Sebaceous Gland Activity

Sebaceous gland activity refers to the physiological processes by which sebaceous glands synthesize and secrete sebum, an oily substance that plays a critical role in skin health. Sebaceous glands are microscopic exocrine glands located throughout the skin, except on the palms, soles, and dorsum of the feet. They are most concentrated on the face and scalp. Sebum is a complex mixture of lipids including triglycerides, fatty acid breakdown products, wax esters, squalene, cholesterol esters, and cholesterol. Altered or excessive sebaceous gland activity underlies several dermatological conditions like acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis. Sebocyte activity is regulated by multiple hormonal and molecular signals including androgens, corticotrophin-releasing hormone receptor (CRH-R), Melanocortin receptors (MC-R1–5), Opiate receptor, Growth hormone receptor (GHR), Insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R), Insulin receptor (IR), Retinoid X receptor (RXR) / Retinoic acid receptor (RAR), Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptors (PPARs), Neuropeptide Y receptor.