How to Get Rid of Sebaceous Filaments

Sebaceous filaments are a normal part of the skin but can become enlarged due to poor dietary habits or hormonal imbalances, resulting in bumpy skin with a dull complexion. 

Discover how to get rid of sebaceous filaments and achieve clear skin quickly by making simple dietary and lifestyle changes.

What are sebaceous filaments?

Sebaceous filaments are thin, tube-like structures that line sebaceous glands. They’re a normal part of the skin’s anatomy and consist mainly of sebum and dead skin cells that accumulate around hair follicles.

These filaments appear as lightly-colored tiny dots and are most commonly found on the nose, chin, and forehead, where sebaceous glands are the most active. 

Sebaceous glands produce sebum, which lubricates and protects the skin, keeping it moisturized and maintaining its barrier function. Sebaceous filaments channel the flow of sebum to the skin’s surface. 

Hormonal imbalances can trigger excess sebum production by oil glands. This can cause clogged pores and hair follicles, which can lead to more noticeable sebaceous filaments and contribute to bumpy and dull skin.

Sebaceous filaments vs. blackheads

Sebaceous glands are naturally occurring parts of the skin structure. In contrast, blackheads result from clogged pores filled with oxidized oils and dead cells, resulting in their characteristic dark appearance.

Blackheads are typically linked to acne vulgaris and can occur due to excess oil production, hormonal changes, or an improper skincare routine, leading to visible dark spots on the skin.

Unlike blackheads, which develop in large pores open to the environment, sebaceous filaments line the walls of hair follicles. This explains why they don’t oxidize and typically don’t develop a dark color. 

Watch the video below to learn how to get rid of sebaceous filaments and blackheads.

What causes enlarged sebaceous filaments?

Visible sebaceous filaments tend to be more common in individuals with naturally oily skin as they often produce too much sebum. This waxy substance can quickly clog pores and fill up hair follicles, leading to sebaceous filament enlargement. 

In addition, hormonal imbalances, especially elevated testosterone levels, are a primary cause of skin concerns, including enlarged sebaceous filaments in both men and women. 

A study published in Dermato-Endocrinology found that sebaceous glands are highly sensitive to testosterone, which triggers upregulated sebum production. 

This explains why hormonal changes due to puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or certain medications can contribute to a wide range of skin issues.     

Elevated testosterone can be triggered by various dietary and lifestyle factors, such as:

• A diet high in carbohydrates, sugars, and processed foods

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Chronic stress 

• Alcohol consumption

• Poor sleep

• Obesity

• Smoking  

Metabolic and hormonal balance are intricately connected and largely regulated by insulin, a crucial hormone released in response to sugar and carbohydrate consumption. 

Because insulin stimulates the conversion of androgens, regular intake of carbs and sugars can directly contribute to testosterone-related skin issues such as sebaceous filament enlargement.   

In addition, using harsh skincare products that strip the skin of its natural oils can cause excessive sebum production to maintain skin barrier integrity. 

These common skin care ingredients may contribute to enlarged sebaceous glands: 

• Alpha hydroxy acids 

• Beta hydroxy acid 

• Glycolic acid

Can sebaceous filaments go away?

Sebaceous filaments are a natural part of the skin. While they won’t go away, there are certain steps you can take to minimize their appearance and prevent sebaceous filaments from becoming enlarged.

Limiting carbs and sugars, avoiding alcohol, consuming a nutrient-dense diet, and getting enough sleep are crucial aspects of maintaining hormonal balance, which is vital for overall skin health.

In addition, adopting a skincare routine without the use of harsh products that remove too much oil is equally important for managing sebaceous filaments. 

Opt for over-the-counter products such as tea tree oil, mild cleansers, and non-comedogenic moisturizers designed to keep skin hydrated and unclog pores without stripping the skin of its natural oils. 

However, the most suitable skincare routine to target sebaceous filaments may depend on your skin type, and it’s recommended to consult a board-certified dermatologist for specific guidance.  

How to get rid of sebaceous filaments

To get rid of enlarged sebaceous filaments, it’s vital to support skin cell function and promote hormonal balance by making beneficial dietary and lifestyle changes.

Here are four steps you can take to improve the appearance of sebaceous filaments. 

1. Take cod liver oil 

Cod liver oil is a rich source of nutrients that promote skin health, including vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. 

The fat-soluble vitamins A and D are involved in regulating sebum production, which can prevent clogged pores and reduce the risk of sebaceous filament enlargement. 

Research published in Cureus investigated the role of vitamin A in skin health. The authors concluded that oral and topical vitamin A can effectively treat visible sebaceous filaments and improve skin appearance.

