Sebum is a substance produced by the glands on the entire surface of the skin, except the inner side of the hands and feet. The largest group of glands is located on the face, back, chest and skull, and the smallest on the forearms and legs. Before you know the answer to the question of how to reduce the secretion of sebum, find out if sebum is needed and what affects its quantity.

Is sebum really necessary?

Sebum co-creates the hydro-lipid skin coat that has a natural protective function. The lack of sebum would expose us to the harmful effects of external factors such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, UV radiation or atmospheric factors. As a consequence, the skin would become dull and wrinkled and exposed to loss of elasticity and poorer absorption of active ingredients contained in cosmetics.

What affects the amount of sebum secretion?

The amount of sebum is determined by various factors. They include:

• Hormones – both those that inhibit the work of the glands (estrogen and progesterone), as well as those that cause their increased activity (including testosterone).
• Age. Our body produces the most sebum just after birth for half a year. The level of sebum increases in adolescence and lasts until about 18 years of age. After the age of 25, it gradually decreases, and from the age of 40, it begins to disappear.
• Deficiencies of vitamins A, B2 and B6.
• Mechanical factors. Whenever we touch the skin, we stimulate the sebaceous glands to work.
• Atmospheric conditions. The production of sebum increases in a dry environment and high temperature.
• Time of day. At night and in the early morning, the body produces the least sebum. Its amount increases around 10 o’clock.

How to reduce the secretion of sebum?

We have agreed that sebum is necessary for life. If you still think that your body produces it in excess, there are ways to prevent it. It is enough to have oil-control blotting papers on hand and apply them to problematic parts of the face if necessary. In addition, apply a mattifying foundation to the face before applying the foundation and apply a mattifying cream with a light consistency in the morning before putting on makeup.