sebaceous filaments

[Anonymous]

I have sebaceous filaments.  I keep investing in face masks, pore strips, exfoliants, scrubs, toners, moisturizers, cleansers, etc.  I cannot seem to reduce the size of my pores and reduce my sebaceous filaments.  Please reply, comment, message if you have the same thing and if you have any ideas on how to get rid of it or reduce it.  Thanks😘 

[greeneyedgirl107]

@Anonymous From what I've read, treatment for SF is similar to that of blackheads.  For one, you want to use a gentle liquid cleanser.  I like First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser 8 oz/ 237 mL .  It's also REALLY important to use a product with BHA.  I only like Paula's Choice.  It comes in 1, 2, 4 and 9%.  Start with the 2% and take it from there.

If you need more help, consider asking your derm if you are a candidate for Retin-A.

While the BHA and Retin-A are the *biggest* game changers, there are some other things you can do.  For example, using oil blotting sheets regularly.  I used to use a Clinique clay mask intermittently, but I found one that I really like at a less expensive price.  It's by VERSED ($9.99 at Target and Dermstore) and is called "Find Clarity Purifiying Mask."  I use it three times a week and it gave me that little extra boost of help that is noticeable.

I also like to use a mechanical scrub here and there, but it's been re-formulated so I don't have a rec for you.

I also started incorporating AHA (10% by Alpha Skin Care) into my routine several months ago, and it helped with the blackheads on my chin.  I totally believe the BHA does way more, but I have hypothesized that the AHA exfoliated the surface of that area better, so it led to my pores being less filled.

Finally, I recently started incorporating a .5% BHA at night before my Retin-A.  That's another thing that gave my skin a little extra help.  What I'm using is by Paula's Choice and is called "Antioxidant Pore Purifier."  It's mainly an antioxidant serum but has a little bit of BHA in it.  I think my skin needed the extra BHA at night.

Good luck!  Let us know how it goes!  🙂

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for your help.  I cant wait to try the Target mask.  I find it a little difficult to find products that help with oily skin, are for sensitive skin, and are not expensive.  Target and CVS are great go tos for me. 

[YouAreAlways]

Following

[tg1973]

BHA and retinol.

[RAWRitsRED]

Hi @Anonymous!

There's no way to permanently shrink pore size.  Exfoliating or using clay/ charcoal masks does help remove sebum and makes pores look smaller tho.

I personally don't use pores strips since pulling it off seems like it would be damaging to my skin.

I recommend oil free, gel, or non- comedogenic products.  I use The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum 2 oz/ 60 mL  which has helped my pores and Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Treatment Face Oil 1.18 oz/ 35 mL  for removing oils.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, but you use oil to control oil??  I hear people say that they use tea tree oil to control their face oil, but does it actually work?  I always stayed away from that because I thought my face is oily enough, so why would I put more oil on it.  

[RAWRitsRED]

@Anonymous 

Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil 1.18 oz/ 35 mL  is not oily at all.  Salicylic acid is actually drying to some people so it's recommended to start using this once a day.

I have super oily skin, acne, and blackheads and this has really helped.

[Anonymous]

Thank you

[quspork]

Oily skin often needs oil to help balance it out, @Anonymous.  Have you tried oil cleansing/double cleansing? That's great for helping clean out pores. Start with a cleansing oil on dry skin and massage around your face for a minute before rinsing with water. Follow that with a gentle cream cleanser to ensure all the residue and dirt is washed away. It can work wonders. A BHA/salicylic acid serum would be helpful for helping to keep your pores clean and can help with SF, but I would advise not starting that unless you have a solid routine of cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, I will definitely try that out.  Do you recommend any specific products for that facial routine?

[quspork]

Any oil cleanser followed by any cream or gel cleanser would be fine, @Anonymous. I love Shiseido's Perfect Cleansing Oil, but a more budget friendly option is The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Oil. My go-to cleansers are philosophy purity or first aid beauty's pure facial cleanser. Neither will dry out your skin leaving it out of balance. 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the recommendation