Several factors can increase sebum production on the face, leading to oily skin and potential acne breakouts. Increased sebum is a key component in the development of acne.
Hormonal Influences
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Hormonal Medications: Certain medications, including some containing testosterone, progesterone, and phenothiazine, can stimulate increased sebum production. [Reference: Increased production of sebum from hormonal medications]
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Puberty: The surge in hormones during puberty is a major contributor to increased sebum production in teenagers. This is because hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. [Reference: Increased levels of hormones during the teen years lead to more sebum production.]
Dietary Factors
- Dietary Fat and Carbohydrates: Studies have shown a correlation between the consumption of dietary fat and carbohydrates and increased sebum production. [Reference: It has been demonstrated that sebum production can be increased by the consumption of dietary fat or carbohydrate.]
Medical Conditions
- Parkinson's Disease: This neurological condition has been linked to an increase in sebum production. [Reference: Parkinson's disease has also been associated with an uptick in sebum production.]
Other Factors
While not directly increasing sebum production, certain factors can contribute to clogged pores and the appearance of excess oil:
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Genetics: A family history of oily skin or acne can increase susceptibility to increased sebum production.
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Sebaceous Filaments: These are essentially plugs of sebum and dead skin cells within pores, suggesting overproduction of sebum. [Reference: Sebaceous filaments are the result of an overproduction of sebum.]
Understanding Sebum
Sebum is an oily, waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands. It helps lubricate the skin and hair, but overproduction can lead to various skin problems. [Reference: Sebum is an oily, waxy substance produced by your body's sebaceous glands.] The process of sebum production involves specialized cells called sebocytes undergoing programmed cell death. [Reference: The sebaceous glands produce sebum through holocrine secretion, a process of programmed cell death.]
