High-dose red light photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers highly effective and durable treatment for acne by selectively destroying the sebaceous gland.
Sebum plugs result from hormones and increased stress levels. Sebum plugs usually develop on the face, including the forehead, chin and nose.
Regular use of a salicylic acid can really help target sebaceous filaments because this ingredient is oil-soluble and can dissolve sebum and other substances crowding the pore lining.
Though you may be tempted to squeeze or otherwise get rid of a sebaceous filament, it's best to leave them alone. Squeezing or picking at sebaceous filaments risks scarring and spreading any bacteria that may be in or around the pore to other parts of your face, causing a breakout.
Salicylic acid is oil-soluble , which means that it can penetrate sebum and help clear pores. If a person has not used a product with salicylic acid before, it may be a good idea to start with one application every day or every other day. If dryness or peeling occurs, use the product less often.
What Does Sebum Buildup Look Like? Sebum buildup appears as white or yellowish oily residue on the scalp. It sometimes produces flakes on the scalp and may be mistaken for dandruff, scalp eczema, or psoriasis.
An overproduction of sebum can lead to oily skin. People with oily skin may notice that their pores look larger, and their skin appears greasy or shiny. Excess sebum combined with dead skin cells can form a plug inside the pore, resulting in blackheads and pimples.
As mentioned, sebaceous filaments are healthy, the goal is not to try and remove them completely (which you would do well to achieve anyway). The objective is to prevent them from turning into breakouts or cysts. We would recommend a gentle exfoliator to break down and dissolve the sebum plugs.
Retinol helps to boost cell turnover, removing layers of dead skin that can trap excess sebum resulting in pimples. Another ingredient recommended by the experts is salicylic acid, which helps to regulate oil production as well as clear clogged pores and exfoliate dry skin.
Androgens. Increased sebum production due to androgens' activity at the sebaceous follicle is a prerequisite for acne in all patients. High level of androgens, or hypersensitivity of the sebaceous glands to a normal level of androgens, causes an increase in sebum production.
Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that works alongside our sebaceous glands to regulate sebum production. Vitamin D helps our bodies protect against insulin resistance which can lead to oily skin as insulin stimulates the overproduction of sebum.
Isotretinoin. Also known as 13-cis retinoic acid, isotretinoin is an oral retinoid that has been proven to result in the greatest reduction of sebum among all other mentioned treatment options.