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Sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance called sebum (tallow) that is made of fat (lipids) and the debris of dead fat-producing cells. In the glands, sebum is produced within specialized cells and is released as these cells burst.
Sebum is odorless, but its bacterial breakdown can produce odors. Hyperactive sebaceous glands produce too much sebum which is the cause of oily hair or skin and is also involved in skin problems such as acne and dandruff. An important part of the acne and dandruff treatment is therefore the reduction of the sebum production. Compounds able to reduce the production of sebum are called anti-seborrheic agents like, for example, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione or polyphenol-rich extracts from natural sources.