HealthJuly 20, 2026
sebum
/ˈsiːbʌm/
Definition
The oily substance produced by glands in the skin that acts as a natural lubricant and barrier.
Etymology
Derived directly from the Latin word 'sebum,' meaning 'tallow' or 'grease.' It entered English in the 19th century as a technical term for the waxy secretions of the skin.
In the news
The article identifies excess sebum production as a primary cause of acne, explaining that when too much oil builds up, it clogs pores and triggers inflammatory breakouts.
How eczema and acne can affect your mental health
Read the full article ↗National Geographic