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Information on Sebaceous Glands
Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples,
and deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest,
back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers
to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group;
adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. While not
a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring.
When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Even less
severe cases can lead to scarring. Acne is caused by excess production
of sebum by the sebaceous glands in the pores of the skin.
So what are sebaceous glands? The encyclopedia refers to sebaceous
glands as a gland in the skin of a mammal that secrets an oily substance
called sebum. In humans, sebaceous glands are primarily found in association
with hair follicles, but also occur in hairless areas of the skin except
for the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
Sebum is a mixture of fat and debris of dead fat-producing cells.
These cells are constantly replaced by new growth at the base of the
glands. Generally the sebum is deposited on the hairs inside the follicles
and brought up to the surface of the skin along the hair shaft. In
hairless areas, the sebum surfaces through ducts or pores.
Sebum lubricates and protects the hair and skin, preventing it from
drying out and creating irritating, itchy patches.
**A handy tip is
to carry around an oil-absorbing micorfiber
cloth as they easily
grab oil on the skin.**
Sebum may collect excessively as a result of poor hygiene, a diet
rich in fats, stress, or accelerated glandular activity, especially
during adolescence. Excessive secretions of sebum may be related to
acne, as well as certain forms of baldness and other skin disorders.
In healthy skin the sebaceous glands release sebum, which keeps the
skin moist, supple and waterproof. Sebum, together with other natural
oils forms a barrier known as the hydro-lipid system. This barrier acts
to keep foreign substances out of our bodies and keeps water inside
the body for as long as possible. In dry skin this barrier is no longer
intact so the skin suffers from increased moisture loss.
Dry skin becomes
particularly prevalent, as we get older, as our bodies don't produce
these natural oils so effectively. Babies and young children are also
often susceptible to dry
skin because the sebaceous glands
haven't developed properly.
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Some people have an inherited predisposition to dry skin; there are
also a number of external factors that can contribute. These are more
harmful in skin which is already dry and where the hydro-lipid barrier
system is impaired:
- Dry, cold and windy weather can cause the skin to peel, flake and
thicken, as can the sun.
- Central heating, air conditioning, poor ventilation.
- Chemicals, detergents, soap and solvents can all play a part in causing
dry skin.
- Excessive contact with water also reduces the skin's natural moisturizing
factors.
The sebaceous glands provide an important function for the body. Excessive
activity as well as insubstantial activity can affect the person in
negative ways. While glandular malfunction is something a physician
would need to investigate, a person can contribute to the health of
their skin by:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Drinking 8 glasses of water a day
- Washing with mild soap and water once or twice daily
- Using a three-step acne kit with an exfoliator, toner/cleanser, and
a restoring cream [click here to see one]
- Shampooing the hair with a mild cleanser at least twice a week.
- Avoiding abrasive cleansers.
- Using water based moisturizers if the skin is excessively oily and
oil based if the skin is excessively dry.
- Consulting a physician if self-esteem is affected by either acne
or dry skin.
What dermatologists recommend highly is a three-step kit approach
to treating acne. By doing this, you effectively exfoliate the top
dead layer of skin, exposing the bacteria. The second step is generally
applying a toner which works to help cleanse the freshly opened pores
and exfoliated skin. The last step is a restoring cream made of 2.5%
Benzoyl Peroxide that works to kill the bacteria associated with acne,
and prevent it from coming back. Based off our own research and from
existing advise from medical professionals, we helped build a three-step
kit that stringently conforms to the specifications of medical professionals
and dermatologists. To jump to information on Tru-derma, click here.
Other
Resources:
Acne.net
American Academy of Dermatologists
Medline Plus ( http://www.nlm.nih.gov/)
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