Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsProductionCompositionRole in HealthOverproductionUnderproductionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Production
Composition
Role in Health
Overproduction
Underproduction
Frequently Asked Questions
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The sebaceous glands that make sebum are on just about every surface of the body. While sebum is important for skin health, having too much or too little of the oil can lead to acne,oily skin, and chronic itchiness and skin irritation.
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.
Acne
Sebum Production
The sebaceous glands, each attached to ahair follicle, produce sebum through a process calledholocrine secretion. The glands produce lipids, which remain inside the sac-like glands for about a week until the sac erupts, allowing the sebum to flow freely into the hair follicle. The hair then wicks the oil onto the skin to lubricate and protect it.
All babies are born with sebaceous glands over most of their bodies, with the exception of the palms of the hands, tops and soles of the feet, and lower lips.
The face, scalp, upper neck, and chest host the most sebaceous glands, so when there’s a surge in sebum production, these areas are prone to acne breakouts or oily skin.
1:36Click Play to Learn All About Sebum Overproduction
1:36
Click Play to Learn All About Sebum Overproduction
Sebum is a complex fusion of lipids, mostly glycerides and free fatty acids with a substantial percentage of wax esters and squalene, plus a mix of cholesterol esters and cholesterol.
These lipids work together to moisturize the skin and defend the body. Squalene and wax esters, for instance, create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin that helps seal in moisture and electrolytes.
Hydrolyzed triglycerides and free fatty acids (particularly sapienic acid) act as antimicrobial agents to keep out potentially harmful microbes and defend against infection.
Role of Sebum in Health
The disbursement of sebum all over the body supports the health of the skin in a number of important ways:
Besides helping the skin, sebum also seems to support heart health. Researchers believe that a major benefit of sebum secretion is that the process eliminates excess lipids and cholesterol, which can block arteries and cause heart disease.
There is some research to suggest that adults who had acne as adolescents may have a lower risk of death from coronary heart disease because they regularly secreted lipids.
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.
Men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy are likely to have increased levels of sebum and therefore may be at increased risk of having acne.
Oily Skin
Excessive sebum also can cause oily skin. Oily skin may accompany acne, but it doesn’t always. While testosterone and progesterone are associated with acne, too much growth hormone is connected with sebum production that leads to oily skin.
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.
For skin that’s extremely oily, however, oral or topical retinoids (vitamin A derived compounds) and/or oral contraceptives may be necessary; these medications can have dangerous side effects for some people and should be used with caution and only with the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
An inflammatory skin disorder, seborrheic dermatitis can cause dandruff of the scalp as well as itchy, flaky, or scaly skin wherever there are overactive sebaceous glands.
Up to 3% of the general population has seborrheic dermatitis. Those with neurological disorders such asParkinson’s diseaseand immunosuppressed persons, such as those withHIV/AIDS, are especially at risk.
Usual treatments include topical antifungal or anti-inflammatory creams or washes. Some alternative and homemade remedies may provide relief, but you should discuss these with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe.
Research also shows that products containingcannabidiol(CBD) may reduce sebum production. Studies have shown that CBD infused into the bloodstream has been effective for suppressing sebum, but more studies are needed to see if topical applications are also effective.
Mildly dry skin can be eased with a moisturizer containingceramides,emollients, sorbitol, glycerin, orhumectants. Thicker, greasier moisturizers containing ingredients like petroleum jelly and mineral oil can be even more effective but may clog pores.
The most effective way to apply a moisturizer to treat dry skin is to slather a generous layer right after bathing, while skin is still damp.
If your skin is mildly chapped, cracked, or oily, you might talk to your healthcare provider about the best moisturizer for your skin type. A trip to the drugstore may be all you need to maintain smooth, soft, healthy skin.
Learn MoreWhat Causes Body Odor?
Yes. 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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17 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.
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