How to Treat Blackheads, Large Pores & Sebaceous Filaments
You’ve most likely looked in the mirror and noticed little black dots on your nose, chin or forehead.
Most of us automatically assume these are blackheads but the truth is, not every dark dot is a blackhead. Many of them are in fact sebaceous filaments, a very normal part of the skin.
Let’s start with talking about pores..
What are Pores?
Pores are tiny openings in your skin where hair follicules sit. Each pore is connected to a sebaceous gland, which produces oil (sebum) to keep your skin soft and hydrated!
Key facts about pores:
When pores get filled with dead skin, dirt and excess oil, skin concerns such as whiteheads, blackheads and breakouts can form. (This is why regular facials are so important).
EVERYONE has them, pore size is typically genetic however, things like sun damage, oil production and aging can make them more visible.
Despite common belief they don’t open and close, the heat used from the steamer softens the oil inside them, making it easier to perform extractions.
Blackheads vs Sebaceous Filaments
Sebaceous Filaments vs Blackheads
Sebaceous filaments look like tiny grey, yellow or flesh coloured dots, they’re made up of sebum and dead skin cells that line your pores. These are often mistaken for blackheads.
Blackheads are raised, darker and not evenly spread across the skin. They happen when excess oil and dead skin cells clog a pore.
How to Get Rid of Blackheads and Manage Pores ✨
Daily skincare 🧴
Cleanse properly - using a gentle but effective cleanser twice a day keeps excess oil and dead skin cells at bay.
Exfoliating - we recommend our DermaQuest Clarifying Pads, these contain AHA & BHA’s to help clear inside the pore.
Retinol - we recommend our RiQ Retinol 0.05% - 0.6%, this encourages cell turnover, preventing pores from becoming clogged.
Our Professional Treatments 🫧
HydroDiamond - deeply cleanses and exfoliates the skin.
Chemical Peels - loosen dead skin cells, clears congestion and encourage skin cell turnover.
LED Light Therapy - blue light kills acne causing bacteria.
Mircroneedling - can significantly help reduce the appearance of pores.
All of our facials include professional extractions.
What NOT To Do
❌ Don’t over exfoliate, this will irritate your skin and damage your skin barrier.
❌ Don’t pick or squeeze, this can cause scarring and push more bacteria into the skin.
What You Should Do
✅ Have your clogged pores and blackheads professionally extracted.
✅ Maintain a good skincare routine.
✅ Ditch the close up mirror🪞(no one looks that closely apart from yourself).
Remember sebaceous filaments are part of healthy skin, while blackheads are a type of clogged pore that can be treated with the right skincare and professional treatments.
If you’re struggling with congestion or visible pores, book in now for a tailored treatment helping you achieve smoother, clearer skin.