Black dots on the nose: not always blackheads?

The black dots on the nose are perhaps not blackheads at all? We'll show you the difference between sebum deposits and real blackheads. And how to remove or express them

Are you trying to get into the annoying black dots on your nose by bringing up all the guns that somehow have "anti-blackheads" in their names and still nothing helps? Maybe it's because the unsightly things aren't blackheads at all.

Unsightly things? Nice. The name of the blackhead competitors is all the more poetic: Follicle filaments or, as you might be more familiar with from English: Sebaceous Filaments.

No blackheads? What are sebaceous filaments?

Follicle filaments are deposits of sebum, also called sebum, and flakes of skin that stick to the pores and look like small threads. They are an integral part of the skin cycle and are particularly important for sebum production. It is therefore extremely difficult to completely remove the filaments, as they keep coming back. Sebaceous filaments collect in groups on the chin, nose and forehead - the so-called T-zone, because this is where most of the sebum glands are located.

What is the difference between blackheads and sebaceous filaments?

How do blackheads arise?

Blackheads (or pimples) occur when the pores become clogged. This happens, for example, through environmental influences, dead skin or make-up or other cosmetics that have not been completely removed. If the pores then still produce oil and sebum as usual, which want to reach the surface of the skin, blackheads and pimples develop. If you look closely you will also notice that blackheads are a little darker than sebaceous filaments. That's because the dirt that clogs your pores oxidizes when it gets to the surface of your skin.

What can be done about follicle filaments?

Short answer: Actually nothing. After all, they are part of the skin. But chemical peelings or clay masks can make the filaments more delicate and less disruptive. By the way, peelings, which gently clean the pores of the deposits, also help against blackheads. Otherwise, daily, gentle skin care is sufficient. Active ingredients such as Salicylic, fruit or lactic acid that are extremely effective against pimples and, in higher doses, even help against acne.