Tortured by my Dermatologist (over a little sebaceous hyperplasia)

I know this sounds more like a LifeTime movie than a blog post (and maybe it should be), but it's a true story. It happened to me just yesterday and it's still real fresh, as in the wounds are literally still healing and gooey with Aquaphor ointment.

Let me start out by asking a few simple questions. and no this is not a riddle.

A dentist wouldn't pull a tooth without novocaine, 

and an ER doc wouldn't stitch someone up without a shot of lidocaine, 

so why in the heck would a Dermatologist torture me by stabbing a hot electric needle into my face time after time, without anything to numb the pain?! That is a great question. 

*Amazon links are included in this post - Disclosure: as an Amazon associate I receive a small commission on products purchased through our links.

My Torturous Sebaceous Hyperplasia Removal

The more I think about my horrific experience at the Dermatologist yesterday (lets be honest, the torture continues in my brain as I revisit the horrifying experience multiple times a day), the more angry I get.

There are so many ways it could have been done so much better, and to think it was all just over a little removal of sebaceous hyperplasia (bumps on my face caused by plugged, dysfunctional pores).

If you have bumps on your face with a little indentation in the middle, you too might have sebaceous hyperplasia that is generally worse on those with oily skin and gets worse with age (add it to the list). 

Their appearance can sometimes be minimized with skincare products (see my favorite products below) but to make them "go away" you have to have a dermatologist remove them. If you decide to go that route like I did, just make sure you listen to this podcast so your experience is nothing like mine was.

→ Listen Here for all the grizzly details of how I was indeed tortured by my dermatologist

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Sebaceous Hyperplasia Helpful Products 

*Amazon links included - Disclosure: as an Amazon associate I receive a small commission on products purchased through our links.

Paula's Choice BHA9 Serum (*Amazon)

I apply this serum every other night just to my nose and sometimes to my forehead where I get sebaceous hyperplasia. Because I have sensitive skin I have to be careful I don't get it on other parts of my face (like my cheeks) but it works great to help the bumps on my face appear a bit smaller and more smooth.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment (*Amazon)

This is what I've been applying to my post-treatment sebaceous hyperplasia areas to help healing. The ointment seals the areas well and keeps them protected for better healing. 

 

Fairface Washcloths (not on Amazon)

These are the best and only washcloths I use on my face. The soft flannel is perfect for gentle post-treatment cleansing (when scabs are sturdy - use gently) and great for gentle exfoliation of existing sebaceous hyperplasia areas.

Best Pillowcases for Sensitive Skin (What Actually Helped Mine)

Updated: This post has been refreshed to share what I’ve learned about pillowcases for sensitive skin.

If you have sensitive skin, your pillowcase might be affecting your skin more than you realize.

Friction, heat, and rough fabrics can all contribute to irritation, redness, and those deep sleep lines that take forever to go away.

After trying different options over the years, I found that switching to a silk pillowcase made a noticeable difference in how my skin and hair looked and felt when I woke up.

(This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Why Pillowcases Matter for Sensitive Skin

I’ve always been a little apprehensive trying new things that touch my face, since my skin seems to react to anything and everything.

But once I started using a silk pillowcase, I noticed right away how different it felt.

The fabric is smooth, cool, and much gentler against the skin compared to traditional cotton pillowcases.

Instead of dragging against your skin while you sleep, silk allows your skin and hair to glide more easily, which can help reduce irritation.

Benefits of Sleeping on a Silk Pillowcase

• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Less friction on the face and hair
• Helps reduce sleep lines and creases
• Keeps skin cooler throughout the night
• Helps hair look smoother and less “slept on”
• Less likely to cause frizz or breakage

It’s not some overnight miracle, but I can honestly say I look better than normal when I sleep on a silk pillowcase — and that alone makes it worth it for me.

My Experience Using a Silk Pillowcase

The first thing I noticed was how my hair looked in the morning — much smoother and not as disheveled.

And as for my skin, I noticed:

• Less redness
• Fewer deep creases from the pillow
• Less irritation overall

Have you ever woken up with deep pillowcase lines on your face?

I used to try everything to get them to go away — massaging, patting, waiting forever — and with sensitive skin, that kind of irritation just isn’t ideal.

With silk, I simply don’t get those same creases anymore.

Silk vs Cotton for Sensitive Skin

From my experience, cotton pillowcases tend to create more friction and can leave creases on the skin, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

Silk feels much smoother and cooler, which is why I’ve personally stuck with it.

If your skin is easily irritated, even small changes like this can make a noticeable difference over time.

The Silk Pillowcase I Recommend

I used to make silk pillowcases myself and sold them in our Fairface Washcloths Etsy shop for a while, because we’re all about gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly products.

Since we’ve sold out and no longer make them, I wanted to share the ones I personally use now.

(Disclaimer: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission if you purchase through this link.)

These silk pillowcases from Fisher’s Finery - Amazon are great quality, with a higher thread count than most I’ve seen. I wanted to make sure you’re getting a pillowcase that actually gives you the full benefits for your skin and hair.

Silk Pillowcases Make Great Gifts Too

When I find something I love, I enjoy sharing it with others — especially when I know it could help them.
Silk pillowcases make thoughtful gifts for:

• moms
• sisters
• friends
• anyone with sensitive skin or hair concerns

My mom, who used cotton pillowcases her whole life, is now completely converted!

Final Thoughts

If you have sensitive skin, switching to a silk pillowcase is one of those small changes that can actually make a difference.

It’s simple, gentle, and works with your skin instead of against it.

Gentle Skincare for Sensitive Skin

A silk pillowcase can help - and so can using the right cleansing tools.

Our soft flannel face cloths are designed to be gentle and soothing for sensitive skin.

You can shop here:
Fairface Washcloths Etsy Shop
or
FairfaceWashcloths.com