Sebum is an oily, slightly waxy substance (mostly made from natural fats) that is produced by your body’s sebaceous glands to coat, moisturize and protect your skin.
Sebaceous glands cover the majority of your body, but are most concentrated on the face. Sebum aids against water evaporation from the skin barrier, helps prevent bacteria from entering the skin and keeps the skin barrier healthy through UV protection, regulating the skin's pH balance and helping neutralize free radicals. The production of sebum is controlled by hormones - and can be affected by genetics - and under or overproduction of sebum can lead to dry or blemished skin. If you have excess levels of sebum, it can solidify and block your pores, leading to breakouts.
