Why Sebum Production Is the Real Acne Target
Acne starts when your skin makes too much sebum, the natural oil that keeps skin soft and protected. Targeting this overproduction is key to stopping breakouts before they happen.[1][3]
Sebum comes from small glands under your skin called sebaceous glands. In normal amounts, it acts like a shield against dryness and germs. But when glands work too hard, sebum builds up fast. This extra oil mixes with dead skin cells and turns sticky inside your pores.[1][2]
Clogged pores are the starting point for acne. The thick oil traps everything, forming plugs. These show up as blackheads if open to air or whiteheads if sealed under skin. Bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes love this trapped, oily spot and multiply fast, sparking red, swollen pimples.[1][3]
Hormones often kick sebum into overdrive. Changes during teen years, monthly cycles, or stress signal glands to pump out more oil. Diet and even pollution can play a role by boosting production or weakening skin defenses.[2][5]
Oily skin hits hardest in the T-zone: forehead, nose, and chin. But it spreads to cheeks, jaw, chest, and back where glands cluster.[1]
Many treatments miss the root by just drying skin or killing bacteria on the surface. They ignore sebum, so oil rebounds stronger. Smart care focuses on balance. Ingredients like salicylic acid clear plugs while niacinamide calms glands to cut oil without stripping skin.[1]
Some oils even help by regulating sebum instead of adding to it. Ones with omega-3s fight swelling and fix the skin barrier, so glands don’t overreact.[2]
By aiming at sebum control, you break the acne cycle. Steady routines plus stress relief and good hydration keep glands in check for clearer skin.[1][2]
Sources
https://worldofasaya.com/blogs/skin-types/oily-skin-acne-a-complete-step-by-step-guide
https://www.novemlab.co/en/blogs/journal-novem/peut-on-utiliser-une-huile-visage-quand-on-a-de-l-acne
https://www.dovepress.com/efficacy-and-safety-of-hormonal-therapies-for-acne-a-narrative-review-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CCID
https://worldofasaya.com/blogs/skin-types/oily-skin-pimples-a-complete-skincare-guide
https://academic.oup.com/skinhd/advance-article/doi/10.1093/skinhd/vzaf090/8407371?searchresult=1
