Uses of Sebaceous Glands Over the Skin

Introduction:

The sebaceous glands provide 90 percent of the surface lipids, and the sebaceous glands crucial function is sebum production. Sebum acts as the physiological defense mechanism against infection and environmental factors. The sebum helps maintain the skin's homeostasis and lubricates.

What Are Sebaceous Glands?

Sebaceous glands are oil-producing glands, and sebum is the oily substance produced by sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are the small gland attached to the hair follicle, and the sebaceous glands release their products, such as sebum and fatty substances, to the skin's surface via the follicular duct. Sebaceous glands are widely distributed in all body parts except the palmar aspect of the hands and the sole region of the feet. It is also observed that the sebaceous glands are abundantly present in the face and the scalp region. The secretion of sebaceous glands includes triglycerides, wax esters, cholesterol, and squalene in the form of a fat mixture. Cellular debris is also the product of sebaceous glands. Excessive water loss from the skin is prevented by sebum, an oily product of sebaceous glands.

What Is the Anatomy of Sebaceous Glands?

The embryology describes sebaceous glands as mesodermal origin due to the ingrowth of ectodermal cells. Sebaceous glands are present in the middle part of the dermis and develop along with the hair follicle. An outlet emptying into the follicular canal is present in the sebaceous glands, and this association is called the pilosebaceous unit. The lubricating property of tears is due to the presence of several sebaceous glands called meibomian glands. The meibomian glands are directly open into the eyelid epithelium.

Cellular Levels:

Sebaceous glands are majorly detected by their “foamy” appearance on microscopy. The cells look round and empty due to plenty of lipid contents being washed away as a result of the staining process. Relatively undifferentiated sebocytes are present along with the outer layers of the gland and become more differentiated and filled with lipid products in the center. mature sebocytes undergo apoptosis at the center and degrade to form the necrosis zone. It eventually releases its contents that form sebum. This lipid synthesis process and discharge usually takes one week to complete.

What Are the Functions of Sebaceous Glands?

Sebaceous glands have various functions. The skin moisture is maintained, and sebaceous glands prevent skin desiccation. The cellular debris, sebum, and lipids secreted by the sebaceous glands protect the skin from external insults. One of the essential functions of sebaceous glands is the processing and modulation the androgens. Some of the vital functions of sebaceous glands are mentioned below:

• Skin moisturizing.

• Prevention of skin desiccation.

• Antimicrobial function.

• Skin protection from external insults.

• Processing and modulation of androgens.

• Hormonal control.

• Anti-inflammatory effect.

• Limiting tissue damage.

What Is the Function of Sebum?

Sebum is the oily substance in the hair follicles and helps moisturize and protect the skin. The sebum has anti-inflammatory properties and helps protect the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays and other artificial light sources. Sebum has numerous functions, and the tasks of sebum are described below:

• Skin moisturizing.

• Skin protection from ultraviolet rays or UV rays.

• Helps in antioxidant transportation such as vitamin E.

• Preventing oxidative skin damage.

• Effective against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

• Prevention of atopic dermatitis.

• Anti-inflammatory properties are done with the help of fatty acids, squalene, and sebum.

Overproduction of Sebum:

Sebum production varies in certain conditions, including hormonal fluctuations, drug effects, and other lifestyle factors. The skin appears greasy and shiny with increased production of sebum. Sometimes, excessive sebum and dead skin cells result in the formation of blackheads and pimples. The sebum plug containing sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria sometimes breaks and forms acne. Acne causes pain. The acne can be treated with topical retinoids and corticosteroids. The overproduction of sebum is controlled by using products containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and beta hydroxy acid.

Underproduction of Sebum:

Certain factors will cause the decreased production of sebum. Decreased sebum production causes skin dryness and itching. Moisturizers containing squalene, glycerol, and jojoba oil can be used to relieve skin itching. The factors that caused the underproduction of sebum are mentioned.

• Allergen exposure.

• Effect of harsh chemicals.

• Oral contraceptives.

• Overuse of Retinoids like Isotretinoin.

• Poor nutrition.

• Disorders in the pituitary gland.

What Are the Uses of Sebaceous Glands Over the Skin?

Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that has numerous benefits to the skin. Sebum helps in maintaining skin health and aids in other functions. Some other functions of sebum are mentioned below:

• Sebum reduces water loss over the skin.

• Sebum acts as the protective defensor against infective agents such as bacteria and fungi.

• Body odor contribution.

• Regulation of the immune system.

• Oily skin slows down the aging process.

• Natural skin preserver.

• Wrinkles are less in oily skin.

How to Treat Oily Skin?

Oily skin adds a lot of benefits to the skin, but the chances for the formation of clogged pores and acne is high in people with oily skin. The natural skin moisture and the sebum secretion must be balanced to avoid many skin problems. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the tips to control oily skin are mentioned below:

• Fashwash can be done regularly.

• Oil-free and non-comedogenic skin products can be used.

• Always use a non-irritant and gentle face wash.

• Try to avoid oil-based and alcohol-based cleansers.

• Broad-spectrum sunscreen is used to avoid excessive sun damage.

• Oil-free and water-based makeup products can be used.

• Permanently remove the makeup before going to sleep.

Conclusion:

Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps maintain skin moisture and health. Sebum is a complex mixture of triglycerides, fatty acids, wax esters, squalene, and cholesterol. The sebaceous gland has a lot of clinical significance and has a prominent role in the pathogenesis of acne. Excessive sebum secretion causes the skin to become too oily and can be treated. Skin moisture must be maintained to avoid skin dryness, and preventive measures to control oily skin can be maintained to prevent skin dryness and other skin problems.