What is dysseborrhea?
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Dysseborrhea is a term less familiar to the general public, but it plays a central role in skin health. It refers to a dysfunction of the sebaceous glands, resulting in abnormal sebum production. This condition can be at the root of various skin problems, such as excessive shine, dilated pores, blackheads and acne. Understanding dysseborrhea, its causes, manifestations and implications, is essential to adopting an adapted skincare routine and preserving skin balance.
1. Definition of dysseborrhea
Dysseborrhea is characterized by an imbalance in sebum production by the sebaceous glands. Depending on the case, this may be excessive or insufficient production, although the expression is most often used to designate an excess of sebum. This overproduction results in oily, shiny skin, which becomes more susceptible to pore clogging and inflammation. Unlike simple oily skin, dysseborrhea involves a biological dysfunction of the sebaceous glands, which doesn't just produce a little more sebum on an occasional basis.
This disorder can affect all areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the forehead, nose, chin and back, but can also be limited to certain areas of the face. Dysseborrhea is often an underlying factor in adult acne and persistent blemishes.
2. Causes of dysseborrhea
Dysseborrhea can be caused or aggravated by a number of factors. The main one is hormonal: androgens, male sex hormones also present in women, stimulate sebaceous gland activity. Thus, puberty, hormonal variations linked to the menstrual cycle or certain hormonal imbalances can trigger or amplify dysseborrhea.
Genetics also play an important role. Some people are naturally predisposed to having more active sebaceous glands, making them more susceptible to dysseborrhea. Finally, environmental factors such as stress, a diet rich in fats or sugars, and the use of unsuitable products can aggravate this dysfunction.
3. Cutaneous manifestations of dysseborrhea
Dysseborrhea manifests itself through a number of visible signs. Skin appears shiny, particularly in the T-zone of the face (forehead, nose, chin). Pores are often dilated and can easily become blocked, leading to the formation of closed comedones, blackheads and sometimes small inflammatory pimples.
Apart from the aesthetic aspect, dysseborrhea can lead to the appearance of redness and irritation, as excess sebum disrupts the skin barrier and increases sensitivity to external aggression. This imbalance also favors the development of certain bacteria, such as Cutibacterium acnes, which contribute to acne and inflammation.
4. Dysséborrhoea and oily skin: what's the difference?
It's important to distinguish between dysseborrhea and simply oily skin. Oily skin may appear temporarily shiny due to occasional factors such as heat or stress, whereas dysseborrhea is a chronic dysfunction of the sebaceous glands. In the case of dysseborrhea, sebum production is persistent and unbalanced, resulting in skin that is more prone to blemishes and inflammation over the long term.
This distinction is essential to correctly adapt the care routine and, if necessary, consider targeted dermatological treatments.
5. Appropriate care and support
Dysseborrhea requires a combination of approaches. Firstly, regular gentle cleansing helps to eliminate excess sebum without weakening the skin barrier. Products containing sebum-regulating agents or mild chemical exfoliants, such as salicylic acid, can help prevent clogged pores and the formation of comedones.
Hydration is also essential. Even oily skin needs to be nourished to prevent the sebaceous glands from producing more sebum by way of compensation. Finally, regular use of a non-comedogenic sunscreen is recommended, as sun exposure can aggravate sebum production and cause irritation.
In some cases, a dermatologist may suggest more specific treatments, such as topical retinoids, hormonal care or combined protocols to regulate sebaceous gland activity and limit the symptoms associated with dysseborrhea.
6. Conclusion
Dysseborrhea is a common but often overlooked dysfunction of the sebaceous glands. It results in excessive sebum production, leading to oily skin, dilated pores and a predisposition to blemishes and acne. Understanding its causes, manifestations and physiological mechanisms enables us to adopt an appropriate skincare routine and, if necessary, resort to targeted dermatological treatments.
Properly managed, dysseborrhea can be regulated to limit its impact on the skin and maintain a lasting skin balance. The combination of gentle hygiene, appropriate products and, when necessary, medical intervention is the best approach to preserving skin health and appearance.