Allure Laser & Skin Studio

Think you have stubborn blackheads? You might be looking at sebaceous filaments instead.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions in skincare.

Sebaceous filaments and blackheads look almost identical, but they’re not the same thing. Sebaceous filaments are a completely normal part of healthy skin. They help move your skin’s natural oil to the surface and are most common on the nose, chin, and forehead.

Unlike blackheads, they aren’t clogged pores. They can be extracted during a facial, but because they’re part of your skin’s normal function, they’ll naturally refill over time.

Knowing the difference can help you choose the right skincare and avoid damaging your skin trying to “get rid of blackheads” that aren’t actually blackheads.

As an aesthetician for 26 years, this conversation is personal.

As a teenager, I was obsessed with tanning. Tanning beds, laying in the sun, chasing the perfect bronze glow—I did it all. At the time, it felt normal. Looking back, I wish I had known what I know now.

Fast forward to today, and I spend my career helping clients treat and prevent sun damage, pigmentation, premature aging, and the long-term effects of UV exposure. Ironically, my biggest challenge isn’t educating my clients—it’s convincing my own teenage daughter that a tan isn’t worth risking your skin for.

These days, I still love looking tan, but you’ll never catch me tanning. SPF every single day and self-tanner 365 days a year. You really can have the glow without the damage.

If you’re a parent, I’d love to know… have you managed to convince your teenager that protecting their skin is more important than getting a tan?

If you’re constantly breaking out, the problem might not be excess oil—it’s dead skin buildup.

Acne-prone skin often experiences retention hyperkeratosis, meaning dead skin cells don’t shed properly. Instead, they clog pores and create microcomedones, the first stage of acne.

The biggest mistake? Using strong exfoliants only once or twice a week.

Instead, choose a gentle exfoliant that you can use consistently. Just like working out, consistency beats intensity when it comes to keeping acne under control.

⚠️ If your skin barrier is damaged or your skin feels irritated, repair your barrier first before increasing exfoliation.

Save this post if you’re struggling with acne, and follow for more evidence-based skincare tips that actually work.