What is the role of sebum in skin health?

Sebum plays a crucial role in skin health primarily by providing a barrier against bacteria. Produced by sebaceous glands, sebum is an oily substance that forms a protective layer on the skin's surface. This barrier is important not only for preventing moisture loss but also for reducing the risk of pathogen invasion. By creating this shield, sebum helps to maintain the integrity of the skin and contributes to overall skin health.

While sebum does have some moisturizing properties, its primary function is not to hydrate the epidermis, which is why that choice does not fully encompass the role of sebum. Similarly, while the skin's pH regulation is important for skin health, sebum itself is not the main contributor to this balance—the skin's natural hydrolipid film and sweat play more significant roles in pH maintenance. Exfoliation is primarily the task of other processes, such as natural cell turnover and the action of keratinocytes in the epidermis. Therefore, emphasizing sebum's protective barrier function against bacteria highlights its essential role in maintaining healthy skin.