A natural oily substance produced by sebaceous glands that helps lubricate, waterproof, and protect the skin and hair.
Sebum contains a mixture of lipids and other substances. It contributes to the skin’s barrier and interacts with the microorganisms living on the skin.
Healthy skin needs sebum to maintain its protective barrier and reduce water loss. However, excess sebum can contribute to clogged hair follicles and acne when combined with dead skin cells and inflammation.
Sebum helps:
- keep the skin moisturised
- reduce water loss
- support the skin barrier
QUICK FACT
Sebum itself does not cause acne. Acne develops through a combination of excess sebum, blocked follicles, inflammation, and other biological factors.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Sweat: fluid produced by sweat glands, primarily involved in thermoregulation.
- Sebaceous gland: the gland that produces sebum.
SEE ALSO