Sebum Secretion Rate Research Articles

Facial Acne: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on the Clinical Efficacy of a Symbiotic Dietary Supplement.

IntroductionTreatments other than topical and systemic antibiotics are needed to restore the dysbiosis correlated with acne onset and evolution. In this view, probiotics and botanical extracts could represent a valid adjunctive therapeutic approach. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a dietary supplement containing probiotics (Bifidobacterium breve BR03 DSM 16604, Lacticaseibacillus casei LC03 DSM 27537, and Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS03 DSM 22776) and botanical extract (lupeol from Solanum melongena L. and Echinacea extract) in subjects with mild to moderate acne over an 8-week study period.MethodsMonocentric, randomized, double-blind, four-arm, placebo-controlled clinical study involving 114 subjects.ResultsA significant (p < 0.05) effect on the number of superficial inflammatory lesions was reported over the study period in the subjects taking the study agent (group II) (−56.67%), the botanical extracts (group III) (−40.00%), and the probiotics (group IV) (−38.89%) versus placebo (−10.00%). A significant (p < 0.05) decrease in mean desquamation score, sebum secretion rate, and porphyrin mean count versus baseline was also reported, and the effect was most evident for group II. The analysis of log relative abundance after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment compared with baseline showed a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in Cutibacterium acnes and S. aureus, along with a contextually and significant (p < 0.05) increase in Staphylococcus epidermidis, especially in group II. No significant changes were reported for group I.ConclusionThe results from this study suggest that the administration of the dietary supplement under study was effective, safe, and well tolerated in subjects with mild to moderate acne and could represent a promising optional complement for the treatment of inflammatory acne as well as for control of acne-prone skin.

The Impact of Pollution on Skin and Proper Efficacy Testing for Anti-Pollution Claims

Exposure to pollution can cause oxidative stress, premature ageing, inflammation, and diseases. Since most of us are exposed to pollution, protection is important. This can be achieved through skin protection or through protection with respect to food and food supplements. There is a wide range of products on the market with anti-pollution claims. However, it is important that these claims are thoroughly validated by proper efficacy testing. When skin cells are exposed to pollution factors, changes in a number of skin properties can be observed, such as lipid composition, lipid and protein oxidation, pH, sebum secretion rate, oxidative stress, inflammation markers, and collagen and elastin levels. These can be measured and used as markers to verify anti-pollution claims. In the present review, we summarize some of the most important in vitro and in vivo tests that are used to determine if an ingredient or formulation has anti-pollution efficacy.

A new therapeutic option for facial seborrhoeic dermatitis: indole‐3‐acetic acid photodynamic therapy

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is a newly introduced photosensitizer of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for acne, presenting sebum-reducing, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IAA-PDT in the treatment of facial seborrhoeic dermatitis. In this prospective, single-blinded, 6-week trial, 23 patients with facial seborrhoeic dermatitis were treated with IAA-PDT with green light (520 nm) three times with 1-week intervals. Patients were evaluated at baseline, week 1, 2, 3 and week 6 (3 weeks after last treatment). Efficacy was determined by Seborrhoeic dermatitis Area and Severity Index (SASI), patient's assessment of the symptoms (4-point scale of itchiness, burning, erythema, scale and tightness), sebum secretion rate (measured with Sebumeter(®)), Erythema Index (EI, measured with Mexameter(®)) and physician's photographic assessment. Safety was evaluated by questionnaire at each visit. For the 22 subjects completing the trial, SASI and total symptom significantly improved at week 2, which lasted until week 6. Sebum excretion was significantly reduced at week 2 and stayed reduced until week 6. EI presented continuous reduction throughout the study. Photographic assessment showed significant improvement at each visit. The procedure was painless, and no adverse event was observed during and after the treatment. IAA-PDT is a safe and effective therapeutic option for facial seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Topically applied l‐carnitine effectively reduces sebum secretion in human skin

