Sebaceous filaments are the small grey or yellowish dots you see in the pores of your nose and chin. They are a normal part of the skin, not blackheads, and you cannot get rid of them permanently. You can make them and large pores less noticeable with gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic products, salicylic acid, retinoids and daily sunscreen. Squeezing and pore strips tend to make things worse.
This guide explains what sebaceous filaments are, how they differ from blackheads, and what actually helps large pores.
What are sebaceous filaments?
Cleveland Clinic describes sebaceous filaments as thin, threadlike structures that line the oil glands and help move sebum, the skin’s natural oil, to the surface. Sebum keeps skin and hair hydrated. Everyone has them; they become more noticeable when the glands produce a lot of oil or the skin starts to loosen.
They are most visible on the nose, forehead, chin and cheeks, but can appear anywhere there are oil glands.
Sebaceous filaments vs blackheads
| Sebaceous filaments | Blackheads | |
|---|---|---|
| What they are | A normal part of the skin | A type of acne |
| Plug | No plug; oil flows freely to the surface | A plug of oil and dead skin blocks the pore |
| Look | Small, flat, grey, light brown or yellow | Dark, slightly raised bumps |
Cleveland Clinic explains that the dark look of a blackhead is not dirt: it comes from light reflecting irregularly off the clogged follicle.
Why pores look larger
Pore size is largely set by your skin, but several things make pores more noticeable. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and Cleveland Clinic list:
- Oil. Clogged pores and an oily complexion make pores look larger.
- Age and sagging. As skin loses firmness, pores look larger. Cleveland Clinic notes this often becomes visible in the 40s and 50s.
- Sun damage. The more sun-damaged the skin, the less firm it is.
- Irritation. Scrubbing, hot water and picking inflame the skin and make pores more noticeable.
- Over-washing. Drying the skin out can make the oil glands work harder.
What helps large pores and sebaceous filaments
These are the steps the AAD and Cleveland Clinic recommend:
- Use non-comedogenic products. Look for “non-comedogenic”, “oil free” or “won’t clog pores” on everything you put on your face, including makeup.
- Cleanse twice a day, gently. Use warm, not hot, water and a gentle cleanser, and do not scrub.
- Try salicylic acid. The AAD says studies show it can unclog pores. If it dries your skin, use it once a day and a mild cleanser the other time.
- Add a retinoid. Retinol or retinyl palmitate at night may help. Cleveland Clinic lists retinoids such as adapalene, which is available without a prescription, for preventing clogged pores. Using them every other day, or with a moisturizer, reduces irritation.
- Moisturize. Even oily skin needs it, according to the AAD.
- Wear sunscreen every day. Broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, to prevent the sun damage that loosens skin.
- Exfoliate safely. The AAD says exfoliating may make pores less noticeable, but it needs to be done carefully.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the AAD says not to use products containing retinol or retinyl palmitate.
What to avoid
- Squeezing. Cleveland Clinic says sebaceous filaments refill within about 30 days, and pressing with your nails can irritate or damage the skin.
- Pore strips. They can remove sebaceous filaments, which help keep skin hydrated; removing them can dry the skin and let in bacteria that cause acne.
- Harsh cleansers. The AAD warns that a face wash that is too strong can irritate the skin and trigger more oil.
In-office options
When pores look larger because skin is losing firmness, the AAD suggests a dermatologist can recommend treatments to tighten the skin, many of which need no downtime. A provider can also exfoliate your skin in the office. Our guides to what a HydraFacial involves, chemical peels and microneedling explain the main options and their limits.
If you have blackheads or other acne as well, treating the acne helps, because acne clogs pores. See our acne page.
Frequently asked questions
Can you shrink pores permanently?
None of the sources we read describes a way to permanently change pore size. The steps above make pores less noticeable.
Do pore strips work?
They can pull out sebaceous filaments, but Cleveland Clinic advises care, because removing them can dry out the skin and let bacteria in.
When should I see a professional?
Cleveland Clinic suggests seeing a provider if over-the-counter products do not help, or if you also have more severe acne.
Next step
You can read about HydraFacial at Beauté Medical Aesthetics, or book a consultation to have your skin assessed.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. Sebaceous Filaments.
- American Academy of Dermatology. What can treat large facial pores?
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to control oily skin. Last updated September 3, 2024.
- Cleveland Clinic. Blackheads.
Double Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
Beauté Medical Aesthetics
