Sebum secretion, skin type, and ph

Abstract

Increased facial sebum secretion is a common finding during the period when acne commonly develops. Patients with acne frequently think that facial sebum is the cause of their disease and want to lower or remove it completely. Sebum is always listed as one of the important factors involved in the pathogenesis of acne. Quantitative measurement of sebum has only recently become possible; currently, we have limited information on the secretion of sebum itself. The cosmetic skin type is another common method of assessing facial sebum secretion and the skin surface pH (SSPH) is partially affected by facial sebum secretion. In this chapter, sebum secretion, facial skin type, and SSPH will be reviewed with regard to their prognostic significance for acne.