Ever peered into the mirror to find a cluster of dark dots on your nose?

But here’s the thing: Those dots are something else entirely.

In fact, they’re not even atype of acneat all.

Jamie Schneider

What are these specks we speak of?

It turns out, you may be dealing with sebaceous filaments.

But don’t become too concerned, because everybody has themsome are just more noticeable than others.

Below, derms explain everything you’re gonna wanna know about the blackhead look-alikes.

What are sebaceous filaments?

This means your pores have clogged up with too much sebum, dead skin, and bacteria.

Sometimes vellus hairs can even become trapped within the pore, resulting in a condition calledtrichostasis spinulosa.

(For what it’s worth: Both trichostasis spinulosa and sebaceous filaments are often confused for blackheads.)

Summary

What causes them?

However, some people are more prone to clogged filaments than others.

Once those sebaceous filaments build up and up, they can quickly turn intoacne.

How to treat them

Full disclosure: Sebaceous filaments are simply part of your pore structure.

you could’t get rid of them (and, trust, you don’t want to!).

However, you might decrease their appearance once they become noticeable.

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Perhaps see a professional for extractions

Don’t (we repeat: don’t!)

give a shot to extract sebaceous filaments yourself.

And for what it’s worth, you might want to steer clear of at-home extraction tools as well.

They may be difficult to get rid of, but it’s not an impossible feat.