Oily skin condition is caused by an excessive sebaceous gland activity, resulting in an overproduction of sebum, giving the skin an undesired shiny, oily appearance. To identify an active substance that reduces sebum production in human sebaceous glands by regulating fat metabolism in a natural way. The effects of L-carnitine on β-oxidation and intracellular lipid content were investigated in vitro using the human sebaceous cell line SZ95. Penetration experiments utilizing pig skin as a model system were performed with a cosmetic formulation containing radioactively labeled L-carnitine. To determine the in vivo effects, a vehicle-controlled, randomized study was carried out using a cosmetic formulation containing 2%l-carnitine for 3 weeks. Sebum production was investigated utilizing the lipid-absorbent Sebutape(®). SZ95 cells treated with 0.5% or 1% L-carnitine demonstrated a significant concentration-dependent increase in β-oxidation compared to control cells. Following the treatment with L-carnitine, intracellular lipid concentrations decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner compared with untreated control cells. In skin penetration experiments, topically applied L-carnitine reached the dermis. In addition, topical in vivo application of a formulation containing 2% L-carnitine for 3 weeks significantly decreased the sebum secretion rate compared to the treatment with vehicle. Our results show that the treatment of human sebocytes with L-carnitine significantly augments β-oxidation and significantly decreases intracellular lipid content in human sebocytes. Topically applied L-carnitine is bioavailable and leads to a significant sebum reduction in vivo. In conclusion, L-carnitine represents a valuable compound, produced naturally within the body, for the topical treatment of oily skin in humans.

Hormonelle Antiandrogene in der Aknetherapie

An enhanced sebaceous gland activity with production of proinflammtory sebaceous lipids belongs to the major pathogenetic factors of acne. Hormonal antiandrogen treatment targets the androgen-metabolizing cells of the pilosebaceous unit, i. e. follicular kertinocytes and sebocytes, and leads to sebostasis, with a reduction of the sebum secretion rate of 12.5 to 65 %. Concerning their mechanism of action, hormonal antiandrogens are classified in androgen receptor blockers, inhibitors of circulating androgens by affecting the ovarial function (oral contraceptives), inhibitors of circulating androgens by affecting the pituitary (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists and dopamin agonists in hyperprolactinemia), inhibitors of the adrenal function, and inhibitors of peripheral androgen metabolism (5-reductase inhibitors, inhibitors of other enzymes). In this study, all original and review publications on hormonal antiandrogen treatment of acne as monotherapy or in combination included in MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE libraries were extracted by using the terms "acne", "seborrhea", "polycystic ovary syndrome", "hyperandrog*" and "treatment" and classified according to their level of evidence. Antiandrogen treatment is overall active on acne lesions. The combinations of ethinyl estradiol with cyproterone acetate chlormadinone acetate, dienogest desogestrel and drospirenone have shown the strongest antiacne activity. Gestagens or estrogens as monotherapy, spironolactone, flutamide, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists and inhibitors of peripheral androgen metabolism are not recommended according to the current stand of knowledge. Low dose prednisolone is to only be administered at late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia and dopamine agonists at hyperprolactinemia. Treatment with hormonal antiandrogens requires missing of any contraindications. Hormonal antiandrogen treatment is limited to female patients who present additional signs of peripheral hyperandrogenism or hyperandrogenemia. In addition, females with acne tarda, persistent acne recalcitrant to treatment, with parallel wish of contraception, and as a requirement for a systemic isotretinoin treatment can be treated with hormonal antiandrogens. Hormonal antiandrogen treatment is not a primary monotherapy for uncomplicated acne.

Acne vulgaris

Peripherally active androgens control cellular functions by binding to androgen receptors. Follicular keratinocytes and sebocytes are target cells for androgens, which, directly or indirectly, stimulate keratinocyte proliferation and the volume of sebaceous glands as well as the sebum secretion rate. Acne often begins with the adrenarche, namely with the up- regulation of adrenal synthesis of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, a hormone that is upstream to testosterone. The majority of acne patients exhibit normal levels of circulating androgens, while sebaceous glands from acne regions exhibit a stronger sensitivity to androgens than the sebaceous glands from other parts of the body. Hormone-like active lipids, hormones in diet and neuropeptides may also play a role in the development of acne lesions. The target of antiandrogen treatment of the skin is mainly the sebaceous gland and the primary effect is sebostasis.

