Overproduction. Sebum production varies in response to age-related hormone fluctuations, certain medications, and lifestyle factors. An overproduction of sebum can lead to oily skin. People with oily skin may notice that their pores look larger, and their skin appears greasy or shiny.
Vitamin A is well knowns to reduce sebum production when taken orally as a retinoid medication.
There are commercial shampoos specially formulated to treat sebum buildup. These "clarifying" shampoos contain ingredients like clay, activated charcoal, argan oil, or salicylic acid that gently remove sebum without damaging your hair or the skin of your scalp. Regular brushing is also important.
Steam. Steam is a gentle and effective way to unclog your pores, loosen the sebum trapped in your pores, and eliminate unwanted bacteria.
Sometimes known as 'riboflavin' vitamin B2 deficiency is often linked to oily skin, although low levels of B2 are uncommon in Western countries like the US and UK.
High-dose vitamins B6 and B12 have also been linked to rosacea fulminans, a condition that looks like acne. Rosacea is marked by large red bumps and pustules that typically appear on the nose, chin, and/or cheeks.
Naturally produced in the body, L-carnitine functions to augment β-oxidation, the catabolic process by which fatty acids are broken down. Topical 2% L-carnitine has been shown to significantly decrease intracellular fatty acid content in human sebocytes and resulted in significant sebum reduction.
Isotretinoin is a treatment for severe acne that comes in capsules. It has a number of beneficial effects: it helps normalise sebum and reduce how much is produced. it helps prevent follicles becoming clogged.
Regular use of a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliant for sebaceous filaments can really help, because BHA is oil-soluble and can dissolve sebum and other substances crowding the pore lining. Use of a well-formulated clay face mask for sebaceous filaments might also help due to the clay's oil-absorbing properties.
Foods that contain a high amount of sugar (especially processed ones) and refined carbohydrates (such as white rice, and white pasta) accelerate IGF-1 production. IGF-1 is a hormone that promotes growth and plays a crucial role in sebaceous gland physiology (sebum or oil production).
Over-cleansing might make your skin produce more oil, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Aggressive cleaning routines, like scrubbing too hard, can irritate your skin and stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum as a protective response.
Regular cleansing is key to treating sebaceous filaments. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser twice a day to remove excess oil and dirt. This helps stop pores from clogging and makes sebaceous filaments less noticeable. Exfoliation is also important for getting rid of sebaceous filaments.
Increasing the intake of healthy fats like omega-3s found in fish, nuts, and seeds can help reduce inflammation that worsens acne. Omega-3s also limit the overactivity of sebaceous glands. Foods rich in zinc like oysters, nuts, legumes, and whole grains help control excess sebum production as well.
For oily skin, a salicylic acid serum is typically recommended. Salicylic acid helps to unclog pores, reduce excess oil production, and prevent acne breakouts.
Androgens are the hormones mostly responsible for oil production, and sometimes they can fluctuate, stimulating an increase in sebum production. This often happens during puberty, just before menstruation, during pregnancy and during menopause.
The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].
Research shows B6 supplementation regulated hormones and reduced premenstrual acne over two months. Additionally, low levels of B-vitamins generally are linked to skin issues like acne, dermatitis, rashes and sensitivity. Optimal intake can prevent deficiency-associated skin disorders.
Contrary to common assumptions, Vitamin B12 deficiency doesn't directly lead to weight gain. However, it can indirectly influence weight through its impact on energy metabolism. Insufficient B12 can lead to fatigue and weakness, which may reduce physical activity levels and, in turn, lead to weight gain.
Isotretinoin has the potential to decrease the size and secretion activity of sebaceous glands, reducing sebum production levels by up to 90%. In the majority of patients results are long-lasting as most patients report significant suppression of sebum production one year after treatment.
Oily skin can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, weather, stress, and hormones. Washing with an overly aggressive cleanser can also irritate your skin and potentially trigger increased oil production, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Vitamin D decreased sebum production after treatment of sebocytes with P. acnes in our study. It was reported that treatment of slowly proliferating SZ95 sebocytes with vitamin D results in a statistically significant time- and dose-dependent reduction of sebum lipids8.