Comparative Study of Male and Female Sebum Production

Abstract

Background: Evidence is given that gender-related differences in skin physiological properties exist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference between male and female sebum production by measuring sebum production over ½ hour, 1 hour and 11/2 hours in both males and females. Subjects and Methods: The study included 200 healthy volunteers and was carried out in the Dermatology outpatient clinic- Ain-Shams University – during the period from January and February 2017 (as the sebum secretion is lower during this time of year). A total of 200 healthy male and female subjects (Fitzpatrick’s skin types I–IV) with their age ranged from 15-25years old participated in this clinical study after giving avocal informed consent. Participants were divided to 100 males and 100 females. Results: Among male participants, it was found that sebum production significantly increase with time; sebum production at 1 hour was significantly higher than that at 0.5 hour; furthermore, sebum production at 1.5 hour was significantly higher than that at 0.5 hour. Conclusion: Sex difference is a significant factor affecting the amount of sebum production; which is significantly higher among males in comparison to age matched females. Rate of casual sebum production significantly increase among both males and females over time. Recommendations More studies are recommended to determine the factors and mechanism; molecular and endocrinal, behind the strong relation between male gender and the increased amount of sebum production.