Sebum: It’s not all bad

Sebum is an oily substance made of fats that you may have heard about, along with the phrases "controls" or "reduces excess.". Sebum gets a bad wrap because too much sebum can lead to oily skin that is prone to clogged pores and acne.

I promise you, sebum isn't all bad; it is your natural moisturizing factor and lipid barrier (Skin's protective coating protects us from bacteria and infections). It also keeps our skin supple and young-looking.

Skin Type = Sebum Levels

Dry skin ages faster because it lacks enough sebum to move essential nutrients throughout the skin. Oily skin fairs much better in the aging process because the increased moisture factors aid in the dispersal and delivery of lipid soluble vitamins. Combination skin is from an overproduction of sebum (oil) which is typically more intense in the T-zone and trailing off onto the cheeks.

Caring for oily or combination skin is a careful balance between removing the excess oil and stripping it. If you over wash or strip the skin of its surface oil, the body tells it to produce more oil, making you appear shinier and increasing the likelihood of breakouts.