High-dose red light photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers highly effective and durable treatment for acne by selectively destroying the sebaceous gland.
Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands when they disintegrate. The gland cells last about a week, from formation to discharge. The sebaceous glands produce lipids, triglycerides, which are broken down by bacterial enzymes (lipases) in the sebaceous duct to form smaller compounds, free fatty acids.
A type of acne, sebum plugs happen when pores get clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. Sebum is oil your body produces to keep skin moist. Sebum plugs result from hormones and increased stress levels. Sebum plugs usually develop on the face, including the forehead, chin and nose.
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. Excess sebum combined with dead skin cells can form a plug inside the pore, resulting in blackheads and pimples.
You will notice that although they may look like little black dots from a distance, they are actually more of a white or yellow color. When you squeeze them, you'll notice a hard-ish clear substance (sebum) that resembles a thin 'filament'.
Some factors may contribute to the likelihood of developing an increase in sebum production. These factors include hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, digestive problems, poor scalp hygiene, and the accumulation of bacteria or fungi that irritate the scalp.
Additionally, a diluted ACV solution can help to remove residual product build-up, as well as excess dirt and sebum.
Diets higher in protein and fiber and lower in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates work well for oily and acne-prone skin. To reduce sebum production, try a Paleolithic diet (rich in fruits, veggies, nuts, and lean meats) or a Mediterranean-style diet (rich in fruits, veggies, fish, olive oil, and legumes).
Androgens. Increased sebum production due to androgens' activity at the sebaceous follicle is a prerequisite for acne in all patients. High level of androgens, or hypersensitivity of the sebaceous glands to a normal level of androgens, causes an increase in sebum production.
Though you may be tempted to squeeze or otherwise get rid of a sebaceous filament, it's best to leave them alone. Squeezing or picking at sebaceous filaments risks scarring and spreading any bacteria that may be in or around the pore to other parts of your face, causing a breakout.
Vitamin B5
According to Dr. Dach, “Vitamin B5 works by reducing the oil production of the sebaceous glands.” Dach also recommends using L-Carnitine in conjunction with pantothenic acid, which can boost its effects.
Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that works alongside our sebaceous glands to regulate sebum production. Vitamin D helps our bodies protect against insulin resistance which can lead to oily skin as insulin stimulates the overproduction of sebum.
Though you may be tempted to squeeze or otherwise get rid of a sebaceous filament, it's best to leave them alone. Squeezing or picking at sebaceous filaments risks scarring and spreading any bacteria that may be in or around the pore to other parts of your face, causing a breakout.
If you find your spots on the scalp are sebum plugs, they help to keep the hair shafts healthy, and thus the whole of your hair. They protect the hair and skin against bacteria, too, so it is important not to try to remove them, simply because they are there.
Don't squeeze the pores on your nose
While it may get rid of the darker dots short term, it can also: damage skin tissue. enlarge the pores. lead to infection.
Sebum plays an important part in maintaining a healthy skin barrier, so there's no reason to get rid of it unless it's being overproduced. "Excess sebum can cause skin to appear too shiny or oily and clog pores, leading to breakouts," explains Dr. Engelman.
Due to an overgrowth of oil-producing cells, sebum can become trapped inside the gland, causing it to swell and form a bump under the skin. This is known as sebaceous hyperplasia. These bumps are harmless and often appear on the forehead and cheeks.
Diets higher in protein and fiber and lower in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates work well for oily and acne-prone skin. To reduce sebum production, try a Paleolithic diet (rich in fruits, veggies, nuts, and lean meats) or a Mediterranean-style diet (rich in fruits, veggies, fish, olive oil, and legumes).