Research shows a link between people who consume foods with a high glycemic index and those with acne vulgaris, which is caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands. These types of foods include pastas, breads, and cereals made with white flour, as well as white rice and sweeteners.
Sebum production fluctuates in response to changing hormone levels. Sex hormones traditionally thought of as male, especially testosterone, play a large role in regulating sebaceous gland activity. Sebum production peaks shortly after birth and decreases within the first week of life.
It is best to use a mild face cleanser three times a day, and pat your face dry. Also, clean your oily zones three or four times a week. Use a toner that will cleanse the skin and open clogged pores to help the skin breathe. Turmeric can also reduce the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands.
Diets higher in protein and fiber and lower in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates work well for oily and acne-prone skin. To reduce sebum production, try a Paleolithic diet (rich in fruits, veggies, nuts, and lean meats) or a Mediterranean-style diet (rich in fruits, veggies, fish, olive oil, and legumes).
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that works alongside our sebaceous glands to regulate sebum production. Vitamin D helps our bodies protect against insulin resistance which can lead to oily skin as insulin stimulates the overproduction of sebum.
High-dose red light photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers highly effective and durable treatment for acne by selectively destroying the sebaceous gland.
The main cause of an overproduction of sebum is hormonal imbalances, including as a result of puberty and pregnancy. “As well as hormones, heat, exercise and genetics play a part,” says Kate Kerr, acclaimed clinical facialist.
Androgens. Increased sebum production due to androgens' activity at the sebaceous follicle is a prerequisite for acne in all patients. High level of androgens, or hypersensitivity of the sebaceous glands to a normal level of androgens, causes an increase in sebum production.
Treatments. Controlling the amount of oil on your skin and regular exfoliation can help keep your pores clear and may minimize the appearance of sebaceous filaments.
Drinking ample water balances the oil and water content on the skin of your face. This helps to prevent excess oil and sebum secretion, which means fewer clogged pores and acne.
Cucumber is a natural skin hydrant; the high water content of cucumber helps replenish the skin and tightens it. It is an excellent home remedy for open pores on oily face and skin. Both besan and turmeric are equally effective in shrinking pores. Mix 1 tablespoon of besan with 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder.
The skin's normal process of producing sebum can cause sebaceous filaments to become noticeable. This is more likely to occur in people with more oily skin or larger pores, compared with people who have drier skin and smaller pores.
Free radicals can actually cause changes to your sebaceous glands, which results in bacteria forming to cause blemishes. Vitamin A also helps to reduce your skins sebum production. This really benefits people with oily and combination skin, as these skin types are prone to acne.
Sebaceous glands, like many other parts of the skin, have receptors which are influenced by sex hormones. These glands are affected most dramatically by androgens, which are male sex hormones like testosterone, but are present in both sexes (4,8,9).
Isotretinoin. Also known as 13-cis retinoic acid, isotretinoin is an oral retinoid that has been proven to result in the greatest reduction of sebum among all other mentioned treatment options.
Photodynamic Therapy is an alternative, minimally invasive, in-office procedure that targets the different factors contributing to acne lesion formation. It shrinks sebaceous glands that lead to clogged pore formation and kills the main pimple producing bacteria, Propionibacterium acne (P. acne).
Can You Get Rid of Sebaceous Filaments? Since sebaceous filaments are a normal part of your skin, you cannot get rid of them. While large sebaceous filaments can be professionally extracted, removing them is only temporary—they always come back.
With the ability to remove sebum, eliminate dead skin and clear the pores, these ingredients assist in the treatment of blackheads. However, these products can slightly dry out the skin. This is why you should properly moisturize your skin when using them.
Tone & Balances Your Skin With Apple Cider Vinegar
It helps in removing excess oil from your skin. It also helps in maintaining the pH of your skin and keeps it from becoming neither too oily nor too dry by balancing out the production of sebum.
The presence of acetic acid in the apple cider vinegar also helps tighten the pores and controls the production of sebum.