Sweat and sebum are both secretions of the skin, but they have different compositions, functions, and origins.
- Sweat is produced by sweat glands and primarily consists of water and salts. Its main function is to help regulate body temperature by evaporative cooling.
- Sebum, on the other hand, is produced by sebaceous glands and is composed of oil, fatty acids, waxes, and cholesterol. Its primary function is to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair, protecting them from drying out.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Sweat | Sebum |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Sweat glands | Sebaceous glands |
| Composition | Water, salts | Oil, fatty acids, waxes, cholesterol |
| Function | Regulate body temperature | Lubricate and waterproof skin and hair |
The preferences for sweat and sebum concentrations vary among the different bacterial species that live on the skin.
