A Breakdown on Sebum and Why It’s Actually Good for the Skin

If you have oily skin, it might be tempting to try everything in your power to banish every last drop of oil from your face — but your skin actually needs a certain amount of it to stay moisturized. That oil is called sebum, and it actually has some positive benefits for your skin. But, when it comes to sebum, like many things in life, too much or too little can be a problem. In this circumstance, an excess or lack of sebum can potentially manifest as oily skin or as dry skin. If you produce too much sebum, you may want to use oil-controlling products that can help to manage its excess, and if you don’t have enough, it may be a good idea to use hydrating products to compensate for it.

To learn more about sebum, why your skin needs it and what to do when your skin produces too much, we consulted with Dr. Alicia Zalka, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut. Keep reading to learn why sebum is so important for the skin and skincare products you can use to manage it when you produce too much.  

What Is Sebum? 

“Sebum is a waxy substance made up of fats that are produced by sebaceous glands of the skin,” says Dr. Zalka. Sebum’s main function is to lubricate the skin to make it feel softer and moisturized. Dr. Zalka explains that the number and size of sebaceous glands vary, but they are most commonly found on the forehead, chin and scalp. 

Why Your Skin Needs Sebum

Sebum plays a very important role in the health of your complexion. “The desired function of sebum is the maintenance of the skin barrier function,” says Dr. Zalka. “It allows the skin to retain moisture while preventing invasion from outside irritants.” It also acts as a protective coating that helps prevent dryness and reduce the appearance of aging, all while keeping your skin moisturized. 

How Is Sebum Produced?

As Dr. Zalka mentioned, sebum is made by sebaceous glands, which are located all over the body. Many are connected to hair follicles. In less science-driven speak, as the hair grows, the glands secrete oil that travels up the follicle to the surface of the skin. Because of this, when you produce too much sebum, pores can easily get clogged. According to an article in the NCBI, the face and scalp have the most sebaceous glands on the body, which explains why your scalp, along with your forehead and chin (the T-zone) are more common areas that deal with overactive sebum production and acne. 

How Much Sebum Is Normal?

According to Dr. Zalka, the amount of sebum output varies with gender and age and is linked to hormonal variations. “Teen males tend to have the most sebum while postmenopausal women have the least,” she says. With that said, you can usually tell if your skin produces too much sebum if you have an oily skin type. Common skin concerns like acne, rosacea or folliculitis can also be an indication of sebum overproduction. 

Sebum Overproduction

While sebum has an important function for the skin barrier, too much or too little can pose a problem. If you produce too much sebum, then you may deal with a particularly oily complexion on the regular. There’s also a chance that your skin is acne-prone as well. Enlarged pores are a common occurrence for those with oily skin because sebum and dead skin cells get trapped in pores, making them appear larger. 

Sebum Underproduction

Sebum is produced to lubricate the skin and prevent water loss, so if you don’t have enough, you may experience a dry, flaky complexion. The skin also tends to get drier as we age. If your skin doesn’t produce enough sebum, you may want to reach for products with hydrating formulas and ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to improve skin hydration, per the NCBI.

How to Control Excess Sebum

The good news is that you can help manage your skin’s sebum production with different topical skincare products and the right regimen. Dr. Zalka recommends searching for products with ingredients, like retinoids, alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy-acids (BHAs), which are known to temporarily reduce sebum at the surface of the skin. They also help to resurface the skin by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Adding a clay mask and oil-free moisturizer to your routine can also help with managing excess sebum. To form the right skincare routine for your skin concerns, reach out to a board-certified dermatologist. Ahead, we break down some of our favorite products and skincare tips for controlling excess sebum.

Cleanse Daily With a Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid Face Wash

As Dr. Zalka mentioned, look for products formulated with AHAs and BHAs to help manage  excess sebum. The L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel is a drugstore cleansing gel that is formulated with both of the aforementioned ingredients. It contains glycolic acid (an AHA) to gently exfoliate the skin, promote cellular turnover and a clear complexion, as well as salicylic acid (a BHA) to help with the appearance of enlarged pores.