Do you want to know what sebum is and what are the solutions for excess sebum? You've come to the right place. Well, you must have noticed by now that your face sometimes has a shiny appearance and the skin can become slightly slippery to the touch. It is sebum, a natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands of the skin. Although you may have heard less than positive things about sebum, it plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. Provides hydration, protects against dryness and helps maintain skin elasticity. The negative aspect that is talked about with regard to sebum is excess sebum that can lead to problems such as oily skin , enlarged pores and acne. It is important to understand the role of sebum and note the situations in which it is secreted in excess. Then you need to adopt proper strategies to control the overproduction and enjoy clear looking skin.

What Is Sebum?

Sebum is produced naturally by the body. You recognize it by the look it gives your skin, being an oily, wax-like substance produced by your body's sebaceous glands. Provides skin protection and hydration.

Those from Harvard Medical School explain in a specialist article that "sebum is a complex mixture of fatty acids, sugars, waxes and other natural chemicals that form a protective barrier against water evaporation". Basically, it maintains an optimal level of moisture and thus prevents excessive drying. It has also been shown to have antibacterial properties and is a natural way of defending the body.

Specifically, sebum contains triglycerides and fatty acids (57%), wax esters (26%), squalene (12%) and cholesterol (4.5%).

What if you have very oily skin? Your body can produce an excess amount of the mixture of lipids (fat-like molecules) that make up sebum. Another problem that excess sebum poses to the skin is that what we call "oil" is actually much more than just sebum. So we're talking about a mixture of sweat, dead skin cells and tiny particles that are found in the atmosphere and in the dust floating around you.

This mixture of substances becomes dangerous for the health of the skin and its appearance. Acne , unsightly pimples, dilated pores, the most common problems characteristic of oily skin, can form. Excess sebum causes changes in the pores, as these small holes on the surface of the skin are called upon to remove more sebum than normal.

How Is Sebum Produced in the Body?

To better understand how to control excess sebum when faced with it, it is important to learn how it is produced by the body. Sebum is secreted by the sebaceous glands, which are located under the surface of the skin, near the hair follicles. The glands produce sebum through an activity called holocrine secretion, which means that the sebum is pushed out along with the dead cells. Sebum is released in the sebaceous glands following the dissolution of specialized cells, called sebocytes. After that, the path of the sebum is through the follicular channel that connects the sebaceous gland and the hair follicle. During growth, the hair causes the sebum to be pulled up to the surface of the skin, being eliminated through the pores.

The hormonal level is a defining aspect when we talk about the fluctuation of sebum production. An important role in regulating the activity of the sebaceous glands is played by testosterone, the male hormone.

Sebaceous glands are found all over the body, except for the palms and soles of the feet. The largest concentrations of sebaceous glands are on the face, scalp and chest. These are usually the areas that can cause problems when we talk about excess sebum.

The amount of sebum that the sebaceous glands produce changes throughout life due to age and in response to environmental factors. For example, sebum production increases during the summer as the heat index rises. Sebum production also increases considerably during puberty. Certain conditions and hormonal imbalances can cause excess secretions of sebum and lead to acne.

 

The Most Common Problems Caused by Excess Sebum

Sebaceous Gland Blockage

This condition involves a much too much secretion of sebum that leads to the formation of acne, as a result of which lesions and bacteria can appear that infect these areas and lead to the appearance of very painful pimples. Sebaceous cysts can also form due to the blockage of the sebaceous glands. It occurs when blocked pores continue to accumulate excess sebum, dead cells and other debris. Sebaceous cyst is a benign condition, so it is harmless. If it shows signs of infection, it is very large and the formation can develop even after excision. Then there are risks of turning into malignancy.

The black dots

Excess sebum combined with dead cells can lead to clogged pores. This leads to blackheads and pimples. It can also promote the entry of bacteria into the pores and the appearance of inflammation.

The Role of Sebum

Before considering sebum as a negative element, it is important to understand how sebum is primarily an ally that has beneficial effects on your skin.

Hydration and Protection

Sebum helps maintain the skin's optimal hydration level and plays an essential role in creating the lipid barrier that protects against external factors such as pollution and bacteria.

Skin elasticity

Sebum helps maintain skin elasticity, thus contributing to a soft and smooth texture.

Among other positive effects of sebum, below is a list of its specific effects according to body areas:

• Moisturizes and lubricates the scalp and hair
• Moisturizes the skin and keeps it smooth

• Forms a protective barrier on the skin and scalp
• Maintains moisture levels and prevents dry skin
• It protects the skin against foreign agents such as bacteria
• Contributes to skin homeostasis and protects against inflammation
• It has antioxidant effects on the skin

Solutions for Excess Sebum Control:

Normally, your skin should look hydrated and fresh. But hormonal fluctuations, the consumption of certain drugs can influence sebum secretion. Under these conditions, an overproduction will affect the beautiful appearance of the skin, giving it a greasy, shiny appearance. Anyone with oily skin has noticed over time that they face the same problems: enlarged pores, shiny skin, blackheads, painful, unsightly pimples.

In these situations that greatly affect self-confidence due to a skin that seems permanently charged, with multiple defects caused by acne, it is essential to resort to methods to reduce sebum secretion. Below we have created a list of the most well-known treatment ideas that can be applied with confidence when sebum is present in too large quantities and affects the appearance of the complexion, but also of the skin in general.

Just as pimples on the face are bothersome, so can pimples on the back or other areas of the body. Especially in summer, when a large surface of the skin is exposed, pimples on the body become a real problem.

Daily cleaning

A proper cleansing routine is essential to remove excess sebum and impurities. Using a gentle cleanser, tailored to your skin type, morning and night can help maintain skin balance. Try to use products that say "oil-free" to avoid making your skin look oilier. Moreover, try to stick to your morning and night skin care routine to give your skin more comfort and faster healing.

Regular exfoliation

Using a face scrub helps remove dead cells and excess sebum, thus preventing clogged pores. Opt for products with ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid . One thing to keep in mind is that salicylic acid in the BHA category dissolves in oil and is therefore very effective when it comes to oily skin and acne problems.

Adequate Hydration

Contrary to expectations, regular hydration is also important for oily skin. Dehydrated skin can produce excess sebum as a form of compensation. So choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won't clog pores. Also, make sure you drink enough water every day. Water has an amazing effect when you combine it with the right cosmetics.

Clay masks

Clay masks absorb excess sebum and help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Use them once or twice a week.

Healthy Eating

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and nutrient-dense foods can positively influence sebum production. Avoid foods high in saturated fat and processed sugars.

Stress Management

Stress can contribute to excessive sebum production. Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can have a positive impact.

Avoiding Aggressive Products

Avoid skin care products that contain harsh ingredients or alcohol, as they can stimulate excessive sebum production. Also, avoid aggressive movements when cleaning the face, do not wipe or rub hard to redden the skin. Remember that skin with such problems is sensitive and you need to take care of it delicately. Avoid exfoliating products in the form of scrubs that can irritate the skin. Choose acid exfoliation, which is gentler on the skin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking a balanced approach to skin care and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help maintain optimal sebum levels and prevent problems associated with overproduction. When you face persistent problems and they are not reduced only from the use of cosmetic products at home, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. In these situations you will need personalized advice that combines skin problems with the source that causes them, receiving appropriate treatments for your skin type.