09/28/2026
Sebaceous Filaments
Those Little Black Dots on Your Nose May Not Be Acne!
Have you ever looked closely at your nose and noticed tiny black or gray dots? They may actually be sebaceous filaments and not blackheads!
Sebaceous filaments vs. blackheads: Blackheads are clogged pores containing oxidized sebum and dead skin cells. Sebaceous filaments are a normal structure within the pore. They can look very similar, which is why it’s easy to confuse the two.
I see many patients who think these spots are acne and try to squeeze, scrub, or pick them away. But sebaceous filaments are a normal part of your skin. They help guide oil from your sebaceous glands to the surface of your skin.
They’re especially noticeable around the nose and T-zone, where we naturally have more oil glands.
So, how do you make them less noticeable?
• Salicylic acid can help keep pores clear and reduce excess oil.
• Retinoids can help regulate cell turnover and keep pores from becoming clogged.
• Gentle cleansing can remove excess oil without irritating the skin.
• Avoid aggressive squeezing, pore strips, and excessive scrubbing, which can irritate the skin and make the area look worse.
You may not be able to permanently get rid of sebaceous filaments, but you can make them much less noticeable.
Not every black dot is acne! If you’re unsure what you’re seeing on your skin, come into Clarus Dermatology for a customized skin care routine.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24571-sebaceous-filaments
Nathan Jones, PA-C