In addition, cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that have been linked to hormonal balance and may lower the risk of excessive testosterone production, a leading cause of enlarged sebaceous filaments.   

2. Avoid a high-carb diet

A high-carb diet is the leading cause of blood sugar fluctuations and elevated insulin levels linked to increased production of testosterone and associated skin issues.

Limiting carbs and sugars by following a nutritious low-carb diet such as Healthy Keto® is an excellent strategy to promote hormonal balance and achieve healthy-looking skin.  

In addition to supporting balanced insulin levels, Healthy Keto focuses on nutrient-rich produce, healthy fats, full-fat organic dairy, pasture-raised beef, wild-caught fish, and game meat. 

Healthy Keto avoids highly processed foods packed with refined carbs and sugars, which can trigger inflammation and worsen various skin problems, including enlarged sebaceous filaments, acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. 

3. Practice intermittent fasting 

Intermittent fasting is a mealtime schedule that alternates between periods of fasting and time-restricted eating windows.

Evidence published in Nutrients investigated the effects of intermittent fasting on testosterone levels and concluded, “Time-restricted eating reduced total testosterone levels and free testosterone after 4 to 44 weeks of intervention.”

These effects were most prominent in women, who appear at increased risk of sebaceous filament enlargement in response to imbalanced testosterone.  

“The profound hormonal benefits of intermittent fastings are not only helpful for managing sebaceous filaments but may also reduce the risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and hormonal acne,” explains Dr. Berg.    

4. Increase intake of zinc-rich foods 

Zinc plays a crucial role in regulating sebum production and hair follicle health, and zinc deficiency may increase the risk of enlarged sebaceous filaments. 

Research published in Acta Dermato-Venereologica found that poor zinc status is associated with increased sebum production and that zinc supplementation reduced skin-sebum concentrations. 

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that’s found in various foods such as oysters, seafood, red meat, poultry, and dairy. 

How not to get rid of sebaceous filaments 

Although there are many over-the-counter products designed to remove sebaceous filaments, they’re a crucial part of the skin’s anatomy and shouldn’t be removed. 

Scrubbing or squeezing sebaceous filaments can cause irritation, redness, and damage the skin's protective barrier. This can lead to inflammation and potential skin infections if bacteria enter open and damaged pores.

Pore strips have become a popular tool to remove blackheads and enlarged sebaceous filaments. However, they also strip away natural oils and irritate the skin, causing dryness, redness, and even broken capillaries in some cases.

Key takeaways

Do you have bumpy skin and wonder how to get rid of sebaceous filaments? 

Sebaceous glands are a normal part of the skin and shouldn't be squeezed, scrubbed, or removed, as this could lead to damaged and irritated skin prone to infection.

Instead, it’s crucial to promote hormonal balance by following a low-carb diet, practicing intermittent fasting, and supporting healthy nutrient levels to prevent enlarged sebaceous filaments that can give skin a dull appearance. 

FAQ

1. Are sebaceous filaments bad?

No sebaceous filaments aren’t bad. In fact, they’re a normal part of the skin’s anatomy and facilitate the transport of sebum needed to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier. 

However, hormonal imbalances can trigger excessive sebum production, which can cause enlarged sebaceous filaments that can appear as bumpy pin-like dots.  

2. Is it okay to squeeze sebaceous filaments?

It’s not recommended to squeeze, scrub, or remove sebaceous filaments as this can cause damage to the skin surface, leading to irritated skin prone to infection. 

3. Why do I have enlarged sebaceous filaments?

Sebaceous glands are highly sensitive to testosterone and produce more sebum when androgen levels are elevated. This can lead to clogged hair follicles and protruding sebaceous filaments that appear as enlarged pores, particularly around the nose, chin, and forehead.

Imbalanced testosterone levels are typically linked to a diet high in carbs and sugars, alcohol consumption, poor sleep, excessive body weight, and chronic stress. 

4. What is the best remedy for enlarged sebaceous filaments?

The best remedy for enlarged sebaceous filaments is to promote hormonal balance by following a nutritious low-carb diet, such as Healthy Keto®, and practicing intermittent fasting.

In addition, various nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc, can help regulate sebum production, thereby reducing the risk of enlarged filaments and promoting overall skin health.

5. What’s the difference between sebaceous filaments and blackheads?

A sebaceous filament is a small, threadlike structure that lines the inside of hair follicles. It contains an oily substance called sebum and dead skin cells. These filaments are normal and facilitate oil flow from the sebaceous glands to the skin’s surface to keep it moisturized.

In contrast, blackheads are pores that have become clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells, which undergo oxidation, giving them a dark and often bumpy appearance.

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3051853/ 

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10712575 

3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35684143/ 

4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6155029/