Sebaceous Glands and Your Skin: Everything You Need to Know

Sebaceous glands ('sebum' or 'sebaceous gland') are a term we encounter frequently in the skincare world. This is because they are often associated with the development of pimples and blackheads. But what exactly are these sebaceous glands?

The term "sebum" or "sebaceous gland" is often used in skincare jargon. This is because they're often associated with the development of pimples and blackheads. But what exactly are these sebaceous glands? How do they work, what do they do, and how do you keep them functioning properly?

In this blog you can read everything you need to know about sebaceous glands.

Sebaceous glands are small organs in the skin, invisible to the naked eye. They produce an oily substance called sebum. Sebum keeps your skin and hair supple and also makes the skin more water-resistant. Sebaceous glands are part of the intermentum, which consists of your skin, hair, nails, and other structures that help protect the body from environmental or physical damage.

They're located in the dermis, the second layer of skin. Most sebaceous glands are found near hair, such as the scalp, face, back, and chest. They're not found on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet.

The sebaceous gland contains a glandular cell. When glandular cells develop, they store large amounts of fat inside the cell. Eventually, the entire cell interior is replaced by fat, and the nucleus disappears. This causes the cell to die and burst.

The remaining oil is also called sebum. It's a mixture of fats and cell debris. The sebum then flows through the ducts and pores onto the skin.

Besides retaining moisture and regulating skin temperature, sebum also contains squalene and other substances that prevent bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms from causing infections.

Sebum production is influenced by several factors, with age and hormones playing a major role. When you reach puberty, sebum production peaks, caused by an increase in male hormones (androgens) . This increase, along with the shedding of dead skin cells, can clog pores. Excess sebum can lead to blackheads and pimples.

From around age 20, sebum production stagnates and slows down as we age. This can cause the skin to become somewhat drier and less elastic. This slowdown is often accompanied by a decrease in androgen production.

This decrease also means your skin retains less moisture. The loss of moisture, combined with the decrease in collagen and keratin, can lead to dry skin (xerosis cutis) and brittle hair.

Our pores clean themselves, but they can get clogged. This can be caused by accumulated sebum or other debris. This allows bacteria to proliferate, leading to pimples.

As more pimples develop, this triggers an immune system response. The skin becomes red and inflammation develops as the body tries to control the infection.

Teenagers are most vulnerable to acne during puberty because they experience the most severe hormonal changes that increase sebum production. Acne can also have other causes, such as hormonal changes caused by birth control or diet.

Although genes and hormones play a major role in the functioning of our sebaceous glands, there are several things you can do to keep them functioning properly. This will reduce the risk of pimples.

1. Use a good, gentle cleanser. Harsh cleansers can cause more problems, even though you might think they'll actually "clean" your pores. In fact, they dry out your skin and can flake it, increasing the risk of clogged pores.

2. Use a good moisturizer. This allows you to replenish the moisture your sebaceous glands can no longer produce, improving your skin's health. Consider carefully which type of moisturizer suits your skin. ( Tip: At Olivida, we sell a wide range of moisturizers for all skin types: Order Day Cream – Skincare from A-Brands & for Every Budget).

3. Drink enough water! Drinking too little water can cause your sebum to thicken. Drinking water also has many other benefits for your health and skin. Try to drink 2 liters of water a day.

Time to work on healthier skin? We at Olivida.nl believe this starts at home with using the right products! We have a wide range of products, including day creams and SPF.

Our products are exclusively from salon brands, meaning they contain higher concentrations of active ingredients. This way, the products can truly benefit your skin.

Every skin is different, and we understand that. Request our free online skin consultation via chat or SkinQuiz. Our skin specialist will assess your skin's needs and recommend the products that are best suited to you. What are you waiting for?

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