Here are some amazing facts about sebum:

  1. It protects our skin from pollutants, drying irritants, and the sun’s UV rays.
  2. It retains moisture in the skin cells and prevents them from drying up.
  3. It safeguards the skin cells from bacterial and viral infections.
  4. It is a light yellow-colored viscous fluid that is usually invisible on the facial canvas.
  5. Its underproduction leads to dryness and overproduction causes oiliness on the skin.
  6. It is responsible for transporting fat-soluble nutrients like Vitamin E.

Sebum is an oily substance that is secreted in our body cells and helps prevent the skin from drying out. It is produced in the sebaceous glands and is triggered by hormones. It gets activated from birth and starts slowing down a bit after one’s twenties. Pregnancy can increase sebum secretion in women because of hormonal changes in the mother’s and baby’s bodies.

Sebum in the face

After discussing the meaning of sebum above, we shall discuss its significance in the human body. The above facts would represent a major part of the above, but it is more appropriate to discuss this in terms of different skin types too. The pattern of sebum secretion may even run as a part of one’s genetic code.

Excess sebum in the face makes a person’s facial canvas oily and sensitive to acne or pimples. However, a less-than-adequate production of the same makes a person’s face seem drier. (It is worth noting that a person with dry skin is also just as susceptible to getting acne and pimples). For combination skin, some parts of the T-Zone would be oily or dry, while the facial parts apart from the T-Zone would be the exact opposite. 

Note: This is why opting for safe and gentle skincare products is so important. You should always select your face cleanser and face mask in line with your skin type. Checking the natural oil content on your facial skin would be crucial to deciding your skincare routine.

Sebum in hair and on the scalp

Sebum could just as much be a common denominator in your hair care regimen as it is a part of your skincare regimen. People could have oily scalp or hair, even when they may not apply as much hair oil to their strands. Conversely, they could have a drier scalp and hair texture, even if they go good on their hair oil.

There is always a direct correlation between the sebum content on the scalp and hair. If one is oily, the other is bound to be the same way. The same philosophy of selecting a certain type of skincare products works in close tandem with the hair care products too. The more cautious your approach, the better results you may derive from your hair care plans.

Product recommendations: Mamaearth Bestsellers

Here are safe and gentle skincare products that you may use to power up your skincare regimen:

1. Tea Tree Face Serum for Acne and Pimples

Mamaearth Tea Tree Face Serum

Tea Tree Face Serum

Prevents Acne Breakouts |Controls Sebum Production

Price₹ 599.00
Quantity30ml
Available Offer35% Off
Discount CodeREDEEM35

Our Tea Tree Face Serum for Acne and Pimples helps control excess production and prevent acne breakouts. Enriched with Salicylic Acid and Licorice Extract, it helps improve the appearance of scars. The presence of its star ingredient, Tea Tree Oil, disinfects the skin pores and soothes inflammation.

2. Skin Correct Face Serum with Niacinamide and Ginger Extract for Acne Marks and Scars

Mamaearth Skin Correct Face Serum

Skin Correct Face Serum

Reduces Acne Marks | Minimizes Enlarged Pores

Price₹ 599.00
Quantity30ml
Available Offer35% Off
Discount CodeREDEEM35

This safe and gentle face serum helps reduce acne marks and minimizes enlarged skin pores caused due to excess sebum production. Applying it twice a day after using a face wash will also help improve your skin’s texture. Being enriched with Glycerin and Zinc PCA will make it even better. Post using it, apply a non-comedogenic face cream to seal in moisture. 

3. Tea Tree Foaming Face Wash with Tea Tree Oil and Salicylic Acid for Acne and Pimples 

Mamaearth Tea Tree Foaming Face Wash

Tea Tree Foaming Face Wash

Gently Cleanses |Removes Excess Oil |Antibacterial

Price₹ 399.00
Quantity150ml
Available Offer35% Off
Discount CodeREDEEM35

This toxin-free foaming face wash comes powered by Tea Tree Oil and Salicylic Acid. It helps gently cleanse the facial skin, remove excess oil, and drive out bacterial infections. Being powered by Neem helps it shield the skin’s moisture barrier and reduce bacterial growth.

4. Acne Marks Reduction Kit

Mamaearth Acne Marks Reduction Kit

Acne Marks Reduction Kit

Fights Acne & Pimples | Controls Excess Oil

Price₹ 824.00
Available Offer35% Off
Discount CodeREDEEM35

Comprising a set of three sebum-controlling skincare products, Mamaearth’s Acne Marks Reduction Kit helps fight acne and pimples. It also controls excess sebum on the face and reduces enlarged skin pores. This kit features Tea Tree Face Wash, Skin Correct Face Serum, and Oil-Free Face Moisturizer. 

Tip: If you have persistent acne, we highly recommend using Mamaearth Niacin Face Toner enriched with Witch Hazel and Niacinamide. It reduces the size of enlarged pores and gives you spotless skin with each usage. You can also use an aloe vera face gel to calm irritation caused by with acne and breakouts. 

Summing up

Sebum is a critical element of our well-being, and it can be kept at an adequate level by following a positive lifestyle and skincare routine. Its loss could make the skin drier and prone to frequent rashes while its excess could make the face oily and prone to acne and pimples. We thus recommend opting for a balanced skincare regimen as per your skin type for the best results. Adding a pair of toxin-free face scrub and moisturizer would also help.

FAQ:

  1. What is sebum?

    Secreted by our body cells, sebum is an oily substance that helps prevent our skin from drying out in direct contact with atmospheric elements. It is produced in the sebaceous glands and is produced by our hormones. Sebum gets activated from the day we are born but starts slowing down a bit after we reach our twenties. In women, pregnancy can increase its secretion because of hormonal changes in the mother’s and the baby’s body.

  2. How to control sebum production on the face? or How to remove sebum from the face?

    It takes a concerted approach to reduce excessive oiliness or sebum secretion on the face. We recommend washing your face with a safe and gentle face wash twice or thrice a day. Using a face scrub once or twice a week would also work great as it will help clean out blocked skin pores that trap sebum and bacteria. One should use an oil-free face moisturizer. Opting for a non-drying face toner to remove makeup would also be recommended. In addition, one should follow a balanced lifestyle and eat a nutritious diet. Staying stress-free and taking a six-hour sleep every night would also help.

  3. Why is sebum produced?

    Sebum helps prevent the skin from drying out. It is produced in the sebaceous glands and is produced by hormones. It also moisturizes the facial skin and the scalp (the latter then powers up the hair roots). Sebum also helps reduce the drying effect of various atmospheric factors and keeps bacterial infections away.

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