Regional Difference in Sebum Production by Androgen Susceptibility in Human Facial Skin

The study explored the differences in sebum production across different regions of human facial skin, focusing on the role of androgen receptors (AR). It was found that AR expression was significantly higher in the T-zones, which are prone to higher sebum secretion, than in the U-zones, which have lower sebum secretion. This conclusion was based on in vivo analysis of AR expression in sebaceous glands from 10 cadavers and in vitro experiments with primary human sebocytes, revealing higher AR protein and mRNA levels in T-zone sebocytes. The study suggests that androgen susceptibility, as shown by AR expression, may be a key factor in the regional variation of sebum production, and it points to the potential for further research into the cofactors of androgen and AR actions, particularly in relation to acne. The research was funded by the Traditional Korean Medicine R&D Project of the Ministry of Health & Welfare in South Korea.