The Sebaceous Gland Revisited: Friend And Adversary

September 2025 in “ SKINdeep ”

Peter M. Elias, Joan Wakefield, Peter M. Elias, Joan Wakefield

sebaceous glands scarring alopecia seborrheic dermatitis acne hair follicles antimicrobial protection lipids vitamin D precursors vitamin E skin health pheromones

TLDR Sebaceous glands help protect and maintain healthy skin and hair.

Recent studies have highlighted the beneficial roles of sebaceous glands (SG), which were traditionally seen as contributors to conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and acne. SGs help prevent scarring alopecia by lubricating hair follicles and provide antimicrobial protection through secreted lipids. They also play a role in delivering vitamin D precursors and vitamin E to the skin surface, which are crucial for skin health. Additionally, SGs secrete volatile odorants and possibly pheromones, indicating their multifaceted importance beyond their previously understood functions.

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