What is the role of sebaceous glands?

What are sebaceous glands?

Sebaceous glands are small glands located in the skin of most mammals, including humans. They are mainly attached to hair follicles, forming what is known as the pilosebaceous unit. Their main role is the production and secretion of sebum, an oily substance that contributes to the formation of the hydrolipidic film, a protective barrier on the skin's surface.

Where are the sebaceous glands located?

Sebaceous glands are present all over the skin surfacewith the notable exception of palms of hands and foot plants. They are particularly numerous on the scalp, the face and the upper part of the body, which explains why these areas may be more prone to skin problems. oily skinacne, or greasy hair.

What is the role of sebaceous glands?

 

1. Sebum production

Sebum is an oily substance composed mainly of lipids, includingfree fatty acids, triglycerides, waxes and squalene. Sebum production is regulated by theactivity of sebaceousglands, which are usually attached to hair follicles, forming what is known as the pilosebaceous unit. The excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands allow sebum to flow to the skin and scalp surface, where it plays a part in the formation and composition of the hydrolipidic film.

2. Skin protection

The hydrolipidic film is a thin protective layer that covers the skin and hair. Its role is to protect the skin's surface against external aggressors (such as bacteria and pollutants), prevent dehydration by limiting water evaporation, and maintain the skin's elasticity and suppleness. On the scalp, it also helps protect hair, preventing dryness and leaving it shiny and smooth.

3. Hydration and prevention of dehydration

The hydrolipidic film, made up in part of sebum, limits the evaporation of water from the skin's surface, helping to keep it hydrated. By retaining moisture, it helps prevent dehydration and keep skin supple and soft.

4. Maintains the skin's pH balance

Sebum helps maintain a slightly acidic pH on the skin's surface, which is important for preventing the proliferation of harmful micro-organisms. This acidic environment also helps protect the skin against infection.

5. Temperature regulation and skin suppleness

By creating a thin layer of fat on the skin, sebum helps regulate body temperature and maintain skin suppleness. This suppleness is essential if the skin is to adapt to body movements without cracking.

6. Hair and scalp lubrication

Sebum lubricates the hair and scalp, protecting against dryness. It also helps prevent damage caused by environmental factors such as wind, sun and pollution. Thanks to this lubrication, hair remains shiny and less prone to breakage.

7. Contributes to hair follicle health

Sebum nourishes and protects hair follicles, contributing to overall hair health. It plays an important role in the growth and maintenance of healthy hair.

8. Prevention of skin disorders

By creating a protective barrier and maintaining the skin's moisture balance, sebum helps prevent certain skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and other irritations linked to excessive dryness.

9. Response to hormonal stimuli

Sebum production is strongly influenced by hormones, particularly androgens. These hormones, such as testosterone, stimulate sebaceous gland activity, thereby increasing sebum production. This is why, at puberty, when androgen levels rise, skin often becomes oilier and hair can appear shinier, even greasier.

Excessive sebum production, often associated with androgen hypersensitivity of the sebaceous glands, can lead to oily skin. This oily skin is often prone to various skin conditions, including blackheads and acne, caused by the obstruction of hair follicles by a mixture of sebum and dead cells.

How to unblock sebaceous glands?

Unclogging sebaceous glands is essential for preventing and treating skin problems such asacne, blackheads and other skin irritations. Clogged sebaceous glands often occur when sebum, dead skin cells, and other impurities clog pores. Here are some effective methods for unclogging sebaceous glands:

1. Regular cleaning

• Use a gentle cleanser: Washing your face morning and night with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser helps remove excess sebum, dirt and impurities that can clog pores. A probiotic-based cleanser is ideal for removing excess sebum.
• Avoid aggressive products: Overly aggressive cleansers can irritate the skin and stimulate overproduction of sebum, aggravating the problem.

2. Exfoliation

• Chemical exfoliation: Use products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) such assalicylic acid, which penetrate pores to dissolve sebum and dead skin cells.
• Physical exfoliation: Gentle scrubs with exfoliating particles can help remove dead surface cells, but it's important not to rub too hard to avoid irritating the skin.

3. Steam treatments

• Steam bath: Steam opens the pores, facilitating the elimination of impurities. You can take a facial steam bath by exposing your face to hot steam for 5 to 10 minutes, followed by gentle cleansing.
• Facial sauna: A facial sauna works in a similar way and can be an effective method of opening pores and releasing obstructions.

4. Clay masks

• Clay masks: Clay (such as bentonite or green clay) has absorbent properties that help draw excess sebum and impurities from pores. Use a clay mask once or twice a week to deeply purify the skin.

5. Use of a retinoid

• Retinoid-based creams: Retinoids (such as retinol) are derived from vitamin A and promote cell renewal, helping to prevent the build-up of dead cells and unclog pores. They can also reduce sebum production.

6. Application of warm compresses

• Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help open pores and soften sebum, facilitating its expulsion. This treatment is particularly useful for small bumps under the skin (such as milia).

7. Professional treatments

• Professional skin cleansing: A dermatologist or esthetician can perform a thorough skin cleansing, including the manual removal of blackheads, which can be very effective in unclogging pores.
• Chemical peels: These treatments use more powerful acids to exfoliate the upper layers of the skin, helping to unclog pores and improve skin texture.
• Microdermabrasion: This treatment exfoliates the skin using a special device to remove dead cells and clean pores.

8. Maintain good hydration

• Use non-comedogenic moisturizers: Even oily skin needs hydration. Choose lightweight products that won't clog pores.
• Drink enough water: Good internal hydration helps maintain skin balance and prevent the overproduction of sebum.

9. Control of hormonal factors

• Consultation with a professional: If you suspect that clogged sebaceous glands are due to hormonal fluctuations (such as during puberty or the menstrual cycle), consulting a dermatologist or endocrinologist may be helpful. They may recommend hormone treatments or appropriate medication.

10. Avoid touching the face

• Don't squeeze pimples: Touching, squeezing or scratching affected areas can aggravate obstructions, cause infections or leave scars.

In short, the sebaceous glands play a crucial role in the protection, hydration, regulation and overall health of skin and hair. They help maintain the skin's equilibrium while protecting it against various external aggressions.