PHYSICAL WELLNESS

your skin’s natural moisturizer

SEBACEOUS GLAND

Sebaceous glands are small, oil-producing glands found in your skin. They secrete sebum, an oily substance that keeps your skin and hair soft, flexible, and protected. Most are connected to hair follicles, releasing oil onto both the skin’s surface and the hair shaft.

  • Regulates body temperature by releasing sweat for cooling

  • Helps maintain salt and fluid balance

  • Eliminates small amounts of waste (like urea and ammonia)

  • Plays a role in skin hydration

  • Supports immune defense by producing antimicrobial peptides

SEBACEOUS GLAND BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for sebaceous gland-related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Sebum - Oily substance that keeps skin and hair soft and hydrated

Sebaceous Gland - Oil gland found in the skin, usually attached to hair follicles

Follicle - Tiny skin structure where hair grows and sebum is released

T-zone - Forehead, nose, and chin area where sebaceous glands are most active

Acne - Skin condition caused by clogged hair follicles with oil, dead skin, and bacteria

WHAT SEBACEOUS GLANDS WORK WITH

sEBACEOUS glands + OTHER SYSTEMS

  1. Hair Follicles → Oil is secreted into follicles to coat hair and skin

  2. Skin (Epidermis & Dermis) → Sebum protects and hydrates the skin layers

  3. Sweat Glands → Work together with sebum to regulate skin hydration

  4. Immune System → Sebum helps defend against harmful microbes

  5. Hormones → Influence sebaceous gland activity, especially during puberty

HealthY SEBACEOUS glands…

Balanced oil production keeps your skin smooth and protected. Gentle cleansing, hydration, and avoiding harsh chemicals support healthy sebaceous gland function. Over-washing or stripping oils can actually cause glands to overproduce sebum.