The word Sebum may be a bit foreign to you if you are not a dermatologist or esthetician. But we know it to be the icky feeling our face gets when it's too oily or when we notice an influx in whiteheads.
What is Sebum?
Sebum is an oily waxy substance produced by your body's sebaceous glands. It coats, moisturizes, and protects your skin. These tiny sebaceous glands can be found all across the body. Sebaceous glands cover most of your body. These glands are commonly grouped around hair follicles on your face, scalp, shoulders, back, and neck. Your face and scalp contain the highest concentration of glands. Your face especially may have as many as 900 sebaceous glands per square centimeter of skin.
How do you know if you are producing too much or too little?
When your glands produce a balanced amount of sebum your skin will glow and have a "normal" or "well-balanced" look or feel. When your glands produce too little of sebum, you will notice dry cracking skin. When your glands over-produce you will experience acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
How to balance and treat your skin:
To prevent skin problems as a result of sebum you must create a skin routine that incorporates these few things.
2 Best-Practices that will keep Sebum balanced.
Cleanse your face twice a day.
Morning and Night use warm water and gentle non-stripping cleanser. Cleansing your face often will allow you to unclog your pores before problems arise. Removing the oils and makeup keeps your skin balanced. Tip: Nighttime cleaning should incorporate a double cleansing method to completely remove makeup and environmental buildup.
Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week.
Gently Exfoliate your skin using a scrub or exfoliator brush. Use exfoliating acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid. Acids gently peel away dead skin that can trap sebum on your face.
Using these best-practices will reveal new and vibrant skin and will most definitely keep your sebum in check. To ask more questions about skincare and skin health click here.
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