If you tend to have acne- or blemish-prone skin, it can seem like every form of skin irregularity is a threat to your complexion. But this isn’t true in all cases. In fact, some skin events are entirely benign and are more harmful to treat than just to leave alone. One such example of this is treating sebaceous filaments like you would blackheads. This is the difference between blackheads and sebaceous filaments and how to correct them individually.

Blackheads

Blackheads are enlarged and open pores filled with dirt, dead skin cells, and natural oils. They often appear black or dark brown on the surface since the pore’s contents will oxidize and change color with exposure to the environment. These clogged areas can no longer breathe, which ultimately allows them to damage nearby cells and become infected. Blackheads are one of the earliest developmental stages of acne and require deep cleaning and exfoliants to remove.

Sebaceous Filaments

Filaments, on the other hand, are entirely harmless to the skin—in fact, they keep it healthy. Sebaceous filaments act as individual pore linings that promote an increased flow of sebum, or oil, through these areas. When working correctly, the lining increases moisture absorption and fights pore-clogging. This is the core difference between blackheads and sebaceous filaments. These filaments aren’t even visible most of the time, though they can look similar to blackheads when you have enlarged pores. In these cases, treatment options should aim to shrink your pores rather than clearing them of debris.

There are more differences between certain blemishes than first meets the eye. As such, it can be a hassle to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case. At Flawless Beauty and Skin, we seek to inform our customers at the same time that we provide top-notch skin care products. Our educational resources can help you pinpoint the root of your blemishes, while our natural skin-brightening creams will work to eliminate them.