Sebum is an oily substance that’s made by thesebaceous glandsin the skin.
The function of sebum is to moisten and prevent the skin from becoming too dry.
Sebum also has antibacterial properties and is the body’s first defense against infection.
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The sebaceous glands that make sebum are on just about every surface of the body.
This article will go over what sebum is and what it does in the body.
You’ll also learn about the skin problems that can result from the overproduction or underproduction of sebum.
The hair then wicks the oil onto the skin to lubricate and protect it.
These glands produce significant amounts of sebum right after birth.
Sebum production starts to decrease by age 20 and continues to slow with age.
These lipids work together to moisturize the skin and defend the body.
Acne
Especially during adolescence, a spike in hormones can cause a spike in sebum production.
An excess of sebum combined with dead skin cells can block pores and causeacne blemishessuch as blackheads and pimples.
Acne often is effectively treated with topical creams or oral medications that contain retinoids, antibiotics, and/or hormones.
Oily Skin
Excessive sebum also can cause oily skin.
Oily skin may accompany acne, but it doesnt always.
When skin is oily, facial pores look larger and skin may seem greasy and unclean.
An appropriate facial cleansing routine may be sufficient for dealing with mildly oily skin.
Up to 3% of the general population has seborrheic dermatitis.
Those with neurological disorders such asParkinsons diseaseand immunosuppressed persons, such as those withHIV/AIDS, are especially at risk.
Usual treatments include topical antifungal or anti-inflammatory creams or washes.
If you have normal sebum levels to start with, you should be cautious using these medications.
Research also shows that products containingcannabidiol(CBD) may reduce sebum production.
Sebum production can be severely impacted by eating disorders, severe fasting, and malnutrition.
Mildly dry skin can be eased with a moisturizer containingceramides,emollients, sorbitol, glycerin, or humectants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sebum is odorless.
In addition to the other components, a bacterium calledPropionibacterium acnesis naturally found in sebum.
As the name suggests, it’s the bacterium that causesacne.
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