Until now many people still think this is a blackhead…

Answer: This is actually a sebum filament, also called sebaceous filaments.

In fact, sebum filaments are a manifestation of sebaceous gland disorders, formed from sebum, excess oil, dead cells and dirt. These filaments lie deep inside the hair follicles or protrude above the skin surface, are opaque white or ivory white, soft, and very easy to pry off.

Are sebaceous filaments bad?

Sebaceous filaments are a normal, healthy element of your skin. They help sebum travel to the surface of your skin. Sebum helps keep your skin and hair hydrated and shiny.

What’s the difference between sebaceous filaments and blackheads?

Sebaceous filaments look similar to blackheads, but they’re not the same.

Blackheads are a type of acne. They’re open, dark-colored bumps on the surface of your skin that fill with excess oil and dead skin. In a blackhead, a plug of sebum is at the surface of your skin. The plug prevents oil from traveling through the pore.