What are Sebaceous Filaments?

Sebaceous filaments are natural structures found within the pores of the skin. They are made up of oil (sebum) and dead skin cells that surround the hair follicles. Their main function is to help move oil from the sebaceous glands to the surface of the skin. This is what keeps our skin naturally moisturized!

Normally, sebaceous filaments are invisible, but in people with oily skin or larger pores, they can become more obvious. Their color tends to be light yellow or light gray, and they don’t turn black unless they undergo oxidation, which can lead to blackheads.

Are Sebaceous Filaments the Same as Blackheads?

There is so much misunderstanding between these two types of skin conditions, people like to think that they are the same thing. But no, sebaceous filaments are different from blackheads. Blackheads form when sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria build up and clog the pores. When the top of the clogged pore is open and exposed to air, the sebum inside oxidizes and turns black or what we know as blackheads.

Instead, sebaceous filaments function more as oil transporters and are not the result of a clogged pore. While they can develop into blackheads, this condition is usually harmless and part of the skin’s natural mechanism. So, don’t get it wrong Sereni-Trees!

How to Distinguish Sebaceous Filaments from Blackheads?

Here are some key differences between sebaceous filaments and blackheads:

1. Color: Sebaceous filaments are usually light or gray in color, while blackheads are black due to oxidation.
2. Size and Shape: Blackheads are usually larger and look like small, more defined bumps. Sebaceous filaments, on the other hand, are thinner and often more scattered.
3. Function: Sebaceous filaments function as part of the skin’s natural system to maintain oil balance, while blackheads are pores that are clogged with excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Why should Sebaceous Filaments not be squeezed?

Many people feel tempted to squeeze out this skin condition in the hope of getting clearer skin. However, we don’t recommend this! Here are some of the reasons why:

• The pore will fill up again: After we squeeze, the pore will refill with sebum in no time.
• Risk of infection: Pore-pulling can lead to the spread of bacteria to other areas of the face, which can cause acne. Especially if we use dirty hands!
• Potential scarring: Squeezing too hard or too often can cause permanent damage to the skin, including scarring and enlarged pores.

After seeing these 3 reasons, it’s clear that we shouldn’t squeeze them! After all, it’s not detrimental and is actually good for our skin.

How to deal with blackheads?

Unlike sebaceous filaments, blackheads can and should be treated. Some effective methods to treat blackheads include:

• Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a popular ingredient in acne treatments that works by exfoliating the skin and keeping the pores clear. It is available in various forms, including facial cleansers and toners. Its regular use can help prevent blackheads.

• Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid that helps remove dead skin cells without drying out the skin. It helps prevent the buildup of dead skin cells and sebum, so pores don’t get clogged.

• Retinoids

Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A that help speed up skin cell regeneration. They work by reducing the formation of blackheads and acne, and improving skin texture.

• Face Mask

Masks containing activated charcoal or clay (kaolin or bentonite) help draw out dirt, oil and bacteria from the skin. Regular use of masks can help clean pores and prevent blackheads.

• Professional Care

If you have an intractable blackhead problem, treatment by an esthetician or dermatologist may be a solution. Some commonly used methods include pore vacuum and microdermabrasion treatments.

Alternatively, you can use natural ingredients. For example, Sweet Almond Oil and Olive Oil can help maintain oil balance in the skin, preventing pores from being clogged with excess sebum. Licorice Root and Niacinamide can help even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation often caused by acne or inflamed blackheads. Vegetable Glycerine moisturizes and keeps pores clean, while Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects skin from damage that can aggravate blackheads. Curious about the efficacy of these natural ingredients? Try Serenitree’s brightening body lotion first!

Serenitree Blackhead Prevention

Instead of dealing with them, it’s better to prevent blackheads. To avoid blackheads, it’s important to maintain a good skincare routine. Here are some prevention tips that you can try:

• Wash your face regularly: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. If your skin tends to be oily, consider using products that contain salicylic acid.
• Exfoliate the skin: Exfoliate your skin once a week to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores.
• Use a face mask: Use a face mask once a week to keep your pores clean.
• Healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help maintain healthy skin from within.
• Consult a dermatologist: Visit a dermatologist regularly to evaluate the skin condition and get appropriate treatment.

Sebaceous filaments may look like blackheads, but they play an important role in keeping your skin moisturized. As annoying as it may seem, it’s best not to try to squeeze sebaceous filaments, as this can lead to other skin problems such as infection and scarring. Instead, it’s better to take care of your skin so that problems like blackheads don’t arise. Hope this article helps, Sereni-Trees!

The post What are Sebaceous Filaments and How to Treat Them? appeared first on Serenitree Indonesia.

