament is on the contrary quite light, gray or with a yellowish tint. When extracting the blackhead (which is not recommended), they look like a slightly lumpy plug. The sebaceous filament looks more like waxy sebum.

How to get rid of sebaceous filaments and blackheads? A dermatologist answers

Although completely natural, these imperfections are not the most flattering. As a result, we seek to eradicate them at all costs. Misinformed, many people use oil-based cleansers to remove them. But as Shereene Idriss points out “This practice must absolutely be banned.” which she considers to be “a desaster”. Nourished by oil, these natural tubular structures appear when your pores fill with sebum. No need to attack your skin because these little intruders will always come back.

The American dermatologist recommends the use of a sulfur-based cleanser which will help regulate sebum production. It will be enough for you”apply the product to your nose and let it sit for a few minutes”. In addition, “if you are a person who produces a lot of sebum, particularly around your nose, and you have the impression that your pores are constantly clogged , it will be your best ally.

Others, like the Horace brand, recommend the daily use of salicylic acid with BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) because this acid likes fat (=lipophilic) and will therefore absorb the excess of the latter. Whatever happens, the important thing is to take care of your skin and treat it gently.