If your blackheads have nine lives and are immune to every treatment on the planet, we have news for you. Your blackheads, might not actually be blackheads.
According to skin care expert Caroline Hirons, if you’ve been obsessing over your blackhead speckled nose and wondering why you still have this issue at 30+, you should “stop looking at your nose in a magnifying mirror right now”. Because, as Caroline suggests “you probably just have dark pores”.
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These ‘dark pores’ go by the name of ‘sebaceous filaments’, and they typically inhabit the t-zone. But how can you tell which is which?
If you get in close enough to examine the surface of your nose (a flattering sight we know), you may see what looks like a scattering of dark dots. But, inspect a little further.
If they are indeed black, then chances are you are looking at blackheads.
However, if they are a darker yellow, grey or clearer tone, then you’ve got sebaceous filaments.
Infact, everyone has them. They are part of the skins pore structure and they are responsible for channeling the flow of oil along the lining of the pores in which they sit. As your pores begin to fill up with this oil, the filaments become more visible.
The good news; hardly anyone even notices them. And the bad news; you can’t totally eradicate them so don’t drive yourself mad trying.
However you can help keep them under control with regular BHA acids, like salicylic acid, as they are able to dissolve the oil build up within the pore lining.
bh recommends: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Burt’s Bees Soapbark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream, Sukin Naturals Blemish Control Spot Banishing Gel
If you’re still unsure of the difference, a way to test (albeit a gross way) is to see the consistency when extracted.
Sebaceous filaments will resemble a free-flowing, tiny strand of wax-like hair when squeezed out, while blackheads have a plug-like appearance. Apologies for the visual.
While it’s not a guaranteed development, sebaceous filaments will become dark if the pore lining becomes exposed to oxygen, aka turning into a blackhead.Skin care class, dismissed.Main image credit: @theparlourclovellyDo you battle with stubborn blackheads? What are your tips for dealing with sebaceous filaments?
I had blackheads since forever until a few years back. Used to squeeze them out. Woops. Just enlarged pores now. I exfoliate. And do skincare routine now. As before I did nothing when my skin was so oily and I ate bad foods. All pores were clogged.
Haven’t had a blackhead in years (one of the very few advantages of aging). Dark pores sound sinister, glad to know they are easily dealt with.
Good old primer to the rescue again
Like most teens, I had blackheads when I was younger. I’m early 50s now and thankfully they aren’t an issue for me anymore. I keep my skin clear by always making sure I cleanse thoroughly, exfoliating once a week, and using my Foreo a couple of times per week. I’ve had my Foreo for a long time, and it’s definitely worth the investment. It’s made a huge difference to the condition of my skin.
Wow didn’t know that you can have dark pores Thank You BH for the information try to keep my skin clean and always take makeup off before going to bed, this helps to keep your skin radiant with the help of Serums.
I have so many blackheads, going to check now if some are just dark pores.
Fortunately blackheads have never been a problem for me.
I’ve been using salicylic acid for a year and I have noticed a difference
I get the occasional blackhead but not that many.
Thankfully mostly they’ve died off now that I’m not a spring chicken anymore! Something for all those worried about getting older – there are so many great benefits and things to look forward to!
You need to check them, I had what I thought was a black head years ago and it turned out to be a BCC skin cancer which had to be removed.
Luckily my blackheads were left behind many, many years ago.
….or maybe freckles…!
I’ve got mostly dark pores, but blackheads crop up almost instantly if I don’t exfoliate.
Interesting… I’ve never heard of dark pores… Thanks for sharing!!!
I dislike both!
Very informative, thank you!
Cleansing every morning and double cleansing ta night is so important
I am lucky that my black heads are gone now that I am older
I had so many blackheads when i was 20s.But regular skincare routine helps me lot.
I’ve never had many blackheads or pimples
One of the most frequently asked questions in Bh’s forums over the years has been people asking about how to remove their blackheads. I knew about the difference between blackheads and sebaceous filaments, but this article is a great explanation.
I have dark and enlarged pores :(. I’ll have to start exfoliation as well as applying a pore refining toner on them as this seems to help make the pores appear slightly smaller.
Mine are just blackheads, haha. Although it sounds like I do suffer from these as well. I’m plan to include more AHAs and BHAs into my skincare
Hear, hear!
Well then I have a whole lot of sebaceous filaments and a rare blackhead…
I don’t think you can mistake the two.
Well I don’t think you can mistake the two on your own face. Maybe on someone else’s.
(by that I mean freckles vs other pore issues)
Yes Elunia, I agree
i dont get much blackheads although great tips
Regular cleansing has always helped me in my fight against blackheads. I don’t have too much of a problem these days.
The more you know.
i have so many blackheads! maybe thats why
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