What is sebum? Benefits, Function and Production
Sebum, a complex of natural oils produced by our sebaceous glands, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. Understanding its composition, function, and production can help us better manage our skin care routine and address common issues like acne and dry skin. Let’s explore the world of skin secretion and its impact on achieving a clear, healthy looking complexion.
Summary
Defining the skin’s natural oils
Composition
Sebum is a complex mixture of lipids produced by the sebaceous glands. Its composition includes triglycerides, wax esters, squalene, and free fatty acids. One unique component of human secretion is sapienic acid, a fatty acid not found in other species. The chemical composition can vary depending on factors such as age, hormones, and genetics.
Where sebum is produced in the skin?
Sebaceous glands are found throughout the body, except on the palms and soles. These glands are typically associated with hair follicles, forming the pilosebaceous unit. Areas with a higher concentration of sebaceous glands, such as the face, chest, and back, tend to produce a higher amount of oil and are more prone to acne and other oily skin-related issues like seborrhoea or sebaceous hyperplasia.
The function of natural oils in the skin
Maintaining skin barrier integrity
Sebaceous glands are a key component of the skin’s natural barrier. It works alongside other epidermal lipids to create a protective layer that helps prevent water loss and protects against external irritants. This barrier function is crucial for maintaining healthy, resilient skin.
Regulating skin pH
The acidic nature of skin secretions helps maintain a slightly acidic pH, usually between 4 and 6. This acidic environment is inhospitable to many harmful microorganisms, thus supporting the skin’s natural defence mechanisms.
Supporting wound healing
Your skin’s natural oils plays a role in the wound healing process by providing a moist environment that promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of scarring. The lipids in skin secretions can also help transport fat-soluble nutrients to the skin surface, supporting the repair process.
The benefits of sebum for skin health
Natural moisturisation and hydration
Sebum acts as a natural moisturiser, helping to keep our skin soft and supple. It works in conjunction with epidermal lipids to form a protective barrier that locks in moisture and prevents excessive water loss from the skin. This natural moisturising effect is particularly important in maintaining skin hydration and preventing dryness.
Protection against environmental stressors
The lipid barrier formed by sebum helps protect our skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution and UV radiation. Squalene, a major component of your skin’s natural oils, has antioxidant properties that can help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress on the skin.
Antimicrobial properties
Sebum contains antimicrobial peptides and free fatty acids that help defend the skin against harmful bacteria. This natural defence mechanism contributes to maintaining a healthy skin microbiome and preventing infections that can lead to pimples and other skin issues.
The production process
How sebaceous glands work?
Sebaceous glands produce natural oils through a process called holocrine secretion. In this process, the entire sebocyte (the oil-producing cell) disintegrates and releases its contents, including lipids, into the hair follicle. From there, the natural moisturiser makes its way to the skin surface.
Factors influencing oil production
Several factors can influence skin oiliness, including:
Age: Oil production increases during puberty and tends to decrease with age.
Hormones: Androgens, particularly testosterone, stimulate sebaceous gland activity.
Genetics: Some people are predisposed to produce more natural oils than others.
Medications: Certain medications, like isotretinoin, can significantly affect skin oil balance.
The role of hormones in skin oil regulation regulation
Hormones play a significant role in regulating sebaceous gland activity. Androgens, especially testosterone, stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. This is why oil production increases during puberty and why hormonal fluctuations can lead to changes in skin oiliness. Other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, can also influence skin oil balance to varying degrees.
Common issues related to sebum production
Overproduction: Oily skin and acne
Excessive sebaceous gland activity can lead to oily skin, clogged pores, and acne. When too much natural oils combines with dead skin cells, it can form comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). In addition, the excess oil can create an environment conducive to the growth of acne-causing bacteria, leading to inflammatory acne lesions.
Underproduction: Dry and flaky skin
Insufficient oil production can result in dry, flaky skin that lacks moisture and is more susceptible to irritation and environmental damage. This can occur due to age, certain skin conditions, or as a side effect of some medications.
Sebum oxidation and its effects
When your skin is exposed to air and UV radiation, it can oxidise your lipid barrier, leading to the formation of comedones, particularly blackheads. Oxidised sebum can also contribute to inflammation and skin ageing.
Ingredient to manage excess sebum
To manage excess sebum, the following ingredients can be particularly effective:
Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA): Typically refers to salicylic acid, which penetrates deep into pores to clear blockages and reduce oil.
Salicylic Acid: A BHA that exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, and reduces sebaceous gland activity. It’s effective for treating blackheads and whiteheads.
Benzoyl Peroxide: An antibacterial agent that helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and excess oil, preventing future breakouts.
Glycolic Acid: An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin surface, promoting cell turnover and preventing clogged pores. It also helps improve skin texture and tone.
Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, it helps regulate oil production, reduces inflammation, and improves the skin barrier function, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
The Vinopure routine for sebum regulation
Our Vinopure acne treatment products is specifically designed to target sebum, blemishes and blackheads, offering a comprehensive solution for oily and acne-prone skin.
1.Start with Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser. This cleanser effectively removes excess oil and impurities without over-drying the skin, helping to maintain a healthy balance;
2. Apply Vinopure Purifying Toning Lotion. The toning lotion helps refine pores and balance the production of skin secretions, preparing the skin for further treatment.
3. Use Vinopure Blemish Control Salicylic Acid Serum. This serum contains natural salicylic acid to help control excess oil production and prevent the formation of comedones.
4. Finish with Vinopure Moisturizing Mattifying Fluid. This moisturiser provides necessary hydration without contributing to excess sebum, helping to maintain a balanced complexion
5. 1 to 2 times a week, make a Purifying Mask with green clay to purify your skin
For persistent pimples The Vinopure Salicylic Spot Solution Caudalie targets blemishes, helping to reduce their appearance within an hour.
Understanding your skin’s natural oils and their role in skin health is crucial for maintaining a healthy, balanced complexion. By recognizing the factors that influence sebaceous gland activity and adopting appropriate skincare routines, we can work towards achieving optimal skin health. Remember, if you’re struggling with persistent oily skin-related issues, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist for personalised advice and treatment options.
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