"Salicylic acid is an excellent comedolytic, or pore-clearing, ingredient because it exfoliates the stratum corner (the surface of the skin) and penetrates into pores to remove sebum." And if you're facing some sebum plugs on your scalp, a chemical scalp scrub may help give your hair follicles a necessary tune-up.
Warm compress: Applying a warm compress or washcloth soaked in warm water on the bumps can help dissolve buildup. While this won't get rid of sebaceous hyperplasia, it can make the bumps smaller and less noticeable.
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.
Try oil cleansing
Oil dissolves oil, so an oil cleanser can actually eliminate excess sebum, as well as daily dirt and grime (aka, the exact recipe for sebaceous filaments). "I especially like oil cleansers for oily, congested skin," says Britta Plug, holistic esthetician and mbg Collective member.
Additionally, a diluted ACV solution can help to remove residual product build-up, as well as excess dirt and sebum.
The main cause of an overproduction of sebum is hormonal imbalances, including as a result of puberty and pregnancy. “As well as hormones, heat, exercise and genetics play a part,” says Kate Kerr, acclaimed clinical facialist.
Diets higher in protein and fiber and lower in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates work well for oily and acne-prone skin. To reduce sebum production, try a Paleolithic diet (rich in fruits, veggies, nuts, and lean meats) or a Mediterranean-style diet (rich in fruits, veggies, fish, olive oil, and legumes).
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.
Vitamin B5
According to Dr. Dach, “Vitamin B5 works by reducing the oil production of the sebaceous glands.” Dach also recommends using L-Carnitine in conjunction with pantothenic acid, which can boost its effects.
People report that baking soda, dissolved in water, can remove excess oil and buildup, soften your hair, and restore shine. But the method is not foolproof — some people have reported severe damage to their hair over time.
Most acne treatments work by reducing sebum levels, stripping away dead skin cells or killing the bacteria that can grow inside red, inflamed acne lesions. Currently, there's no scientific evidence that baking soda is effective at getting rid of acne or preventing breakouts.
Sebaceous hyperplasia usually does not go away without treatment, but the bumps are also harmless and don't necessarily need to be treated. Sebaceous hyperplasia is not contagious. This article reviews the symptoms and causes of sebaceous hyperplasia.
Sebaceous filaments are a normal part of your skin, which means you cannot get rid of them. Sebaceous filaments can never be completely removed. If they are extracted, they return quickly, usually within 30 days or less for those with very oily skin.
“Using a cleansing oil before your face wash is also key to make sure you are removing all your makeup and outside pollutants,” Dr. Graf says. “You will notice a cleaner canvas of your face when you start to double cleanse, and the oil cleanser will work to remove sebum as well.”
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.
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.
Diets higher in protein and fiber and lower in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates work well for oily and acne-prone skin. To reduce sebum production, try a Paleolithic diet (rich in fruits, veggies, nuts, and lean meats) or a Mediterranean-style diet (rich in fruits, veggies, fish, olive oil, and legumes).
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.