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What is Sebum and Can You Reduce Excess Production?

Discover all you need to know about sebum, why sebaceous glands produce too much, and whether you can reduce sebum excess, with NIVEA

What's in this article:

What is sebum?

Sebum is a natural, oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in your skin. Composed of lipids, waxes, and other molecules, it forms a protective barrier that reduces water loss to regulate body temperature and helps to keep the skin moisturised.  

It also shields against bacteria, fungi, and environmental pollutants, thus helping to prevent infections and skin damage. Additionally, it contributes to the skin's texture and shine, helping to provide a healthy-looking appearance. 

What Are Sebaceous Glands?

Sebaceous glands produce sebum, a natural oil. Most of these glands open into your hair follicles, allowing them to release sebum directly onto the hair shaft or skin’s surface through pores.
blonde young woman cleaning her face

What is Excess Sebum?

Sebum is essential for skin health thanks to the moisture and protection it provides. However, when sebaceous glands produce more sebum than necessary, it can lead to various skin concerns such as: 

  1. Oily Skin: An overabundance of sebum can result in a shiny or greasy appearance on the skin's surface. 
     
  2. Breakouts: Excess sebum can combine with dead skin cells and clog pores, creating an environment where acne-causing bacteria thrive. This often leads to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. 
     
  3. Enlarged Pores: Pores may become visibly enlarged due to the accumulation of sebum and debris, which stretches the skin around the pores. 

4 Common Causes of Excess Sebum Production

  1. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can increase or decrease sebum production depending on the case. 
  2. Diet: Certain foods, particularly those high in carbohydrates, saturated fats and dairy products could promote sebum production or alter its composition. 
  3. Stress: Psychological stress can trigger hormonal responses, and therefore have an effect on sebum production.
  4. Genetic Factors: Family history and genetics play a role in determining how active sebaceous glands are and their tendency to produce excess sebum.
Where Are the Sebaceous Glands Located?

7 Areas Commonly Affected by Excess Sebum

Clogged pores can be found anywhere on the body where there are sebaceous glands. However, certain areas are more prone to clogging due to higher concentrations of these glands and greater exposure to factors that contribute to blockages:
blonde young woman using Nivea Derma Skin Clear face wash
  1. Forehead: The forehead is a common area for appearance of blemishes due to its high number of sebaceous glands. The forehead is part of the T-zone, which tends to be oilier than other parts of the face. 
  2. Nose (T-zone): The nose is another key component of the T-zone, where sebaceous glands are more active. The combination of excess sebum production and exposure to environmental pollutants can easily lead to clogged pores here.  
  3. Chin: The chin, also part of the T-zone, is susceptible to get clogged pores. Hormonal changes often impact this area, increasing sebum production and likelihood of blockages. 
  4. Upper Back: The upper back has a high density of sebaceous glands, making it a common area for clogged pores and acne breakouts. This condition is often referred to as "back acne".
  5. Shoulders: Similar to the upper back, the shoulders have numerous sebaceous glands that are likely to release excess sebum and encourage the appearance of imperfections, particularly in individuals who sweat heavily or wear tight clothing. 
  6. Chest: The chest area can also experience clogged pores, especially in those who are prone to body acne. 
  7. Scalp: Although less visible, the scalp has many sebaceous glands that can become clogged, leading to conditions like scalp acne. 
Facts Overview

Sebum

Sebum:
A natural, oily substance produced by sebaceous glands that keeps skin moisturised and protected. 
 
Excess Sebum:
Can lead to oily skin, acne, and enlarged pores, often caused by hormonal changes, diet, stress, and genetics. 
 
Clogged Pores:
Result from excess oil from sebaceous glands, dead skin cells, and impurities, causing common skin issues such as pimples and blackheads. 
 
Management:
Regular skin cleansing accompanied by the use of moisturisers adapted to oily skin can help control sebum levels and prevent pores from becoming clogged.

Can sebaceuous glands get clogged?

Sebaceous glands are responsible for sebum production, but they do not get clogged themselves. Instead, it's the pores and ducts connected to these glands that can become clogged. Skincare products don't directly regulate sebum production but help reduce excess sebum on the skin's surface. When the sebaceous glands produce more sebum, this excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and other debris, leading to clogged pores and potential breakouts.

5 Ways to Identify Clogged Pores

An overproduction of sebum can cause clogged pores, here is how to identify them:
young woman with her eyes closed

1. Blemishes:

The primary consequence of clogged pores is the development of blemishes. When pores are blocked, it creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, which can lead to blemish breakouts.

2. Blackheads and Whiteheads:

Clogged pores can result in the formation of blackheads and whiteheads, which are types of acne lesions. If you have blackheads on your nose, chin or forehead, the NIVEA Clear-up Strips help keep the pores unclogged and remove excess sebum so that the skin looks refined and fresh. 

3. Skin Irritation and Inflammation:

Clogged pores can cause skin irritation, redness, and inflammation, especially if the pores become infected.  

4. Skin Texture Changes:

Rough or uneven skin texture, especially in areas prone to clogging.

