Sebum

Sebum is a light yellow, oily substance that is secreted by the sebaceous glands in mammalian skin. Its main purpose is to make the skin and hair waterproof and to protect them from drying out. An excess of sebum, however, can make the skin or hair oily, and it can begin to smell when it is broken down by bacteria outside the body.

Composition

Sebum is composed of triglycerides (41%), wax esters (26%), squalene (12%), and free fatty acids (16%). The exact composition of sebum varies from person to person.

Function

Sebum has several important roles. It acts as a barrier to protect the skin from bacterial and fungal infections, helps to keep the skin flexible, and prevents the skin and hair from becoming dry, brittle, and cracked. It also has antioxidant properties.

Production

Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands, which are found in the dermis layer of the skin. The production of sebum is regulated by hormones, particularly androgens. The production of sebum increases during puberty, when the level of androgens increases.

Disorders

An overproduction of sebum can lead to several skin disorders, including acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and sebaceous cysts. A lack of sebum, on the other hand, can cause the skin to become dry and prone to irritation and infection.

See also

• Skin
• Sebaceous gland
• Acne
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Sebaceous cyst

Sebum Resources
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