Understanding Acne Part 3 – Blackheads, Sebaceous Filaments & Perioral Dermatitis – What’s the difference?
Acne-Prone Skin – In our ongoing journey to understand acne, today we’ll clarify three commonly misunderstood skin conditions: blackheads, sebaceous filaments, and perioral dermatitis. While they may look similar at a glance, each has unique characteristics, causes, and treatments. Read on to better understand these skin conditions and how they may impact your skincare routine.
The Difference Between Blackheads and Sebaceous Filaments?
What are Blackheads?
Blackheads, a common form of acne, occur when pores are clogged by a mix of dead skin cells and excess oil (sebum). Unlike whiteheads, which remain closed under the skin, blackheads are open at the surface, which allows the clog to oxidise and turn a dark colour, hence the name ‘blackhead’. These are most commonly seen on the nose, chin, and forehead but can appear anywhere on the face or body.
How Can I Unclog Pores?
Blackheads are often caused by excess oil production, not fully cleansing the skin, or using skincare products that may clog pores. Regular facial treatments can typically help with deeper cleansing to remove oils and exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, making blackheads less likely to form.
In clinic we work with a variety of trusted skincare brands, including: pH Formula, Juliette Armand, iS Clinical, Environ, Innoaesthetics, CLINICCARE and SVR Laboratoire Dermatologique. The reputable skincare brands offer a selection of acne targeted products that can suit all skin types and needs and can effectively unclog pores and promote clearer, healthier skin. A good active deep cleansing cleanser is key, along with a mild exfoliator, enriched with gentle alpha and beta hydroxy acids, can help by working to dissolve excess oil and remove dead skin cells, preventing the buildup that leads to clogged pores. Our favourites are:
SVR Laboratoire Dermatologique Microgommage 2in1 Scrub Lift
Adding a targeted serum into your skincare routine can be beneficial, that includes ingredients like salicylic acid, which deeply penetrates the pores to combat impurities, and niacinamide, known for reducing oil production and refining the appearance of pores. Skincare serums should be carefully chosen to balance and support your skin without over-drying, ensuring a fresh, revitalised complexion. We love the SVR Laboratoire SebiaClear Flash Anti-Blemish Serum.
When treating or caring for acne-prone skin, it is important to help give the skin a deep exfoliation and help with preventation, a regularly facial can help to keep the skin clearer, blemish free and blackhead free. Facials are designed to deeply cleanse and give clarity to your skin by unclogging pores and promoting a healthy, radiant complexion. Our HydraFacial treatment combines gentle hydro-dermabrasion exfoliation with targeted solutions to remove impurities and leave your skin feeling refreshed and balanced. For a more intensive approach, our chemical peels target dead skin cells and congestion, revealing smoother, clearer skin underneath. For those seeking a thorough skin renewal, resurfacing treatments such as pH Formula resurfacing or Fire & Ice resurfacing help to improve texture, reduce pore size, and enhance skin tone.
What are Sebaceous Filaments?
Sebaceous filaments are often mistaken for blackheads, but they serve an entirely different purpose. These are tiny, naturally occurring tubes in the skin that help channel sebum from the oil glands to the skin surface, keeping skin moisturised. Sebaceous filaments are usually light grey, yellow, or flesh-coloured and appear on the nose, chin, and central face areas.
How Can I Treat Sebaceous Filaments?
Unlike blackheads, sebaceous filaments aren’t a form of acne. They don’t result from a clog; they’re simply part of your skin’s structure and function. Trying to remove them can irritate the skin and increase oil production, causing more visible pores. Instead, the best approach to minimising the appearance of sebaceous filaments is gentle cleansing and oil control, using non-comedogenic products to keep oil levels balanced. We love the Environ Pre-Cleansing Oil and Environ Low Foaming Cleanser as a great combination for removing makeup thoroughly, double cleansing and cleaning the skin for a fresh face.
Acne-Prone Skin – Acne vs. Perioral Dermatitis – The Confusion
What is Perioral Dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis is a red, bumpy rash that appears around the mouth, nose, or even eyes. Although it can look similar to acne, perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory condition often related to sensitive skin or skin barrier disruption rather than clogged pores. Triggers for perioral dermatitis can include topical steroid creams, certain skincare products, or even toothpaste.
The small, red bumps of perioral dermatitis may resemble acne, leading many to misdiagnose it as such. However, treating perioral dermatitis with acne products can actually worsen the condition.
How Can I Treat Perioral Dermatitis?
Proper treatment involves eliminating any irritants and sometimes using prescribed topical or oral medications. This will require the recommendation of a dermatologist or trained skincare professional who can diagnose perioral dermatitis accurately and guide treatment to restore calm, clear skin.
A consultation with our experienced skin specialist can be arranged by contacting our clinic BOOK CONSULTATION
Why are Acne and Perioral Dermatitis Commonly Confused?
Acne and perioral dermatitis can appear similarly red, bumpy, and inflamed, but their causes and treatments are quite different. Acne is largely a pore-clogging skin condition influenced by oil and bacteria, whereas perioral dermatitis is more about inflammation and irritation. Differentiating between the two is essential for effective treatment, as treating perioral dermatitis with typical acne products can dry out and irritate the skin further.
Conclusion – Personalised Approach to Clearer Skin
Understanding the differences between blackheads, sebaceous filaments, and perioral dermatitis can help you approach skincare with more confidence. We always advise those who are concerned about acne-prone skin, problematic skin, congested skin or general skincare concerns should seek a consultation with a dermatologist or our multi-award winning skin specialist. Self-diagnosing skin issues can often lead to using the wrong products or treatments, which may worsen the problem or irritate the skin further. Our skin specialist can assess your unique skin type and skin concerns, using a facial scanning analysis if you prefer, this can be beneficial to ensuring that all treatment plans are personalised to your skin concerns and effective for your skin type and condition. Trusting our skin expert helps you achieve clearer, calmer skin quicker and ensures you protect your skin health.
