Sebum is an oily substance that the sebaceous glands in the skin produce naturally. It is a complex mixture of different lipids which includes Triglycerides, Wax esters, Sterol esters and squalene for example, and plays a very important role in maintaining healthy and good looking skin. On the other hand, like most things inside our bodies, sebum production needs to be balanced. When there is either too much or too little sebum, this can affect various aspects of our skin. Understanding what it is all about as well as its functions towards our skins helps us make viable decisions regarding skincare and generally.
Structure and Composition of Sebum
Sebum is a yellowish semi-viscous fluid secreted by the sebaceous glands that are connected to hair follicles. These glands are distributed throughout the body except in the palms of hands and soles of feet. In terms of density, some parts of your body have more oil glands than others do such as face scalp trunk etc…
The composition of sebum varies with age, sex and location on body among other factors. Human sebum contains 41% triglycerides (TG), 25% wax monoesters (WE), 16% free fatty acids (FFA), 12% squalene (SQ) and 5% cholesterol and cholesterol esters (CCE).
The wax esters which are formed by joining together fatty acids with fatty alcohols are also major elements present in sebum; they form a protective coating around skin protecting it against dehydration preventing water loss from interior layers especially during hot weather conditions when much sweat occurs hence ensuring its capability to maintain sufficient moisture. Glycerol plus three fatty acid molecules makes triglycerides which are important for barrier function as well as moisturizing abilities.
Free oleic acid or linoleic acid in sebum are capable of killing bacteria, hence protecting the skin from infection. Squalene is found in large amounts in sebum and it acts as a natural antioxidant which helps protect the skin against harmful elements. The other group of compounds found in sebum that help maintain and stabilize cell membranes of the skin cells, are cholesterol and its esters.
Functions of Sebum
Sebum has several important functions that it performs within the body:
- Skin Moisturization: One of its main functions is moisturizing or lubricating both our skins and hairs. It prevents excessive water loss through evaporation by forming hydrophobic barrier on the surface of our body which also helps to maintain a natural balance of moisture on your skin. This keeps the skin supple and prevents dryness and flaking.
- Protection against Infection: The antimicrobial properties present in sebum produce an acidic environment at the surface of our skin inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi as well as other microorganisms. As part of protective function, this barrier helps prevent infections while maintaining natural flora/microbiome associated with human skin which is very essential for healthy overall wellbeing.
- PH Regulation: The role played by sebum is regulation pf PH to keep it slightly acidic at around 4.5 – 6 covering all types of skins such that no pathogen can survive in this condition hence maintaining intactness of epidermal membrane.
- Vitamin D Synthesis: For example when sunlight hits your skin with presence of sebum, vitamin D gets synthesized by your body courtesy of these oils that reside on its outermost layer. Having oil on your surface aids in achieving calcium absorption since vitamin D is required for bone health.
Sebaceous Gland Secretion and Control
A perplexing complex interplay between hormonal and neurologic factors regulates the production and secretion of sebum. Androgen hormones such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHA) are important determinants of sebum production. These hormones encourage the production of oil by the sebaceous glands, which is why there is more of it during puberty and in cases where androgens are at a maximum.
Sebum regulation also involves the nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system can be activated by emotional stress; this leads to increased production of sebum. Moreover, substance P, a peptide hormone released during stress; has been demonstrated to stimulate sebum release.
The Impact Of Sebum On Skin Health
Various skin concerns may result due to imbalances in the production of sebum although it is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
- Oily Skin: People might have oily skin if their epithelial cells produce too much natural oil; hence they may often appear shiny due to large pore sizes and higher tendency towards acne break-outs. This excess oil could mix with dirt and dead skin cells that plug pores leading to inflammation as well as blackheads.
- Acne: This common condition associated with excessive sebum depends on its generation among other things. It begins when hair follicles get clogged up by additional oils produced alongside dead tissues together with bacteria that cause pimples or lumps swelling up like cysts.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: Dermatitis characterized by flaking, scaling, itching is what defines Seborrheic dermatitis . It usually affects body parts that have high number of sebaceous glands for instance head scalp face upper chest etc. Although an exact cause remains unknown it’s believed that an overproduction of this oily substances together with hyperactivity from Malassezia yeasts as well as immune response are some factors that contribute towards this disorder.
- Skin Aging: With age, there are changes in sebum production. During puberty, the body tends to produce more sebum leading to pimples and oily skin. Subsequently, towards older adulthood, there is decreased release of sebum which leads to drier skins. This change of sebum levels can affect how the skin looks and feels like with respect to fine lines or wrinkles.
Managing Sebum-Related Skin Concerns
Maintaining healthy levels of sebum is important for skin health and appearance. Below are some ways of handling such conditions:
- Cleansing: Use mild cleansers that matches your type of skin so as to get rid of surplus oils that may cause acne and dirt on topmost part. Over cleansing should be avoided at all costs because it leaves no oils on the body leading to breaking down the protective barrier thereby enhancing sebaceous glands secretions.
- Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation helps clear dead cells that mix with oil thereby blocking pores. Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxyl acids (BHAs) are particularly effective at penetrating pores and dissolving congested oils alongside dead cells.
- Moisturization: Moisturizers help in maintaining a hydrated skin while supporting its barrier function. When looking for these products, go for non-comedogenic ones which do not clog up your pores since they only add a little moisture on it compared to those who have overactive epithelial cells concerned about their too much natural oiliness.
- Oily Skin Treatments: Individuals with oily skin can help to moderate sebum production by including oil-control products in their care regimen. When shopping for these, search for “oil-free” or “mattifying” as the labels show that they absorb excess oils and give the skin a non-shiny look.
- Pimples medicines: In case of acne breakouts due to excess oil, spot treatments that have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be used to dry out pimples and reduce inflammation. Mostly, these medications are applied directly onto the affected parts to deal with the excessive oil and bacteria responsible for causing acne.
- Changes in Diet: Although there aren’t clear associations between diet and sebum production, some studies suggest diets that are high on refined carbohydrates and sugar might contribute to change in sebum levels leading to severe acne. To promote the well-being of your skin take more alkaline foods like Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin A.
- Stress Relief Exercises: Finding ways of managing stress properly is vital given that it affects sebum production.
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