The sebaceous gland is an organ located in the dermis. It is responsible for the synthesis and secretion of sebum which must protect the skin from external aggressions and dehydration. Let’s take stock to better understand this gland.

The sebaceous gland is located in the dermis just under the skin, it is generally connected to a hair follicle, thus constituting the pilosebaceous compartment. The sebaceous gland is attached to the hair follicle by a thin excretory duct. Thanks to this channel, sebum is secreted along the root of the hair or hair to the surface of the skin.

There is a sub-epidermal part and another that goes through the epidermis to the surface of the skin.

The sebaceous glands contribute to the synthesis and secretion of sebum. Sebum is an oily-looking substance rich in fatty acids and which forms a protective lipid film at the level of the epidermis so that the skin is soft, lubricated, protected against humidity and dryness and of the scalp. The sebaceous glands are distributed over the entire surface of the skin, with the exception of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, but they are more abundant in the face, back and scalp.

On the scalp, the sebaceous glands are much larger in size than those on the skin, which could explain some scalp-related problems.

The sebum which is secreted by the sebaceous glands helps:

• To protect the skin and the scalp from external aggressions;
• Maintaining hydration of the epidermis (sebum is part of the composition of the hydrolipidic film of the skin) in the event of high temperatures, it slows down the evaporation of water from the skin. Sweating is thus limited and the risk of dehydration reduced;
• Has the suppleness and softness of the epidermis;
• In the balance of the cutaneous bacterial flora.

Thanks to the sebum, the hair remains supple and shiny.

Food that is too fatty, pollution, taking medication, using unsuitable cosmetic products, exposure to UV rays, stress and certain factors such as heredity influence the production of sebum. The activity of the sebaceous glands varies during certain periods of life such as puberty when the hormonal system undergoes great upheavals.

The pathological increase in sebum secretion is seborrhea

Normally, sebum is secreted in an adequate quantity but during puberty, the sebaceous glands, under the influence of androgenic hormones, will produce sebum in a very important way.

The functioning of certain processes is therefore totally disrupted and this is the case for the production of sebum. Usually this process is transient and stops when hormonal secretion stabilizes (after adolescence) but in some cases the sebaceous glands remain hypersensitive to the hormones in place and end up growing abnormally. This results in a permanent hypersecretion of sebum, called pathological seborrhea, responsible for acne and oily hair. The functioning of the sebaceous glands is therefore linked to hormonal activity and this persistence is abnormal.

Their activity may also increase in women at certain stages of the menstrual cycle.

Regulate sebum production in a natural way

A healthy and balanced diet: fatty foods and sugary drinks will be consumed in very limited quantities. It is important to be well hydrated by drinking at least 1,5 liters of water per day.

Have a healthy lifestyle

• cleanse the skin: cleanse the skin daily, choosing suitable products, with neutral pH and preferably natural;
• choose treatments adapted to their skin type (select products and treatments adapted to your oily skin which will not necessarily be the same within a sibling);
• let your skin rest: leave the epidermis to rest at least once a week without applying creams or other treatments, the pores will be able to breathe which will reduce the production of sebum.

Regulate sebum production with medication

The dermatologist or endocrinologist should be consulted to make an accurate diagnosis and suggest an appropriate treatment depending on the severity, location and type of acne that is affected.

Food supplements:

• Moderate acne: products prescribed without a prescription (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and glycolic acid). They are exfoliating agents that unclog blockages and help the skin to free itself from dead skin cells;
• Inflammatory acne: Topical antibiotics can be used to treat acne bacteria;
• Non-inflammatory acne but also inflammatory acne or severe acne: retinoids work by accelerating skin renewal, beware of side effects that can create skin irritation and it is usually only used when many other treatments have failed, especially in women of childbearing age;
• Severe inflammatory acne: one antibiotic tablet.

If the hyperseborrhea is due to a hormonal problem: Using a birth control pill can help regulate the hormones that cause acne breakouts.

The diagnosis of acne is based on the characteristics of the lesions. The doctor may perform a physical exam and note the medical and personal history to rule out other possible explanations for these lesions.

He also asks questions about the hygiene of life and the use of beauty products in particular and also the drugs that you take.