Sebum: What It Is and Why It Matters for Healthy Skin

Understanding Sebum

Sebum is a natural oily substance made by tiny glands in your skin called sebaceous glands. It’s mostly composed of fats (lipids) such as triglycerides, wax esters, squalene, and fatty acids. These components blend together to form a protective layer across the skin’s surface.
(Healthline)

You’ll find sebaceous glands nearly everywhere on your body, especially the face, scalp, and upper torso. The only areas without them are your palms and the soles of your feet.
(Cleveland Clinic)

How Sebum Works

Sebum is produced inside the sebaceous glands by cells called sebocytes. These cells fill with oils, then break apart to release the mixture onto the skin or into hair follicles, a process known as holocrine secretion.
(NIH)

This natural cycle is constant. As older cells release sebum, new ones form underneath to continue the process. The result is an invisible film that plays a critical role in maintaining skin health.

The Real Job of Sebum

Sebum does much more than make your skin look shiny, it performs essential protective functions:

• Prevents dryness: It reduces water loss and keeps your skin soft. (Harvard Health)

• Protects the barrier: Sebum acts like a shield against bacteria, pollutants, and other irritants.

• Delivers antioxidants: Components like squalene help neutralize free radicals on the skin’s surface. (PMC)

• Lubricates naturally: It helps skin stay flexible and smooth.

When Sebum Gets Out of Balance

Like most things in skincare, balance is everything.

• Too much sebum can lead to oily skin, clogged pores, and acne breakouts. (DermNet NZ)

• Too little sebum can cause dryness, tightness, and dullness as the skin loses its protective lipid layer. (Health.com)

Hormones, genetics, environment, and even stress all influence how much sebum your skin produces. During puberty, androgen hormones increase oil production, while aging tends to decrease it.

Supporting Sebum Naturally

Instead of trying to strip oil away, aim to balance your skin’s natural sebum. Here’s how:

• Use gentle, non-stripping cleansers.

• Avoid harsh alcohol-based products that can trigger rebound oil production.

• Moisturize daily, even oily skin benefits from proper hydration. In fact, it’s a common misconception that oily skin doesn’t need moisture or oil. The truth is, if your skin is overly oily, it may actually be a sign that you’re stripping away your natural sebum. When that happens, your body often overcompensates by producing even more oil in an attempt to rebalance.

• Exfoliate lightly to prevent buildup without damaging the barrier.

• Seek professional advice if you experience persistent oiliness or dryness.

At Eossi Beauty, we believe in working with your skin’s biology. Sebum is part of your skin’s built-in defense system and nurturing it is one of the simplest ways to achieve a radiant, balanced complexion.

Sebum isn’t your enemy; it’s your skin’s own protection plan. This natural oil helps your complexion stay hydrated, resilient, and smooth. The goal of skincare isn’t to remove sebum but to respect and regulate it so your skin can thrive.

Eossi Beauty supports clean, natural formulations designed to help your skin do what it does best; protect, renew, and glow.