What medications reduce sebum production? Topical retinoids, isotretinoin, spironolactone, oral contraceptives, and botulinum toxin may help in the reduction in sebum production. However, the risks and benefits of these options, as they apply to you, should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Steam. Steam is a gentle and effective way to unclog your pores, loosen the sebum trapped in your pores, and eliminate unwanted bacteria.
Vitamin A is well knowns to reduce sebum production when taken orally as a retinoid medication.
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.
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.
Vitamin D seems to inhibit sebocyte proliferation, differentiation, and sebum secretion, all of which are key factors in the production of sebum.
Regarding cleansing, jojoba oil's unique structure offers some notable benefits. Its waxy nature effectively dissolves sebum and impurities that have hardened and lodged within pores. As a result, it can unclog pores and remove dirt and makeup, making it an excellent choice for an affordable cleansing oil.
Glycolic acid is a natural, gentle exfoliating agent to consider using when combating sebum plugs. It works well for most skin types and is much less abrasive than many exfoliating scrubs.
The results of this preliminary study indicate that supplemental zinc sulfate may reduce the quantity of skin-surface sebum.
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.
Try Salicylic Acid
In addition to cleaning away excess sebum, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm acne breakouts. It can also prevent future breakouts. The dirt and oil in your pores might lead to blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid can clear out debris that collects in your pores.
If a person squeezes or 'extracts' a sebaceous filament, a white or yellow worm-like structure may ooze out. Or, the filament may not produce anything. Trying to extract sebaceous filaments can injure the skin and cause scarring. It can also damage and stretch the pore, making it appear bigger.
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.
“Double cleansing means cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based product and then followed by a water-based cleanser,” explains Dr. Wu. The first step of using an oil-based cleanser is helpful when it comes to removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) - Studies show niacinamide repairs skin, reduces inflammation/redness, improves elasticity, minimise pore appearance and controls excess oiliness by normalising sebum production within follicles.
Exfoliate: Use chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid rather than physical exfoliants, to gently dissolve dead skin cells. This can improve skin health and elasticity and reduce sensitivity. Apply topical creams: Apply topical treatments designed to address acne.
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.
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.
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.