Sebum removal is sometimes necessary because an overabundance of this naturally produced skin oil can lead to several skin problems. While sebum is crucial for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin, excessive production contributes to various issues.
The Importance of Sebum Balance
Sebum, a naturally occurring oil produced by the skin's sebaceous glands, plays a vital role in maintaining skin health. As stated in one source, these surface lipids "keep the skin hydrated and healthy."15-Dec-2020 However, an imbalance—either too much or too little—disrupts this equilibrium.
Excess Sebum: The Problem
Excessive sebum production results in:
- Oily skin: This makes the skin appear shiny and greasy.
- Acne: Excess sebum clogs pores, leading to breakouts. This connection between diet and acne is supported by research, hinting at a possible link between dietary choices and sebum production. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet
- Other skin conditions: In some cases, excess sebum can contribute to conditions like sebaceous hyperplasia (an enlargement of the sebaceous glands). https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-is-sebaceous-hyperplasia-treatment
Removing Excess Sebum: Methods
Methods for managing excessive sebum include:
- Gentle cleansers: Regular washing with a mild cleanser helps remove excess oil.
- Topical treatments: Products containing ingredients like L-carnitine can help reduce sebum production. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5605215/
- Medical treatments: For severe cases, a dermatologist might recommend stronger treatments, such as isotretinoin (an oral retinoid). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-oily-skin
It's important to note that while pore strips can remove sebaceous filaments (which are different from blackheads), they also remove sebum, and this isn't always necessary or beneficial. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24571-sebaceous-filaments Over-removal can disrupt the skin's natural barrier and lead to dryness.
