Sebum – what is it? What is excess sebum characterized by? [WE EXPLAIN]

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Sebum is a natural skin protection. Unfortunately, its excess can be a problem for many people who struggle with oily skin and accompanying imperfections. For this reason, we decided to check why sebum is produced and how to deal with excess sebum.

What is sebum?

Sebum, also called sebum, is a substance (lubricant) produced by the sebaceous glands. It is formed on the entire surface of the skin, except for two places: the inner surface of the hands and feet.

In turn, the most sebum is on the face, head, back and chest. The least – on the forearms and knees. It reaches the surface of the skin thanks to the hair follicles.

Composition of sebum

The sebum consists of a lipid mixture (fats, waxes and sterols) which is one of the elements of the dermis. The metabolite of testosterone – dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is responsible for its secretion. The percentage of sebum is as follows:

1. glycerides – constituting over 50% of sebum;
2. waxes – about 20%;
3. squalen – ok. 10%;
4. cholesterol – 1,5 %;
5. other substances (cholesterol esters or hydrocarbons) – approx. 20%.

What do we need sebum for?

Although people who have problems with sebum secretion will not be satisfied, sebum is needed. It is a protective barrier for our skin (e.g. against UV radiation). In addition, it is supposed to protect against bacteria, as well as chemical, environmental and mechanical hazards.

It is thanks to sebum that the skin copes better with temperature changes and has an appropriate pH. When the body produces too little sebum, the skin becomes thin and dull. In turn, excess sebum leads to problems with the skin and acne.

What can affect the production of sebum?

The secretion of sebum is influenced by hormones that inhibit the work of the glands – estrogen and progesterone, as well as hormones that enhance the work of the glands – testosterone, androstenediol, dehydroepiandrosterone, 4-androstenedione.

Age is another significant factor. Most sebum is produced after birth, but it decreases after six months. The production of sebum increases significantly in adolescence, which is often the cause of juvenile acne and other skin problems. This condition may persist until the age of 18. Then it decreases to increase slightly around the age of 25. In turn, after the age of 40, it gradually decreases. In postmenopausal women, it disappears completely, which is why there are problems with dry skin.

Do you want to reduce sebum production while maintaining skin elasticity? Try Oleiq hemp seed oil available on Medonet Market.

Lack of vitamins A, B2 and B6 can also have a significant impact on the secretion of sebum. The amount of sebum may also increase when the skin is rubbed or rubbed. In addition, the production of sebum increases in summer (at high temperatures), while it decreases in the autumn and winter. In this case, the time of day is also very important. The amount of sebum increases around 10 o’clock. The least amount of sebum is produced at night and in the morning.

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Propolia BeeYes BIO facial toner with honey for daily skin care helps regulate sebum production. We also recommend EPTA AC cleansing cleansing fluid for oily and acne skin, which is available on Medonet Market separately or in the EPTA AC comprehensive set for cleansing and caring for oily and acne skin.

The effects of excessive sebum production

The effects of excessive sebum production include:

1. oily skin problems – mostly focused in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), but for some people the problem may affect the entire face if the sweat glands are working faster. In selected areas, the skin is covered with a larger layer of sebum. Genes, improper care, dry skin and excessive friction may be responsible for this condition;
2. acne – this is another problem faced by people whose skin secretes more sebum. In this case, however, the main cause is inadequate work of the glands;
3. the scalp becomes greasy quickly – seborrhea on the scalp and oily hair are also the result of excess sebum.

If our skin secretes too much sebum, we can try out the SPF 10 PURE PERFECTION Sensilis Mattifying and Moisturizing Fluid for oily and combination skin, which regulates this process. We also recommend RITUAL CARE Sensilis Tonic for enlarged pores for oily and combination skin. In turn, for everyday skin care, it is worth using Olive-laurel cleansing soap Rassoul clay Surgras Aleppo Soap Co. by Tadé.

How to check if there is too much sebum production?

