Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOverviewGland DevelopmentPimplesOther DisordersSkin Care TipsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Overview
Gland Development
Pimples
Other Disorders
Skin Care Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Sebaceous glands are microscopic organs in the skin that secrete an oily substance calledsebumthat lubricates and waterproofs the skin.The sebaceous glands are part of theintegumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, nails, and other structures that help protect the body from environmental or physical damage. The glands are part of the pilosebaceous unit,which comprises thehair follicle, hair shaft, and erector pili muscles (responsible for goosebumps).
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Pilosebaceous units are found everywhere on the body except the lower lip, palms of the hands, and tops and soles of the feet. The greatest concentrations, not surprisingly, are on the face, scalp, upper neck, and chest where most acne outbreaks occur.
What They Do
Depending on their location, there can be anywhere from 2,500 to 6,000 sebaceous glands per square inch. While most sebaceous glands are connected to a hair follicle, some open up directly to the surface of the skin. These include themeibomian glandsof the eyelids and the Fordyce spots of the lips and genitals.
Sebaceous glands work in tandem with the sweat-producing eccrine glands to regulate body temperature. In hot conditions, the excreted sebum mixes with sweat to slow the rate of evaporation. In cold temperatures, the sebum will contain more lipids to shield the hair and skin from moisture that can facilitate heat loss.
In addition to maintaining moisture and regulating temperatures, sebum contains squalene and other substances that prevent bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms from causing infection.
It is after this period that the production of sebum will steadily increase, reaching an apex during puberty as boys and girls both experience a sudden spike in male hormones (androgens). This overproduction, combined with the routine shedding of dead skin cells, can clog pores and lead toblackheads(open comedones),whiteheads(closed comedones), andpimples(acne).
The loss of moisture, combined with the depletion of collagen and keratin, can lead to characteristically dry skin (xerosis cutis) and brittle hair.
Role in Pimples
The condition most of us associate with the sebaceous glands is pimples. While the pores of the skin are great self-cleaning machines, any accumulation of dirt or debris can combine with sebum to create a glue-like compound that can seal the entryway.
Once blocked, bacteria likeStaphylococcus aureusandPropionibacterium acnescan begin to multiply and thrive, leading to the development of a pus-filled bump we recognize as a pimple. The colonization of bacteria will further trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation as the body tries to control the infection.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Pimples are medically referred to asacne vulgaris. Those that are severe and consolidate into boil-like pustules are known ascystic acne.
Teenagers tend to be most vulnerable to pimples because the changes in hormones not only increase the volume of sebum but the concentration of wax esters within it, leading to thicker, gummier oils. Treatments includeantibiotics,benzoyl peroxide,retinoids, and anti-androgen drugs such as spironolactone.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDemodicosis.DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Role in Other Disorders
While pimples are the most common concern associated with the sebaceous glands, there are other conditions that can affect them as well, including:
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoSeborrhoeic dermatitis.DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Rosacea.DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
While genetics and hormones play a large part in the way our sebaceous glands work, there are things you can do to help them function properly:
Frequently Asked QuestionsPeople with overactive sebaceous glands may have a relatively common condition known assebaceous hyperplasia. This condition causes small, skin-colored bumps to appear on the skin. These small bumps are sebaceous glands that have become enlarged and visible on the skin.Learn MoreWhat Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?Sweat glands are located on nearly every area of the body. The only places that don’t contain sweat glands are the lips, external ear canal, nail beds, and specific parts of the genitals.Fordyce spots are harmless, so a cure or treatment isn’t usually necessary. Fordyce spots are tiny, non-cancerous, yellowish bumps that can appear on the outer edge of the lips and genitals. If they become itchy or irritated, a doctor might prescribe a mild topical steroid to offer relief.
People with overactive sebaceous glands may have a relatively common condition known assebaceous hyperplasia. This condition causes small, skin-colored bumps to appear on the skin. These small bumps are sebaceous glands that have become enlarged and visible on the skin.Learn MoreWhat Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
People with overactive sebaceous glands may have a relatively common condition known assebaceous hyperplasia. This condition causes small, skin-colored bumps to appear on the skin. These small bumps are sebaceous glands that have become enlarged and visible on the skin.
Learn MoreWhat Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
Sweat glands are located on nearly every area of the body. The only places that don’t contain sweat glands are the lips, external ear canal, nail beds, and specific parts of the genitals.
Fordyce spots are harmless, so a cure or treatment isn’t usually necessary. Fordyce spots are tiny, non-cancerous, yellowish bumps that can appear on the outer edge of the lips and genitals. If they become itchy or irritated, a doctor might prescribe a mild topical steroid to offer relief.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Szöllősi, A.; Oláh, A.; Bíró, T. et al.Recent advances in the endocrinology of the sebaceous gland.Dermatoendocrinol.2017;9:1. doi:10.1080/19381980.2017.1361576Picardo M, Ottaviani M, Camera E,Mastrofrancesco A. Sebaceous gland lipids.Dermatoendocrinol.2009;1(2):68-71. doi:10.4161/derm.1.2.8472Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C.An update on the role of the sebaceous gland in the pathogenesis of acne.Dermatoendocrinol.2011;3(1):41-9. doi:10.4161/derm.3.1.13900Hodge BD, Sanvictores T, Brodell RT.Anatomy, skin sweat glands. StatPearls.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Fordyce spots.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Szöllősi, A.; Oláh, A.; Bíró, T. et al.Recent advances in the endocrinology of the sebaceous gland.Dermatoendocrinol.2017;9:1. doi:10.1080/19381980.2017.1361576Picardo M, Ottaviani M, Camera E,Mastrofrancesco A. Sebaceous gland lipids.Dermatoendocrinol.2009;1(2):68-71. doi:10.4161/derm.1.2.8472Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C.An update on the role of the sebaceous gland in the pathogenesis of acne.Dermatoendocrinol.2011;3(1):41-9. doi:10.4161/derm.3.1.13900Hodge BD, Sanvictores T, Brodell RT.Anatomy, skin sweat glands. StatPearls.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Fordyce spots.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Szöllősi, A.; Oláh, A.; Bíró, T. et al.Recent advances in the endocrinology of the sebaceous gland.Dermatoendocrinol.2017;9:1. doi:10.1080/19381980.2017.1361576Picardo M, Ottaviani M, Camera E,Mastrofrancesco A. Sebaceous gland lipids.Dermatoendocrinol.2009;1(2):68-71. doi:10.4161/derm.1.2.8472Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C.An update on the role of the sebaceous gland in the pathogenesis of acne.Dermatoendocrinol.2011;3(1):41-9. doi:10.4161/derm.3.1.13900Hodge BD, Sanvictores T, Brodell RT.Anatomy, skin sweat glands. StatPearls.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Fordyce spots.
Szöllősi, A.; Oláh, A.; Bíró, T. et al.Recent advances in the endocrinology of the sebaceous gland.Dermatoendocrinol.2017;9:1. doi:10.1080/19381980.2017.1361576
Picardo M, Ottaviani M, Camera E,Mastrofrancesco A. Sebaceous gland lipids.Dermatoendocrinol.2009;1(2):68-71. doi:10.4161/derm.1.2.8472
Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C.An update on the role of the sebaceous gland in the pathogenesis of acne.Dermatoendocrinol.2011;3(1):41-9. doi:10.4161/derm.3.1.13900
Hodge BD, Sanvictores T, Brodell RT.Anatomy, skin sweat glands. StatPearls.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Fordyce spots.
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