I hate to be the one to introduce you to “sebum plugs,” but when I can’t un-hear it, neither are you able to. Not sure as to what it was myself, I requested some specialists to elucidate, and it seems you’ll be able to take the time period actually. “Typically talking, a sebum plug is an accumulation of the pores and skin’s pure oils inside your pore,” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD.
Mainly, the sebaceous glands—which accompany each hair follicle on the physique—create an oily liquid (sebum) that, when combined with useless pores and skin cells and micro organism, plugs the pore, says dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD. “Sebum plugs are basically the muse of our blackheads and whiteheads, and infrequently even our painful cysts,” she says.
Dr. Nazarian describes them as “skinny waxy strands” (when pulled from the pore), that are usually gentle in colour however flip darkish upon oxidation—which is why they’re then known as blackheads. In truth, Dr. Zeichner admits the excellence between the 2 will not be all that strong. “The definition is unquestionably a grey zone, and it’s not clear whether or not it differs from a real blackhead,” he says. Regardless, sebum plugs might be discovered wherever on the physique, although they usually plague individuals on the nostril, chin, and brow.
Right here’s the fitting option to layer your magnificence merchandise:
Widespread medicinal topicals are the perfect remedy possibility for sebum plugs. “Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that helps take away extra oil and exfoliate useless cells from the floor of the pores and skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It might probably assist maintain the pores clear.” To deal with a person spot, he recommends utilizing a leave-on salicylic acid 2 % spot remedy, like Clear & Clear’s Benefit Spot Therapy ($10). Dr. Nazarian additionally recommends use of glycolic acid and retinoids, and says that if all else fails, a board-certified dermatologist can gently and safely take away them with out injuring the tissue. “In case you have a big plug or a blockage, it could be eliminated utilizing a comedone extractor in your dermatologist’s workplace,” Dr. Zeichner agrees.
Should you by no means need to take into consideration the phrases “sebum plug” once more after studying this text, preventive measures might be taken to keep away from having to face them within the mirror. “Common use of hydroxy acid cleansers might help exfoliate useless cells and maintain the pores clear,” Dr. Zeichner. For this objective, he recommends Ghost Democracy’s Clear Every day Exfoliating Cleanser ($24), which comprises a combo of glycolic and mandelic acid together with willow bark extract, a pure type of salicylic acid.
Dr. Nazarian prefers retinoids for the aim of reducing each oil manufacturing and the scale of the sebaceous glands; nonetheless, there’s a caveat to her suggestion. “If overused, the sebaceous gland’s exercise can lower an excessive amount of, and pores and skin can change into too dry—so use sparingly,” she says.
That’s all for at the moment’s lesson, of us! Sorry that you may’t un-hear “sebum plugs.”
Coping with sebum plugs—ahem, pimples—but additionally hyper pigmentation? Right here’s which one to sort out first. Plus, steal Dr. Pimple Popper’s trick for turning your cleanser into an anti-acne masks.
