The Sebaceous Gland Revisited: Friend And Adversary
September 2025
in “
SKINdeep
”
TLDR Sebaceous glands help protect and maintain healthy skin and hair.
The article explores the dual role of the sebaceous gland (SG) as both beneficial and potentially harmful. It highlights the SG's critical functions, including hair follicle lubrication, vitamin D and E delivery, stratum corneum hydration, antimicrobial activity, and its role in immunobiology. The regulation of SG structure and function is also discussed, emphasizing its complex role in skin health and disease. The article concludes that while the SG plays essential roles in maintaining skin homeostasis, its dysregulation can contribute to various skin disorders, making it both a friend and adversary in dermatological health.