The amount of sebum your body produces is slow through childhood until you reach puberty. At the time of puberty, your body produces excessive amounts of sebum. Your sebum production reduces to normal amounts during adulthood. After age 70, your body's sebum production slows down gradually.
In elderly men, sebum levels remain essentially unchanged from those of younger adults until the age of 80. In women, sebaceous secretion decreases gradually after menopause and shows no significant change after the 7th decade.
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.
Vitamin D seems to inhibit sebocyte proliferation, differentiation, and sebum secretion, all of which are key factors in the production of sebum.
The antioxidant polyphenols in green tea could help treat various skin conditions, including oily skin. Although more research is necessary, one 2017 review found that the polyphenols in green tea may reduce sebum secretion.
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.
Fatty Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids also play an integral role in controlling sebum production and helping manage oily skin better. Fatty or oily fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring, are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and should be a part of your diet if you have oily skin.
Steam. Steam is a gentle and effective way to unclog your pores, loosen the sebum trapped in your pores, and eliminate unwanted bacteria.
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.
Foods rich in zinc like oysters, nuts, legumes, and whole grains help control excess sebum production as well. Staying hydrated is equally important to keep sebaceous glands functioning optimally. Drink sufficient water throughout the day. Dehydration conversely can stimulate oil glands.
When You Have Too Much Sebum (Hyperseborrhea) Symptoms of hyperseborrhea are similar to other conditions that cause scalp itching and flaking, such as scalp psoriasis and eczema.
Lack of water negatively affects the skin's ability to fight aggressors or function normally, as well as lead to: Increased sebum production – With a lack of water, the skin is prompted to produce more oil or sebum to compensate for water loss. Excess oil can then clog pores and contribute to blemishes and breakouts.
Not only does your scalp have a plethora of sweat glands, but it also has an abundance of sebaceous (oil) glands, which produce oily sebum. Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells.
Excessive sebum production is known as seborrhoea. The amount of sebum can be altered by disease: Pituitary, adrenal, ovarian or testicular disorders may increase or reduce it. Prolonged starvation reduces the amount of sebum.
This can tout a bevy of benefits, including: more glossy-looking strands, less frizz, less breakage and higher levels of moisture. Additionally, a diluted ACV solution can help to remove residual product build-up, as well as excess dirt and sebum.
Understanding Skin Hydration
Dehydrated skin can become dry, flaky, and more prone to irritation. This can lead to an overproduction of sebum, potentially worsening acne. Drinking enough water helps maintain your skin's moisture balance, supporting its natural ability to fight off acne-causing bacteria.