How to stay comfortable when pregnant women are more sensitive to odors

Sebum is a yellowish oily substance that is produced by the oil glands in the skin. Skin that contains too much sebum will easily get blackheads and breakouts. However, on the other hand, sebum also has various important functions to keep skin healthy.

Sebum is a natural skin oil consisting of various components, namely fatty acids, triglycerides, wax ester, squalene, and cholesterol. These natural oils play an important role in keeping the skin moisturized and preventing the growth of bacteria on the skin.

How to stay comfortable when pregnant women are more sensitive to odors

Sebum production on the skin

Sebum is produced by oil glands or sebaceous glands in the skin which are found in almost all parts of the body. However, the sebaceous glands are mostly located on the skin of the face, head, neck and chest.

In men, sebum production is regulated by androgens or sex hormones in the reproductive organs. Whereas in women, sebum is not only regulated by androgen hormones, but also by the hormone progesterone.

The more active the androgen hormone, the more sebum is produced. This condition generally occurs at puberty. Boys usually produce more sebum than girls. This is because the number of androgen hormones in men is more than women.

After puberty, the sebum production in the skin decreases and decreases with the aging process of the skin. This is the reason why the elderly are more at risk of experiencing dry and cracked skin.

Apart from hormonal factors, sebum production in the skin is also influenced by several other factors, namely:

  • Genetic or hereditary factors
  • A diet high in carbohydrates and fat
  • Side effects of drugs, such as hormonal contraceptives or birth control pills

Some Functions of Sebum for the Skin

Although known as the cause of blackheads and pimples, sebum has many roles in skin health, including:

1. Keeps skin moisturized

Sebum is a natural oil that functions to lubricate the skin and keep it moisturised. When the skin's moisture is maintained, the skin will remain supple, elastic, and supple, so you will also avoid problems with dry, cracked, and wrinkled skin.

2. Protects skin from microbes

Sebum is one of the skin's natural defenses against various infection-causing bacteria and fungi. This is because sebum can keep the skin's natural pH normal, which is in the pH range 4.5–6.0. ​​

By maintaining the pH or acidity of the skin, sebum can prevent the growth of various types of bacteria and fungi.

3. Protects skin from the effects of sunlight

Squalene is a component of sebum that has been shown to protect the skin from the adverse effects of sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Skin that is too exposed to the sun can cause damage to the sebum-producing oil glands. This is one of the reasons why prolonged sun exposure can trigger premature aging of the skin.

Therefore, to prevent skin damage due to the bad effects of the sun, you need to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, especially when doing activities in the hot sun.

4. Adjust body temperature

The sebaceous glands and sweat glands in the skin play an important role in maintaining a stable body temperature.

When overheated, the body will release sebum mixed with sweat to slow down the rate of evaporation. Meanwhile, in cold temperatures, sebum will contain more oil to protect the skin from drying out.

Apart from the various functions above, sebum also plays a role in producing the body's natural aroma or odor. This is presumably because sebum contains pheromones.

How To Keep Sebum Production Balanced

To keep your sebum levels balanced, you can follow these tips:

  • Shower and wash your face 2 times a day, especially when the skin is sweaty or feels oily.
  • Choose soaps and shampoos that contain mild chemicals or are labeled hypoallergenic to prevent skin irritation.
  • Remove any make-up or make-up before going to bed.
  • Use moisturizer and sunscreen regularly, especially when you are going to be outdoors.
  • Choose a make-up product that is water based or labeled "noncomedogenic .

In the right amount, sebum does play an important role in skin health. However, if the amount of sebum is excessive or deficient, it can lead to skin problems.

Some of the problems triggered by excess sebum are oily skin, acne, blackheads, and seborrheic dermatitis, while a lack of sebum can cause dry, itchy, reddish skin, and even scaly or peeling.

If you experience skin problems due to disruption of sebum production, both excess and lack of sebum, try to consult a dermatologist for the right treatment.

Label : Health cat_Health

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