Vitamin D seems to inhibit sebocyte proliferation, differentiation, and sebum secretion, all of which are key factors in the production of sebum.
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.
Vitamin A is well knowns to reduce sebum production when taken orally as a retinoid medication.
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.
A deficiency of vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) can also lead to oily skin. Therefore, include sources of riboflavin in your diet like Spinach, wheat germ and chickpeas, or simply take a B complex supplement containing zinc. Zinc has been proven to be helpful for healthy skin. A zinc deficiency can cause acne and oily skin.
Vitamin C significantly regulates oil production, crucial for those with oily skin. It also actively combats free radicals, shielding the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. Vitamin C offers anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and helping prevent acne breakouts.
The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].
Sebum production is under the control of sex hormones (androgens). The most active androgens are testosterone, 5-testosterone (DHT) and 5-androstene-317diol. These hormones and others are made by the sex glands (ovary in females, testis in males) and by the adrenal gland.
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.
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.
They found that Vitamin D reduced oil production. Vitamin D also reduced acne inflammation. In the study [1], scientists determined the effects of vitamin D on the sebocytes which produce oil. Acne patients have increased oil production.
The results of this preliminary study indicate that supplemental zinc sulfate may reduce the quantity of skin-surface sebum.
Vitamin B to Help Control Oily Skin
There are many different types of B vitamins that protect the skin, but B6 and B12 vitamins are good for oily skin and excessive sebum production. Especially so if your oily skin is caused by hormonal imbalances around the time of your period or if you're experiencing the menopause.
Sebaceous hyperplasia is the name for a condition where glands in your skin (sebaceous glands) get bigger, forming small bumps. It's a harmless, benign enlargement of a hair follicle. Hair follicles anchor hairs to your skin.
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.
Estrogen is often considered the “beauty hormone” due to its positive effects on skin. It plays a vital role in: Collagen production: Estrogen helps maintain skin thickness and elasticity by stimulating collagen production, which keeps skin firm and youthful.
Your sebaceous glands make sebum, an oily or waxy substance that moisturizes and protects your skin and hair. If there's too much oil, that can cause issues, like clogged pores, acne, and sebaceous hyperplasia.
Abundant in B vitamins, antioxidants and healthy fats, consuming green leafy vegetables can help to restore balance to your skin helping to regulate sebum production to keep your skin clear and supple.
Exfoliate Regularly
A gentle exfoliate will remove dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt, and grime hiding in your pores. Exfoliating twice a week can help clear the pores and allow the sebum to work as needed.
The most tell tale sign of sebum overproduction is an oily shine across your forehead, nose and chin.
The expert added: “Your body can crave foods that are high in iron such as marmite, twiglets, milk, salmon, egg yolks, tuna, chicken and other meats. “These are all good sources of vitamin B12, so if your body is craving them, listen to it.”
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause symptoms that affect your brain and nervous system (neurological symptoms), including: numbness. muscle weakness. psychological problems, which can range from mild depression or anxiety, to confusion and dementia.