Sebum is a fatty substance naturally produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Contrary to some misconceptions, it should not be seen merely as a factor contributing to skin imbalance but rather as a fundamental element of skin health. Indeed, sebum plays several essential roles in maintaining the balance and protection of the skin.
- Sebum as a Natural Protective Barrier Sebum is an integral part of the hydrolipidic film, a thin protective layer that covers the skin's surface. This film is composed of sebum, sweat, and other natural lipids. Its primary function is to form a protective barrier that shields the skin from external aggressors such as pollutants, bacteria, and UV rays. Without this layer, the skin would be much more vulnerable to irritations and infections, losing its ability to defend itself.
- Hydration and Prevention of Dehydration Sebum plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration. By forming a barrier on the skin's surface, it prevents water from evaporating too quickly. This water retention is essential for keeping the skin supple and hydrated. Well-hydrated skin is less prone to dryness, irritation, and signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines.
- Maintaining pH Balance Sebum helps maintain the skin's slightly acidic pH, a key factor for its health. This acidic pH, which ranges from 4.5 to 5.5, is essential for preserving the balance of the skin's flora, also known as the skin microbiome. This microbiome plays a vital role in the skin's immune protection by preventing the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. When the skin's pH is disrupted, the skin flora becomes unbalanced, making the skin more susceptible to infections and irritations.
- Natural Regulation of Sebum Production The skin can regulate sebum production according to its needs. However, inappropriate, overly aggressive, or drying skincare products can disrupt this regulation. For instance, excessively drying the skin may prompt the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum in compensation, leading to oilier skin. Conversely, insufficient sebum production can cause excessive dryness and loss of suppleness. Therefore, it's crucial to adopt a skincare routine that respects this balance.
- Sebum as an Ally Against Skin Aging Sebum contains natural lipids and antioxidants that help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are primary contributors to premature aging. By forming a protective barrier and retaining moisture, sebum helps prevent the formation of wrinkles and keeps the skin elastic and youthful. Balanced sebum production thus contributes to a radiant complexion and skin that is more resistant to signs of aging.
How to Preserve a Good Balance of Sebum? Maintaining the natural balance of sebum is essential for healthy skin. Here are some tips to achieve this:
- Gentle Cleansing: Use mild cleansers that respect the hydrolipidic film without irritating or disrupting sebum production.
- Avoid Abrasive Products: Exfoliants and astringent products used too frequently can cause an imbalance in sebum production.
- Appropriate Hydration: Choose moisturizers suited to your skin type to strengthen the skin barrier without overloading it.
- Limit Exfoliation: It's important to limit exfoliation to once a month to avoid stripping the skin and disrupting sebum production.
Conclusion Sebum is a key player in skin health. It protects, hydrates, and preserves skin balance while playing an essential role in regulating hydration, pH, and the skin barrier. By adopting a skincare routine that respects sebum, you promote healthy, radiant skin that is resilient to external aggressions.
By Fran?oise JUBIN, Kératothérapeute-Naturopathe-Facialiste in Paris 7th.
