Sebum: What is it & How Can You Reduce its Overproduction?

Is your skin looking shiny with breakouts and clogged pores? Do you find yourself in a constant battle to control oily and greasy-looking skin? Excess sebum is likely the culprit. Even though it is an oily substance that protects your skin, too much of it can lead to a shiny appearance and increase your risk of clogged pores and acne.

Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore dives a little more into what sebum is and how you can control its overproduction. 

What is sebum?

It is a sticky oily substance produced by the body’s sebaceous glands. It is made of different types of lipids or fat molecules that include triglycerides, wax esters, squalene, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Secreted onto the skin through the hair follicles, sebum provides a protective barrier or a coating for the skin to retain moisture. 

What does sebum do?

• Hydration – sebum is a natural moisturizer/lubrication that keeps the skin healthy, smooth, and hydrated
• Skin protection – the oily substance protects the skin from foreign substances or against infection and environmental damage 
• Antioxidant help – It transports antioxidants (like vitamin E) to the skin surface; this may prevent oxidative damage

Sebum underproduction vs sebum overproduction 

Balanced sebum production is essential in keeping the skin soft, supple, and healthy. A number of factors such as hormonal fluctuations, certain medications, and lifestyle habits can affect its production, which may lead to:

• Sebum underproduction – means having too little sebum or underactive sebaceous glands. Several factors can contribute to reduced sebum production, including allergen or chemical exposure, certain oral contraceptives and prescription retinoids, as well as pituitary gland disorders. 

Sebum underproduction can lead to dry, flaky, and itchy skin with aggravated symptoms if you use skincare products with harsh or irritating ingredients. The use of moisturizers with humectants or ceramides can relieve dry skin, as well as avoiding products that contain alcohol and artificial fragrances. 

• Sebum overproduction – can lead to oily skin with symptoms such as visible or enlarged pores and a shiny skin appearance. Sebum overproduction can be due to hormonal fluctuations, certain medications, or lifestyle factors. This is common among teenagers and young adults (through mid-20s) when hormonal changes are more intense.

The main issue with overproduction is that excess sebum can trap dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells in their pores. This can then increase your risk of having blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. It is also common for makeup to melt or crease when you have greasy skin.

What can help reduce sebum production?

An overproduction of sebum is a common concern for many. The most common sign is having shine or oiliness across your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Enlarged pores and comedones, which are signs of congestion, are also common with sebum overproduction. 

Here are a few things that can reduce excess sebum.

Cleanse your skin daily 

Never go to bed without removing your makeup or cleansing your skin. Doing so increases the potential for clogged pores and associated skin issues. Choose a gentle cleanser that provides comprehensive cleansing without stripping the skin. Make sure not to overwash your face, as this can prompt the sebaceous gland to produce more oil.

Choose the right moisturizer

Always use a moisturizer after cleansing your face. Look for oil-free or water-based formulas, so you can hydrate your skin without further clogging your pores. And if you have sensitive or easily irritated skin, a face moisturizer with zinc is a good choice. This can help reduce sebum while also soothing and calming your skin. 

Exfoliate

Excess sebum and dead skin cells can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Exfoliating using glycolic acid or salicylic acid (AHA/BHA) can remove this build-up and enhance cell turnover. It breaks down some of the dead surface cells, which can enable the active ingredients in your skincare to penetrate deeper and do their magic. 

Use targeted masks or acne treatments 

Some masks can help manage certain skin issues like mild acne, enlarged pores, or dull complexion. Clay masks help absorb excess sebum and combat large pores. You can choose to apply it only to oily areas once or twice a week. And for acne that is due to excess sebum, topical medications or oral antibiotics can help.

Make some lifestyle changes

Some of the things that help improve the health of your skin and reduce inflammation include:

• Balanced diet – include healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. This can help regulate sebum synthesis and reduce inflammation. Avoid or limit your intake of processed foods or refined sugars, as these are known to trigger inflammation. 
• Exercise regularly – apart from helping you keep your ideal weight, exercise also causes your body to release endorphins or the “feel-good” hormones. This can boost your moods and reduce stress, which is known to trigger sebum overproduction. Exercise can also improve blood flow and deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin. 

Consider aesthetic treatments 

Our aesthetic clinic in Singapore offers non-surgical treatments that can help reduce oiliness and help you unveil a more youthful, glowing complexion. These include:

• Meso-Botulinum – involves superficial delivery of small doses of botulinum toxin all over the face. It will not affect the facial muscles or control facial expressions, but help reduce pore size, decrease sebum production, reduce facial redness, and smooth and tighten the skin.
• HydraMaster Facial – cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin. It uses different technologies and handpieces to enable effective treatments with impressive results. HydraMaster helps accelerate skin renewal, unclog pores, reduce pore size, and improve skin tone and texture. 
• Cutis Rosacea Treatment Package – includes three light- and laser-based procedures for improving facial redness, spider veins on the face, and other rosacea-related symptoms.

• Laser skin rejuvenation – gently heats the skin to stimulate collagen and the production of new skin cells. It can reduce redness, scarring, broken blood vessels, and signs of aging.
• Limelight Photo Facial – delivers intelligent pulses of light customized to your skin tone. It can help stimulate collagen and reduce the appearance of facial redness, tiny veins, pigmentation, and sun damage. 
• Laser vein reduction – uses laser technology to destroy the veins and allow the skin to reabsorb the veins. It redirects blood flow deeper below the skin surface, where it is supposed to be. 

Take control of your sebum production. If you need help in taking better care of your skin, don’t hesitate to reach out to Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore. Book a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to find out how we can help you achieve your skin goals.