5. Visible Pores:

Pores that appear larger or more noticeable than usual, often accompanied by a shiny or greasy appearance on the skin's surface. If you have wrinkles with visible pores try the NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Pore Minimising Day Cream SPF 15, formulated with Pure Q10 + Algae Extract to help minimise pores, and matify and refine the skin’s appearance.

4 Tips in Case of Excess Sebum Production

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your skin hydrated. 
  2. Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise. Stress can cause hormonal changes that can increase sebum production. 
  3. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Adequate sleep helps regulate hormones that can affect oil production. 
  4. Avoid Touching Your Face: Minimise touching your face to reduce the transfer of oils and bacteria from your hands, which can contaminate pores and encourage the development of imperfections.

Skincare Routine To Help Eliminate Sebum Excess

Step 1: Cleanse (Morning and Night)

Start by washing your face with a cleanser specifically made for blemished skin containing Salicylic Acid, such as the NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Wash Gel. This removes make-up and dirt clogging the skin pores, preventing the recurrence of blemishes. Gently massage it into a damp face, being careful around the delicate eye area, and rinse off. 

Step 2: Scrub or Exfoliate

Use a gentle scrub like the NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Non-Blemish Face Scrub, with the ingredients Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide which help to free the pores and refine skin texture. It is suitable for use once to twice a week on blemish-prone skin.
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Face Scrub

Step 3: Toning (Optional)

Use a toner to help balance your skin's pH levels and remove any remaining traces of dirt or makeup. The NIVEA Derma Clear Skin Toner, for blemish-prone skin, is formulated with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, to help rebalance the skin and hydrate it without clogging pores. 

Step 4: Apply Serum

You may consider facial serums containing Niacinamide to address blemishes. Niacinamide can help to regulate oil production, which can minimise the appearance of clogged pores.

NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Rebalance & Protect Serum is enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid to help reduce imperfections, soothe the skin and strengthen its cutaneous barrier.

Step 5: Moisturise (Morning)

To hydrate the skin without adding excess oil, use a light moisturiser such as the NIVEA Mattifying Day Cream. Formulated with Aloe Vera and Glycerin, it helps to provide deep moisturisation without leaving a shiny appearance. Other ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid can also be good additions to your moisturisation step.

 **Instrumental test, 31 volunteers
NIVEA Moisturisers

Step 6: Evening care

Apply a targeted skincare product at night, such as a leave-in exfoliator like NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Night Scrub. With Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide, it helps to remove dead surface cells and unclog pores. Used daily in the evening, it helps reduce imperfections and prevents them from reappearing. 
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Night Scrub

Step 7: Sun Protection

Finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, especially if using treatments that may increase sensitivity to the sun. The NIVEA UV Face Shine Control SPF 50 is an ideal option since it helps to absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface whilst protecting against UVA/UVB-induced skin damage.
Face Suncream

NIVEA Derma Skin Clear to Help Reduce Excess Sebum

The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear range has been clinically tested to help manage blemish-prone skin. The range includes specialised products that could help to manage excess sebum, addressing related concerns and promoting a clearer complexion.

The range contains the ingredients Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, and Glycolic Acid that help to unclog pores, and exfoliate the skin to promote a smoother, more even complexion. Regular use of these products helps to improve skin texture and clarity, making it an ideal solution for those seeking a clearer, healthier-looking complexion.
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Range

Why It’s Still Important To Wear Sunscreen If You’re Experiencing Excess Sebum

Many people experiencing excess sebum worry that sunscreen will make their skin feel greasier, clog pores, and lead to breakouts. However, skipping sunscreen can have serious consequences for your skin health, and so you should always apply SPF before heading outside. Finding the right sunscreen for oily skin can be challenging, which is why NIVEA has developed a sunscreen specifically designed to address these concerns. 

The NIVEA Sun UV Face Specialist Derma Skin Clear SPF50+ provides immediate face protection from UVA/UVB rays and blue light from the sun, responsible for premature ageing of the skin. With its Anti-Blemish Complex + Niacinamide, this face sunscreen does not clog pores and prevents skin blemishes. 

Summary

Sebum is a natural oily substance produced by sebaceous glands to help lubricate and protect skin. Excess sebum, often caused by genetics, hormones, stress, diet, or certain medications, can lead to oily skin and clogged pores, but a proper skincare routine can help manage these issues. Regular cleansing and specific care are preventive measures. For persistent excess sebum or severe acne, consulting a dermatologist is recommended for further advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does sebum production change with age?

Yes, sebum production tends to decrease with age, which can lead to drier skin.

Is sebum different for everyone?

Yes, sebum production varies among individuals and can be influenced by genetics.

Does sebum production differ between men and women?

Generally, men tend to have higher skin oil production due to higher levels of androgens.

Can sebum contribute to hair health?

Yes, sebum helps moisturise and condition hair, but excess sebum can make hair appear greasy.

How does weather affect sebum production?

Hot and humid weather can stimulate sebum production, while cold and dry weather may reduce it.

Can stress affect sebum production?

Yes, stress can trigger hormonal changes that lead to increased skin oil production and worsen skin conditions.

Can skincare products affect sebum production?

Yes, using overly harsh or drying skincare products can stimulate sebum production as the skin tries to compensate for the loss of oils.

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