Sebaceous Hyperplasia Explained: No, It’s Not a Zit
Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Understanding the skin-colored bumps that mimic acne but aren't.
Have you ever noticed small, soft bumps on your face that look like whiteheads but never actually go away? Maybe you’ve tried to “pop” them, only to find they don’t respond like a typical blemish.
Chances are, you may be dealing with sebaceous hyperplasia—a common, benign skin condition that’s often mistaken for acne.
Let’s clear up what it is, why it forms, and what you can do about it.
What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia is the enlargement of the skin’s oil (sebaceous) glands. It shows up as:
Small, skin-colored or yellowish bumps
Soft to the touch, often with a central indentation
Most common on the forehead, cheeks, and nose
Not inflamed, painful, or filled with pus
Because they tend to blend in with the skin tone and resemble under-the-surface blemishes, it’s easy to confuse them with cystic acne. But unlike a pimple, sebaceous hyperplasia isn’t an infection or a clogged pore, and it cannot be extracted.
What Causes It?
Sebaceous hyperplasia typically occurs when oil glands become enlarged and overactive. Several factors can contribute:
Chronic sun exposure
Age-related changes in the skin
Genetic predisposition
Oily or combination skin types
Hormonal shifts or long-term medication use
It tends to appear in adults over 30, particularly in those who’ve spent a lot of time in the sun or have naturally oilier skin.
Is It Harmful?
No — sebaceous hyperplasia is benign and harmless. But for many people, it’s a cosmetic concern. These bumps can disrupt skin texture, and since they don’t respond to standard acne treatments, they often stick around longer than most people would like.
Can SPF Help with Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
Yes — and it’s one of the most important tools for preventing and managing this condition.
Chronic sun exposure is a major contributor to sebaceous hyperplasia. UV damage can thicken the skin, alter oil gland function, and lead to long-term structural changes — all of which can trigger or worsen enlarged oil glands.
Daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF helps:
Protect the skin from further sun-induced damage
Slow the appearance or progression of new lesions
Minimize thickening and texture buildup
Support overall skin health and barrier function
While sunscreen won’t shrink existing bumps, it plays a major role in preventing new ones—and is an essential part of a long-term skin health strategy.
How Can It Be Treated?
While you can’t shrink sebaceous hyperplasia overnight, there are professional and medical options to manage or remove them.
Dermatologist Treatments:
Electrocautery – Uses heat to remove the lesion
Cryotherapy – Freezing the bump to destroy the tissue
Laser therapy – Targets and vaporizes the enlarged gland
Photodynamic therapy – Often used for more widespread cases
Prescription topical retinoids – Can soften and reduce lesions over time
These procedures should only be performed in a dermatology setting.
What Doesn’t Work
Popping – There’s no pus or sebum to extract. Trying to squeeze sebaceous hyperplasia can damage the skin and lead to hyperpigmentation or scarring
Over-the-counter acne products – Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide won’t affect these bumps
Harsh exfoliation – Can inflame the skin barrier and make the area worse
The Good Glow Approach
At Good Glow Skin Therapy, I help clients identify sebaceous hyperplasia and take a supportive, skin-conscious approach to managing it. While removal is a medical procedure, there’s still plenty I can do to help support your skin:
Gentle exfoliation with enzyme therapy or light peels
Retinoid alternatives to support cell turnover
Barrier-friendly routines to keep oil production in check
Emphasis on consistent SPF use to prevent further development
Product recommendations that won’t clog or overwork your skin
Refer to a dermatologist when removal is the goal.
My philosophy is always to help you understand your skin—not just treat it. When you know what’s going on beneath the surface, you’re empowered to make choices that support long-term skin health.
Not sure if what you're seeing is acne or sebaceous hyperplasia? I’m here to help. Book a consult or send me a message—I’d love to take a closer look and guide you.
Stay glowing,
Diana
Founder, Good Glow Skin Therapy
