You Might just fall in love with SEBUM more after reading this
Firstly Its important we understand the whole skin dynamics so we can get the full essence and benefit of this post
The final composition of the lipids found in the skin is the combination of both sebaceous and epidermal lipids, further modified by individual factors such as variation in enzyme concentrations, pH and temperatures, that provide each person with a unique chemical composition and signature
Sebum composition is species-specific. Sebum is agreed to contain large amounts of triglycerides, diglycerides and free fatty
acids, wax esters, squalene, cholesterol esters and cholesterol. As wax esters and squalene are typical of sebocytes, their
presence distinguishes sebum from the lipids of internal organs, which contain no wax esters and little squalene
Sebum are implied in the production and delivery of pheromones, maintenance of the functional epidermal barrier, hydration of the skin lubrication, protection against UV exposure, and a delivery system for antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti inflammatory agents
However, its the excess of sebum that results in clogged pores, abnormal desquamation and follicular hyperkeratinization, which are also related to ACNE and inflammatory processes, where higher quantities of interleukins are found like Interleukins-6 and interleukins-8.
The outcome of these undesired effects includes oxidative stress in the form of reactive oxygen species, which
result from cells getting in contact with epidermal bacteria.
The enzymes responsible to counteract oxidative stress, such as superoxide dismutase , are then overwhelmed and the expression of genes related to their synthesis, like the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit , is not high enough. Thus, cellular damage occurs like lipid peroxidation.
So while trying to control sebum we need to know that the production and final release of sebum onto the epidermis also needs to be adequate, to avoid unnecessary lower levels that alter the skin and induce a dull and greasy aspect, blackheads and enlarged pores.
This Means when focus is only on reducing sebum levels on the skin, moisture is also often impaired, leading to a dehydrated skin, which in turn produces more sebum to protect itself.
So in oily skin it is important to maintain the sebum levels low, while maintaining a proper skin hydration. In the skin, there are different elements involved in skin hydration, being hyaluronan or hyaluronic acid one of the key molecules with a unique capacity to bind and retain water molecules. Hyaluronic acid is synthesized by specific enzymes called hyaluronan synthases , which depending on the exact enzyme (Hyaluronan synthases-1, -2 or -3), synthesize Hyaluronic acid chains of different lengths [up to 20].
Other important elements involved in skin hydration are the aquaporins, a family of small transmembrane proteins that facilitate osmotically driven water transport. Among the different types of aquaglyceroporins are important since they transport water and other solutes, such as glycerol and urea, playing a key role in maintaining skin hydration levels.
In Conclusion, All skin type needs & Requires Moisture , whether controlling sebum or not. An Acne Product without a moisture level will only be active fort he maintain and not serve the skin a full course meal in the long Run.
KEY POINT
For a better oily skin complexion, sebum levels should be
decreased, while making sure skin hydration is maintained.
Moyo ‘Kiniovo