Sebum in pilosebaceous unit

Sebum in pilosebaceous units refers to the oily, lipid-rich substance secreted by sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles in the skin, collectively known as the pilosebaceous unit. Sebum is a mixture of triglycerides, wax esters, squalene, and free fatty acids, and its main functions are to lubricate skin and hair, form a protective barrier against dehydration and microbes, and contribute to the skin’s immune defense. Excessive sebum production is a key factor in the development of acne and related skin disorders. While sebum itself is not a druggable molecular target, the enzymes, receptors (e.g., androgen receptor), and pathways controlling its production in sebocytes are targets for certain dermatologic therapies. Note: Since "Sebum/excess oil in pilosebaceous units" is a physiological mixture, not a defined molecular target or protein, it is not suitable as a canonical therapeutic target entry under standard drug discovery classifications. The correct targets would be the pathways and molecules regulating sebum synthesis, such as the androgen receptor, 5-alpha-reductase, and enzymes involved in lipid synthesis within sebocytes.

Other names

Sebumskin oilexcess sebumoily skinsebum secretionpilosebaceous sebum

Inhibition of sebaceous gland activity and sebum synthesis (retinoids) Blockade of androgen receptors in sebocytes (antiandrogens) Reduced follicular hyperkeratinization (retinoids, keratolytics)