6 Effective Ways to Reduce Excess Sebum on Your Face

Jan 25, 2025

Sushmita Panda

Sebum is a lipid-rich substance produced by the sebaceous glands, playing a vital role in maintaining the skin barrier

Excessive sebum production, can lead to conditions such as acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and oily skin

Regulate Sebum with Gentle Cleansing

Cleansing twice daily helps remove excess sebum, preventing clogged pores and reducing bacterial proliferation, acnes.

Sebum Control via Topical Treatments

Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin or adapalene, regulate keratinocyte turnover and reduce sebaceous gland activity.

Importance of Moisturization

Dehydrated skin can paradoxically increase sebaceous activity as a compensatory mechanism.

Dietary Modifications

Studies have shown a correlation between high glycemic index diets and increased sebum production due to elevated insulin levels, which stimulate androgens.

Adjunctive Therapies

Clay-based masks containing kaolin or bentonite can temporarily absorb surface lipids.

Hormonal Modulation

For individuals with hormonally driven sebum overproduction, such as in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a constructive approach with diet , lifestyle modification and topicals may be prescribed by dermatologists.