The best way to check if you have a problem with excess sebum is to wash your face with lukewarm water in the morning and then dry it thoroughly with a towel. After 30 minutes, we can check how the complexion looks.

The places that will be sticky to the touch are the places where the most sebum has been released. If they cover the vast majority of the face – we have oily skin (seborrheic skin). When only the T zone shines out – combination skin, with a sticky forehead and mouth corners – normal skin. However, in the case of skin that remains the same as after drying with a towel – dry skin.

Do you want to reduce the secretion of sebum? Try the natural face mask Orientana Glow. If you like the effect, you can also reach for the Orientana clay mask – honey and tea tree. Cosmetics are available on Medonet Market at attractive prices. You can also reach for the mattifying moisturizing cream from Embryolisse, which absorbs excess sebum. It has a cooling-gel consistency.

Simple ways to get rid of excess sebum

It is easiest to get rid of excess sebum from the face with matting papers by applying them to the areas that shine the most. If we do not have tissue paper with us, we can use tissues or a paper towel.

You can also make face masks. At Medonet Market you will find a soothing mask for sensitive skin Vianek, which cleans and moisturizes the face, leaving it smooth and pleasant to the touch. The Orientana Mask for mixed and oily skin made of natural silk with Filipino algae and aloe also has a soothing and matting effect.

Problems with oily skin – the most common care mistakes

The most common care mistake with oily and combination skin is the use of cosmetics that contain alcohol. While they may initially take away excess sticky film, they actually increase sebum production as they dry out the skin.

In addition, frequent use of matting cosmetics (including matting powder) can also lead to increased sebum production. More blackheads will appear on the face.

Frequent touching and rubbing the face is also one of the causes of oily skin problems. For this reason, it is worth controlling this involuntary reflex performed up to 25 times an hour.

Excess sebum – care for oily skin

The basic principles of proper care of oily skin are:

1. moisturizing oily skin – many people think that moisturizing oily skin is a mistake, but research shows that with excessive sebum secretion, the skin needs adequate hydration all the more. For this reason, instead of matting face creams, it is better to choose moisturizing creams that not only fulfill their basic function, but also counteract shine; we recommend eg Night cream for oily skin and combination skin with imperfections Peach Perilla Cream.

1. washing your face with lukewarm or warm water (avoiding hot and cold water) – it is important to limit washing your face to 2-3 times a day so as not to increase friction;
2. the use of face masks – both moisturizing and cleansing masks are designed to cleanse the skin and properly moisturize it. In this case, peels with the addition of green clay will work very well;
3. using enzyme peels instead of mechanical peels – enzyme peels penetrate deep into the skin without additional rubbing;
4. avoiding the use of oils – a moisturizing cream works better for care.

At Medonet Market you can buy a set of cosmetics for the daily care of oily skin. The offer also includes a peeling with green tea, a matting tonic with neem and citron without the addition of alcohol, and a moisturizing cream with mulberry and licorice. To regulate sebum production and restore the proper pH, choose Orientana Tonic for combination skin with ginger and lemongrass.

Principles of healthy nutrition in the case of excess sebum

The following should be mentioned among the principles of healthy eating in the case of excessive sebum secretion:

1. adequate hydration – 1,5 l of water is the absolute minimum not only for oily skin, but also according to the rules of proper nutrition;
2. exclusion from the diet of salt, simple sugars, chocolate and fatty foods, including fast food;
3. quitting smoking;
4. the use of dietary supplements containing iron and vitamin B2;
5. enriching the diet with fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains and protein.

Oily hair problems – what to do?

Quickly oily hair is also the effect of excessive sebum production. To combat this problem, it is best to use shampoos containing natural ingredients (e.g. nettle). It is also very important to use scalp scrubs at least once or twice a month.

Biolaven offers a scalp scrub with a natural composition. Natural xylitol is responsible for its exfoliating properties. In addition, the peeling, thanks to the content of olive oil and laurel oil, moisturizes the hair and minimizes the problem of oily scalp.