So, today Serenitree will discuss the most common types of acne. There are usually 5 acne types, namely: Whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, papules and cystic acne. Let’s read until the end, it could be that what you think is not acne turns out to be acne!

Whiteheads

Not many people know that comedo is a type of acne! However, comedo is the basic acne that first appears when our pores are clogged with oil, bacteria and dead skin cells. If not resolved, then the comedo will turn into other acne types. 

Unlike blackheads, whiteheads occur below the surface of the skin when the pores are still closed. The characteristics of whiteheads are small bumps or spots of white color. 

Why does it happen? Apart from pore blockage, this type of acne is commonly formed due to hormones. That’s why it becomes more prevalent when a person’s hormones are elevated (e.g. during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation).

We often see videos on how to extract whiteheads using tools. It does look satisfying, but it turns out that this method is not recommended! This will actually spread bacteria and worsen acne. Therefore, we should overcome this by washing our face every morning and night with warm water combined with a gentle cleanser. Don’t forget to use skincare with salicylic and glycolic acid!

Blackheads

While whiteheads are located below the surface of the skin, blackheads are pimples located above the surface of the skin! 

You can see the characteristics of blackheads by the presence of black spots on the skin. The tip of this pimple is black due to increased skin pigment.

The reason for these blackheads is due to the buildup of oil, bacteria, dead skin cells and exposure to dust, or lack of skin hygiene. Almost the same factor as whiteheads, right?

However, it is a bit more difficult to treat than whiteheads. Serenitree highly recommends that you refer to a professional for safe extraction of blackheads (e.g. a facial). We can also prevent them by exfoliating diligently and using products with glycolic acid or retinol. Keep up with your hygiene to avoid blackheads!

Cystic Acne

This is known as “cystic” acne and is one of the acne types that has become inflamed. The causes are many, it could be due to hormones, excess oil production, facial hygiene or exposure to certain medications.

The characteristics of acne are redness and bumps that can continue to grow if the infection is not stopped. Usually the pimple will first feel soft to the touch (contains pus) and then turn hard (pus has hardened) over time. 

As a result, these pimples are prone to leaving marks. These marks are also difficult to disappear! That’s why we don’t recommend squeezing them! Apart from being painful, it is also prone to spreading bacteria. The most effective way to treat it is to refer to a professional. You will have several alternatives depending on the level of inflammation, for example: steroid injections, retinoids and isotretinoin, and antibiotics.

Pustules

Just like cystic acne, pustules also have pus in them! 

The characteristic is a red lump filled with pus with white in the middle. If touched, it can be painful so it feels uncomfortable. Teenagers are usually more prone to pustules.

Why do pustules form? The formation of pustules is due to inflammation that starts with clogged pores. The infection is generally caused by our immune system, namely white blood cells, to fight bacteria in the pores. That is what will then become pus in the pustules. Allergic reactions, hormonal changes and dirt on the skin can also be contributing factors!

For treatment, we can use topical acne medications containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids, take antibiotics and perform photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy is a laser therapy that aims to eliminate acne and shrink oil glands.

Papula

The difference between papules and cystic acne and pustules is that they do not contain pus. 

Generally, papules will be solid lumps that appear reddish with no white color in the center. The bump is small, approximately ⅕ of an inch. If not treated immediately, papules can turn into acne pustules in a matter of days.

The appearance of papules is a combination of follicle blockage, bacterial infection, stress, hormonal changes and excess sugar consumption. So to avoid this, make sure we always pay attention to the cleanliness of our hair, skin, and the balance of mental and physical health!

The treatment is more or less the same as for pustules, using topical medication and antibiotics. However, there are some additional things we can do such as taking birth control pills or hormone therapy. The function is to stabilize hormones and reduce excess oil/sebum production.

Natural Skincare and Acne

So, what is your acne type Serenitree Squad? Have you been successful in combating skin acne problems? Indeed, treatment will be much more difficult and longer than prevention.

Why are natural products superior? Obviously because the ingredients come from nature so there is very little risk of someone experiencing an allergic reaction or other negative side effects. As a result, the skin stays healthy and supple! Taking care of your skin is a form of acne prevention!

That’s why it’s best to prevent them as early as possible. Serenitree can support you in terms of natural treatments that are safe for the skin. The natural ingredients are very effective in combating irritation and keeping the skin moisturized! For example: Vegetable Glycerin that soothes irritation and protects skin from infection or Calendula Extract that regenerates dead skin cells to prevent build-up.

Let’s check out Serenitree’s skincare for a start! Once you try it, you just might get addicted to it!

The post Recognize 5 Acne Types & How to Effectively Treat It! appeared first on Serenitree Indonesia.