Have you ever noticed tiny, hair-like structures on the tip of your nose? If so, you may have sebaceous filaments. Although they look similar to blackheads, sebaceous filaments are completely harmless and help keep your skin moist. They may sometimes form blackheads, but on their own, they are perfectly natural and healthy. Talking about the same, Dr. Mandeep Singh, HOD-Plastic Surgery, Paras Health, Gurugram said, "Sebaceous filaments are small structures on the skin's surface, commonly found in oily areas like the nose, chin, and forehead. Composed of sebum, dead skin cells, and debris, they appear lighter in colour compared to blackheads. They are natural and not a sign of poor hygiene. It's important to understand that sebaceous filaments are a normal part of the skin's anatomy." Along similar lines, Dr Saurabh Shah, Dermatologist, Bhatia Hospital, Mumbai said that if more sebum is produced from the sebaceous glands, they become more noticeable. "Sebum is the content of sebaceous glands which contains wax, esters, fatty acids, cholesterol and squalene. The filaments are commonly mistaken to be blackheads, or whiteheads, by untrained eyes." While these filaments can't be completely eliminated, skincare practices like gentle cleansing, regular exfoliation, and avoiding harsh products can help minimise their appearance. Below, find some easy ways to reduce sebaceous filaments, according to the experts: Use salicylic acid This beta-hydroxy acid penetrates deep into the skin to unclog the pores. Whether you use it in the form of a cleanser, treatment serum, or mask, make sure you have a regular exfoliation regimen in place. Salicylic acid dissolves oil and dead skin cells, reducing sebum production. Try retinoids Retinoids are the most consistent ingredient to reduce oil production and minimise sebaceous filaments. They help increase cell turnover and decrease the tendency of cells and keratin debris to clump together and clog pores. Oil cleansing Oil dissolves oil, so an oil cleanser can help remove excess sebum, as well as dirt and grime. The best way is to keep your skin clean by cleansing twice a day. Choose lightweight moisturisers If you have oily skin, you should skip applying heavy creams and opt for lightweight gel formulas, especially if your pores are overproducing sebum. Introduce a clarifying mask You can use a clay mask made of kaolin to minimise the appearance of sebaceous filaments. It will gently exfoliate your pores, without stripping your skin and making it dry. You can also use a bentonite clay mask if you have acne-prone or oily skin. Reduce your carbohydrate intake People with high-glycaemic diets produce more sebum than average, so eliminate sugary, processed foods, and cut down on bread, rice, pasta and cereal. Instead, opt for a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, and drink 7-8 cups of water throughout the day. See a professional for extractions Steer clear of at-home extraction tools, which can be way too harsh can cause irritation and sometimes even scarring. Consult a dermatologist who can extract these sebaceous filaments for you. Concluding, Dr Singh said, "When incorporating ingredients into your skincare routine, it's important to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase as tolerated. Additionally, consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalised recommendations based on your skin type and concerns." 📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don't miss out on the latest updates!
