SEBUM IN THE SKIN

 Sebum is a sticky, oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands, which sit in the middle layers of the skin, near hair follicles. Sebum protects and hydrates the skin’s surface, it mixes with fat molecules, called lipids, to form a protective coating on the skin. It helps protect the skin from potentially harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi.

HOW IS IT PRODUCED?

The face, scalp, and chest have the highest concentrations of sebaceous glands — each area of skin may have up to 900 of these glands per square centimeter.

The sebaceous glands produce sebum through holocrine secretion, a process of programmed cell death. Specialized cells, called sebocytes, dissolve and release sebum into the sebaceous glands. Sebum travels through the follicular duct that connects the sebaceous gland to the hair follicle. The growing hair pulls the sebum up and onto the surface of the skin.

Sebum production fluctuates in response to changing hormone levels, they play a large role in regulating the production of sebum.

FUNCTIONS

Sebum contributes 90% of the lipids (fat molecules) on the skin’s surface. These lipids lock in moisture and protect the skin from UV radiation and other causes of harm.

It also transports fat-soluble antioxidants, such as vitamin E, to the skin’s surface. This action may help prevent oxidative skin damage.Meanwhile, sapienic acid and other fatty acids found in sebum help combat Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which can cause staph infections.

Many components of sebum, including its fatty acids and squalene, have anti-inflammatory properties.

HEALTH BENEFITS 

Components of sebum support skin health in several ways beyond combatting inflammation:

Hydration: Sebum helps keep moisture inside the skin, which promotes skin hydration and flexibility.

Antioxidant transport: Sebum transports fat-soluble antioxidants to the surface of the skin. Antioxidants are natural compounds that protect against the damaging effects of free radicals.

Protection against microbes: Sebum is slightly acidic, with a pH of between 4.5 and 6.0. As a result, it helps prevent harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, from penetrating the skin.

OVERPRODUCTION AND UNDERPRODUCTION OF SEBUM

Sebum production varies in response to age-related hormone fluctuations, certain medications, and lifestyle factors.

An overproduction of sebum can lead to oily skin. People with oily skin may notice that their pores look larger, and their skin appears greasy or shiny.

Excess sebum combined with dead skin cells can form a plug inside the pore, resulting in blackheads and pimples. This plug also traps bacteria in the pore, which can lead to inflammation.

Eventually, the blocked pore ruptures, spilling bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells into nearby tissue and creating acne lesions that may be painful.

People with under-active sebaceous glands, or too little sebum, may have dry, flaky, and itchy skin. These symptoms may worsen if a person uses skincare products containing harsh chemicals. Ingredients to look for in products include:

* Hyaluronic acid

* Glycerol

* Jojoba oil

An amazing product to help regulate sebum production would be the kanda facial oil which contains jojoba oil amongst other essential ingredients. It helps to seal in moisture and restore the skins lipid barrier and also acts as a protective layer against daily elements our faces are exposed to. 

 If you suffer from overproduction of sebum that has resulted in acne kanda also has a solution for you, we have an acne and skin irritation sample pack alongside lots of other products that can help battle your acne. Send a dm for more recommendations suitable for you. Kanda has everyone covered!