Sebum secretion

Sebum secretion is the process by which sebaceous glands, primarily through the coordinated activity of sebocytes, produce and release sebum, a lipid-rich substance vital for skin hydration, barrier function, and protection from pathogens[1][2][4][5][6]. Sebum is synthesized in sebocytes and secreted via holocrine glandular activity, in which mature sebocytes undergo lysis and release their entire contents[1][2][4][5]. This process is tightly regulated by hormonal pathways—primarily androgens (e.g., testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) via the androgen receptor, and by enzymatic activities such as 5-alpha reductase, as well as by growth factors, cytokines, and nutritional and environmental factors[1][3][5][6]. Dysregulation of sebum secretion is a critical factor in acne and other inflammatory skin diseases. While "sebum secretion" is not itself a molecule or receptor, its regulatory nodes, especially androgen receptor and 5-alpha reductase, are established drug targets in dermatology[1][3][5].

Other names

Sebaceous gland secretionsebocyte holocrine secretion