Sebum

Sebum is the natural oil produced by sebaceous glands located in the dermis layer of the skin. It plays a critical role in maintaining the skin's moisture barrier and protecting against environmental damage.

Function of Sebum

Sebum lubricates the skin and hair, preventing them from drying out. It also has mild antimicrobial properties that help protect the skin from bacteria and fungi.

Sebum and Acne

When sebaceous glands overproduce sebum, often triggered by hormonal changes, stress, or certain medications, the excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores, leading to acne. The forehead, nose, and chin (the T-zone) tend to have the highest concentration of sebaceous glands.

Measuring Sebum with Glowlytics

Glowlytics tracks your skin's oil levels as part of the structure signal, helping you identify patterns in sebum production and correlate them with lifestyle factors.