Sebaceous filaments vs. blackheads vs. whiteheads: How to tell the difference
If you’ve looked closely at your skin and noticed tiny dots around your nose, chin or forehead, you may have wondered: Are those blackheads? Whiteheads? Or something else entirely? While sebaceous filaments, blackheads and whiteheads can look similar, they’re actually quite different. Knowing which you’re dealing with can help you choose the right skin care routine.
We’re breaking down the differences between sebaceous filaments, whiteheads and blackheads, including what causes each, how to treat them and why squeezing those tiny dots probably isn’t the best solution.
What are sebaceous filaments?
First things first: Sebaceous filaments are not acne. They’re a normal part of healthy skin and help transport sebum, or oil, from your sebaceous glands to the surface of your skin. Everyone has them, although they tend to be more noticeable in people with oily or combination skin.
Sebaceous filaments are usually small, flat and light gray, yellow or flesh-colored dots. They’re especially common around the nose and chin, where sebaceous glands tend to be more concentrated.
Board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains, “Sebaceous filaments are a completely normal process that occurs on the skin. They are part of a normal process of moving sebum to the surface of the skin. While you can temporarily remove them, they will always come back if you aren’t treating them."
How to get rid of sebaceous filaments
Unlike blackheads, whiteheads and other types of acne, sebaceous filaments can’t, and shouldn’t, be eliminated permanently. If you squeeze one, it will naturally refill over time because the underlying structure is still there. However, there are products that can help minimize the appearance of sebaceous filaments (discussed in more detail below).
What are blackheads?
Blackheads, known clinically as open comedones, are a true form of acne. So, what causes blackheads? They form when excess oil and dead skin cells build up inside a pore. Because the pore remains open at the surface, the material inside is exposed to oxygen, which causes it to oxidize and appear dark.
Sebaceous filaments vs. blackheads
Blackheads appear darker, larger and more irregular in size. Aggressive scrubbing and picking can irritate the skin and potentially lead to inflammation or scarring.
How to get rid of blackheads
“Blackheads are essentially clogged pores that have remained open at the surface,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon. “The goal is to help keep those pores clear with products and a skin care routine that helps refine pores rather than repeatedly squeezing them.”
Ingredients such as salicylic acid and retinoids can help address blackheads by exfoliating inside the pore and encouraging healthy skin cell turnover.
What are whiteheads?
Whiteheads are another type of acne, but unlike blackheads, they’re closed comedones. Excess oil and dead skin cells clog the pore, but the opening remains closed. This creates a small, raised bump that typically looks white.
How to get rid of whiteheads
Because whiteheads are caused by clogged pores, they can often benefit from the same types of pore-clearing ingredients used to treat blackheads. Retinoids are particularly useful because they help regulate skin cell turnover and prevent pores from becoming clogged.
How to care for congested pores
All three respond to the same core strategy, which is consistent chemical exfoliation that keeps pores clear of oil and dead skin cells. Salicylic acid is the standout ingredient here because it is oil-soluble, meaning it can travel into the pore rather than working only on the surface. Glycolic acid supports it by loosening dead cells at the surface, and retinol helps normalize cell turnover so pores clog less often in the first place.
What does not help: pore strips, aggressive scrubs and squeezing. Each one can stretch the pore opening or trigger inflammation, which often leaves skin looking worse than before.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger adds, “Patients want a quick fix, but pore congestion is an ongoing issue. A gentle exfoliating routine used consistently will do far more than anything aggressive you try in a single evening.”
The best products for sebaceous filaments, blackheads and whiteheads
These dermatologist-recommended formulas help keep pores clear and refine the look of congested skin. Keep scrolling for our favorite skin-clearing formulas.
LovelySkin LUXE Clarifying Gel Cleanser
LovelySkin LUXE Exfoliating Gel Mild 11%
Epionce Purifying Toner
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Salicylic Acid Serum
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5LovelySkin LUXE Clarifying Gel Cleanser
This foaming cleanser pairs 2% salicylic acid, which is oil-soluble and can travel down into the pore, with 2% glycolic acid to loosen dead cells at the surface. It also delivers 3% afaLUXE™, a dermatologist-developed blend of amino-based filaggrin antioxidants, vitamin C and Dead Sea minerals that supports the moisture barrier so daily exfoliation doesn't leave skin dry or irritated.
Replenix Gly-Sal 5-2 Clarifying Pads
These pre-soaked pads combine 5% glycolic acid with 2% salicylic acid to sweep away the oil, debris and dead skin cells that clog pores and lead to blackheads and whiteheads. Witch hazel tones skin and helps reduce surface oil, and the pad format makes them easy to use after the gym or while traveling.
LovelySkin LUXE Exfoliating Gel Mild 11%
This leave-on gel uses 11% afaLUXE™ to encourage natural exfoliation and cellular turnover without the abrasiveness of a physical scrub. The amino-based filaggrin antioxidants, Dead Sea minerals and vitamin C also support collagen production while helping minimize the look of large pores and rough texture.
Epionce Purifying Toner
Willow bark extract and salicylic acid work together to clear away excess oil and surface debris, helping reduce the appearance of shine, enlarged pores and blemishes. Cucumber and lavender calm irritation while menthol leaves a cooling finish, and the formula does this without stripping skin of its natural oils.
LovelySkin LUXE Acne Care Gel 9%
Unlike a spot treatment, this gel is applied across the entire face to clear existing blemishes and help prevent new ones from forming. It relies on 9% afaLUXE™ rather than salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, pairing amino-based filaggrin antioxidants with vitamin C and Dead Sea minerals, which makes it a gentler choice for anyone new to active skin care or prone to irritation.
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Salicylic Acid Serum
This oil-free serum layers 2% dioic acid with LHA, salicylic, glycolic and citric acids to decongest pores and smooth surface texture. The same blend helps soften the look of fine lines, blotchiness and uneven tone, making it a strong pick for adults managing breakouts and visible signs of aging at the same time.
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5
Retinol addresses the root cause of both blackheads and whiteheads by normalizing cell turnover so pores clog less often in the first place. This formula delivers 0.5% retinol alongside antioxidants and bisabolol, a soothing ingredient that helps calm the flaking, redness and irritation retinol can cause.
Interested in more tips and products to keep your skin healthy, balanced and blemish-free? Read our blog on how to remove makeup like a pro.
Follow us on social
Follow us on social networks and be one of the first to learn about sales, giveaways, and free samples
