Skin secretions are produced by several types of glands within the skin. These glands work together to maintain skin health and perform various functions.
The Glands of Skin Secretion
Three primary types of glands contribute to skin secretions:
- Sebaceous glands: These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair, preventing dryness and cracking. Cleveland Clinic provides details on sebaceous gland function and location.
- Eccrine glands: These glands secrete sweat, a mostly watery substance that helps regulate body temperature through evaporation. They are more concentrated on the palms, soles, and forehead.
- Apocrine glands: These glands also produce sweat, but their secretion is thicker and contains more fatty acids and proteins. They are activated during emotional stress or physical activity.
Besides these major glands, other cells within the skin contribute to the overall secretion profile:
- Fibroblasts: These cells, located in the dermis, secrete various proteins involved in skin structure and function. Research has investigated the proteins secreted by fibroblasts from aged skin. PubMed
- Immune cells: Cells like T lymphocytes secrete substances such as Oncostatin M, which plays a role in skin inflammation. American Association of Immunologists
- Skin Bacteria: Bacteria residing on the skin contribute to the skin's overall secretions, including substances that protect against water loss and damage and even influence wound healing. NIH and Nature highlight the role of bacteria in skin secretion.
Skin secretions collectively include sebum, sweat, pheromones, cytokines, and other bioactive substances. These play crucial roles in skin protection, temperature regulation, and immune function. NCBI
