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Sebaceous Gland Oil (Sebum) – Function and Importance

Sebaceous gland oil, known as sebum, is the natural lipid secretion produced by the skin sebaceous glands. It protects the skin from drying out and has antimicrobial properties.

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Things worth knowing about "Sebaceous Gland Oil"

Sebaceous gland oil, known as sebum, is the natural lipid secretion produced by the skin sebaceous glands. It protects the skin from drying out and has antimicrobial properties.

What Is Sebaceous Gland Oil?

Sebaceous gland oil, commonly referred to as sebum, is a natural, lipid-rich secretion produced by the sebaceous glands of the human skin. It is not a plant-based or industrially produced oil, but rather an endogenous skin lipid that plays a central role in maintaining skin health. Sebaceous glands are located in the dermis and are distributed almost everywhere on the body, with the highest density found on the face, scalp, back, and chest.

Composition

Sebum is a complex mixture of various lipids. Its main components include:

Triglycerides (approx. 41%): The primary component, contributing to moisture retention
Wax esters (approx. 26%): Unique to human sebum, protecting the skin surface
Squalene (approx. 12%): A hydrocarbon with antioxidant properties
Fatty acids (approx. 16%): Including squalene oxide and free fatty acids with antimicrobial effects
Cholesterol and cholesterol esters (approx. 4%): Supporting the skin barrier function

Functions of Sebaceous Gland Oil

Sebum fulfills several important physiological roles for the skin and the entire organism:

Protective Function

Sebum, together with sweat, forms the so-called hydrolipid film on the skin surface. This film protects the skin from drying out, regulates transepidermal water loss, and acts as a physical barrier against environmental factors such as dirt, bacteria, and fungi.

Antimicrobial Action

Certain fatty acids in sebum, particularly sapienic acid and linoleic acid, possess antimicrobial properties. They help maintain the natural balance of the skin flora (microbiome) and inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.

Antioxidant Protection

The squalene present in sebum acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from oxidative stress caused by UV radiation and environmental pollution.

Regulation of Sebum Production

The production of sebaceous gland oil is influenced by a variety of factors:

Hormones: Androgens (male sex hormones such as testosterone) stimulate sebum production. This is why sebum production is particularly elevated during puberty.
Genetic factors: The individual rate of sebum production is largely determined by genetics.
Diet: A diet with a high glycemic index as well as dairy products can increase sebum production.
Stress: Psychological stress can stimulate sebum production via cortisol and other hormones.
Skin care routine: Excessive or overly aggressive cleansing can paradoxically increase sebum production.

Sebaceous Gland Oil and Skin Conditions

Acne

Excessive sebum production (seborrhea) is a primary factor in the development of acne. When excess sebum combined with dead skin cells clogs hair follicles, blackheads and whiteheads (comedones) form. The bacterium Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) can proliferate in this environment and trigger inflammatory responses, leading to pimples and pustules.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Excessive or altered sebum production can also contribute to seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by scaly, reddened patches primarily on the scalp, face, and chest.

Dry Skin (Xerosis)

Conversely, insufficient sebum production can lead to dry, flaky, and irritated skin, as the protective hydrolipid film is inadequately formed.

Diagnosis and Measurement

Sebum production can be measured using dermatological methods. Commonly used techniques include:

Sebumeter: A device that determines the amount of sebum on the skin surface using photometric measurement.
Sebutape: Special adhesive films that absorb sebum and are evaluated microscopically or photometrically.
Talgometer: Additional instruments for the quantitative determination of skin lipid content.

Sebaceous Gland Oil in Cosmetics and Pharmacy

Understanding the composition and function of sebum has significantly influenced the development of modern skin care products. Sebomimetic products attempt to mimic the composition of sebum in order to support the skin barrier. Ingredients such as squalene, wax esters (e.g., from jojoba oil), and specific fatty acids are deliberately incorporated into cosmetics. Conversely, numerous skin care products and medical therapies aim to reduce excessive sebum production (e.g., retinoids for acne treatment).

References

Zouboulis CC et al. - Frontiers in Sebaceous Gland Biology and Pathology. Experimental Dermatology, 2014.
Picardo M et al. - Sebaceous gland lipids. Dermato-Endocrinology, 2009; 1(2): 68-71.
Pappas A - Epidermal surface lipids. Dermato-Endocrinology, 2009; 1(2): 72-76.

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