Sebum Plugs: What Are They, Why Do They Happen & How To Get Rid Of Them For Good

Ever gaze in the mirror to find a cluster of congested pores on your chin or in the crevices of your nose? They might be darker in color, but they're not your run-of-the-mill blackheads. That buildup you may be facing might actually be sebum plugs (also characterized as sebaceous plugs or sebaceous hyperplasia), which require a slightly different plan of action. But don't fret; they're not so difficult to treat. Here, everything you need to know about sebum plugs, plus the best ways to get rid of them for good. 

These oily bumps have a multitude of names with slightly different profiles. For example, board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur, M.D., might diagnose sebaceous hyperplasia, which is "a pink doughnut-looking bump, usually multiple, that often grows after the age of 25 on the oily areas of the forehead, nose, and cheeks," she tells mbg. While it also stems from sebum blocking the hair follicle, it's a little more specific than your average sebum plug; so don't be alarmed if your diagnosis has a more technical name—it may have a slightly different makeup, but the root of the issue is that excess oil trapped within your pores.

So while you may notice a blackhead in the mirror, the root of the problem is a sebum plug, which is what you'll want to treat to keep those blackheads (and whiteheads, for that matter) at bay. Consider them the prerequisite for zits. 

Annoying, yes, but sebum plugs are not cause for alarm. You can get rid of them fairly easily, and as long as you're gentle, they'll be gone without a trace (that is, scarring or discoloration). That said, you want to take extra care to treat these pesky plugs: 

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.

Ross agrees: "Squeezing risks the sebum and dead skin cells getting outside of the follicular unit into other layers of the skin and causing inflammation, which can ultimately lead to scarring." In other words, don't take matters into your own hands—let your skin care, or a licensed esthetician, do the work.

Topical retinoids are another tried-and-true remedy for treating sebum plugs. "They increase the turnover of skin cells and reduce the tendency of cells and keratin debris to clump together and clog up pores," King explains. That's what makes them great for inflammatory and comedonal (aka, pore-clogging) acne. 

So, if you want to stop the sebum plug at the source, the best route is to go with the aforementioned remedies. Plus, pore strips can cause irritation if you're not careful: "The adhesive can traumatize the skin, so be sure to use them carefully and follow the instructions," King says. 

Sebum plugs are actually quite common; while you might characterize them generally as blackheads, it's important to understand their origin story so you can treat them correctly. While removing blackheads can rid that superficial layer of buildup, you'll want to target the plug at the source for the best results. All in all, they're not so scary; the core of the issue is essentially clogged pores—a skin care woe that's unfortunately all too familiar.