Understanding Sebum: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

What is Sebum?

Sebum is a natural oil that protects and lubricates your skin. Unfortunately, accumulated buildup of it is unappealing both visually and physically. Excess oil, combined with dead skin cells, will lead to clogged pores, acne, or worse.

Causes

UV exposure: radiation from the sun is particularly damaging to nose pores
Hot, humid weather
Hormones/ Genetics: just plain luck
Current skin care routine: don’t over cleanse

[Sunu2019s surface May 18, 2010](https://www.flickr.com/photos/24662369@N07/4721839490) by [NASA Goddard Photo and Video](https://www.flickr.com/photos/24662369@N07) is licensed under [CC-BY 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/) — Sunu2019s surface May 18, 2010 by NASA Goddard Photo and Video is licensed under CC-BY 2.0

Prevention/ Treatment

Exfoliation
Oil-free moisturizer
Noncomedogenic sunscreen
Stay hydrated

Takeaway

Always understand the science behind a condition, instead of blaming personal triggers.

References

(Higuera, 2019) Higuera, V. (2019, June 18). 15 oily nose home remedies, treatments, prevention, and causes. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/oily-nose