The Real Difference Between Blackheads And Sebaceous Filaments

According to the website of SLMD Skincare by Sandra Lee M.D., AKA celebrity dermatologist Dr. Pimple Popper, sebaceous filaments are typically lighter than blackheads. A blackhead is, well, black, while a sebaceous filament will have less pigmentation and be "more of a light grey or tan."

Knowing the difference between a blackhead and a sebaceous filament is all well and good, but it could be bad news if you're plagued by visible sebaceous filaments and were hoping an acne-treating regiment would make them go away. Is there anything that can be done about sebaceous filaments?

We've already explained that squeezing or popping sebaceous filaments is a pointless endeavor since they'll quickly fill back in, but you can minimize their appearance. As facialist Yolanda Mata told Byrdie, "keeping the skin clean through cleansing twice daily" is the most important thing you can do "to avoid inflammation and minimize their appearance on the skin's surface." Clarifying masks, supplements, facials, exfoliating, and retinol can also help if you're self-conscious about your visible sebaceous filaments.