Sebum 101: What It’s Made Of and Why Your Skin Needs It
When you think of sebum, you might think of “oily skin” or clogged pores. But the truth is, sebum is one of your skin’s best friends. Produced by sebaceous glands, it’s a natural oil that plays a critical role in keeping your skin healthy, protected, and balanced.
What Is Sebum Made Of?
Sebum isn’t just one type of oil—it’s a complex mixture of different lipids. Studies show that its composition includes:
- Triglycerides and fatty acids (57%) – Provide moisture and help form the skin’s protective lipid layer.
- Wax esters (26%) – Lock in hydration and maintain barrier integrity.
- Squalene (12%) – A powerful antioxidant that protects against free radicals and oxidative stress.
- Cholesterol and cholesterol esters (4.5%) – Support barrier function and repair.
What Does Sebum Do for the Skin?
Sebum is more than just “oil.” It serves multiple purposes for skin health:
- Hydration: Prevents transepidermal water loss, keeping skin soft and flexible.
- Barrier protection: Forms part of the acid mantle, a thin protective film that shields against bacteria, pollutants, and irritants. [Source]
- Antimicrobial action: Fatty acids in sebum help defend against acne-causing bacteria.
- Antioxidant defense: Squalene within sebum reduces oxidative damage, slowing visible skin aging.
When Sebum Is Out of Balance
While sebum is essential, too much or too little can create skin challenges:
- Excess sebum: Can clog pores, leading to acne and blackheads.
- Too little sebum: Leads to dryness, irritation, and barrier disruption.
This is why customized skincare—knowing whether your skin needs regulation, replenishment, or protection—is so important.
Supporting Healthy Sebum Production
At Skin Junkies Studio, we focus on treatments and homecare that balance oil production without stripping your skin. Over-cleansing or using harsh products can trigger more oil, while barrier-supportive cleansers and moisturizers help keep sebum at healthy levels.
Professional treatments like facials, chemical peels, and microchanneling can also help regulate and improve how your skin produces and manages oil.
Final Thoughts
Sebum isn’t the enemy—it’s your skin’s built-in moisturizer and protector. The goal is balance. With the right products and treatments, you can keep your barrier strong and your skin clear, hydrated, and radiant.
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