Role of insulin, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, hyperglycaemic food and milk consumption in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris

It is the purpose of this viewpoint article to delineate the regulatory network of growth hormone (GH), insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signalling during puberty, associated hormonal changes in adrenal and gonadal androgen metabolism, and the impact of dietary factors and smoking involved in the pathogenesis of acne. The key regulator IGF-1 rises during puberty by the action of increased GH secretion and correlates well with the clinical course of acne. In acne patients, associations between serum levels of IGF-1, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, dihydrotestosterone, acne lesion counts and facial sebum secretion rate have been reported. IGF-1 stimulates 5alpha-reductase, adrenal and gonadal androgen synthesis, androgen receptor signal transduction, sebocyte proliferation and lipogenesis. Milk consumption results in a significant increase in insulin and IGF-1 serum levels comparable with high glycaemic food. Insulin induces hepatic IGF-1 secretion, and both hormones amplify the stimulatory effect of GH on sebocytes and augment mitogenic downstream signalling pathways of insulin receptors, IGF-1 receptor and fibroblast growth factor receptor-2b. Acne is proposed to be an IGF-1-mediated disease, modified by diets and smoking increasing insulin/IGF1-signalling. Metformin treatment, and diets low in milk protein content and glycaemic index reduce increased IGF-1 signalling. Persistent acne in adulthood with high IGF-1 levels may be considered as an indicator for increased risk of cancer, which may require appropriate dietary intervention as well as treatment with insulin-sensitizing agents.

Sebaceous gland lipids

The principal activity of mature sebaceous glands is producing and secreting sebum, which is a complex mixture of lipids. Sebum composition is different among species and this difference is probably due to the function that sebum has to absolve. In human sebum there are unique lipids, such as squalene and wax esters not found anywhere else in the body nor among the epidermal surface lipids. Moreover, they correspond to major components supplying the skin with protection. However, the ultimate role of human sebum, as well the metabolic pathways regulating its composition and secretion rate, are far from a complete understanding. Increased sebum secretion is considered, among all features, the major one involved in the pathophysiology of acne. Along with increased sebum secretion rate, quali- and quantitative modifications of sebum are likely to occur in this pathology. Understanding the factors and mechanisms that regulate sebum production is needed in order to identify new targets that can be addressed to achieve a selective modulation of lipid biosynthesis as a novel therapeutic strategy to correct lipid disregulations in acne and other disorders of the pilosebaceous unit.

Therapie der Akne mit Antiandrogenen – Eine evidenzbasierte Übersicht

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Zu den wichtigsten Faktoren, die zur Pathogenese der Akne beitragen, gehört eine erhöhte Talgdrüsenaktivität mit Seborrhoe. Die antiandrogene Therapie zielt auf die androgenmetabolisierenden follikulären Keratinozyten und die Talgdrüse mit primärer sebostatischer Wirkung, wobei eine Minderung der Talgsyntheserate von 12,5 % bis zu 65 % erreicht werden kann. Nach ihrem Mechanismus teilt man die Antiandrogene ein in Androgenrezeptorblocker sowie Hemmer der zirkulierenden Androgene durch Wirkung auf das Ovar (orale Kontrazeptiva), Hemmer der zirkulierenden Androgene durch Wirkung auf die Hypophyse (Gonadotropin‐releasing‐Hormone‐Agonisten und Dopamin‐Agonisten bei Hyperprolaktinämie), Hemmer der Nebennierenrindenaktivität und Hemmer des peripheren Androgenmetabolismus (5α‐Reduktase‐Inhibitoren, Hemmer anderer Enzyme). Methoden: In dieser Studie wurden alle in MedLine publizierten Original‐ und Übersichtsarbeiten über die Therapie der Akne mit Antiandrogenen sowohl als Monotherapie als auch in Kombination mit Hilfe der Suchbegriffe „acne”, „seborrhea”, „polycystic ovary syndrome”, „hyperandrog*” und „treatment” ausgesucht und nach ihrer Evidenzebene eingeteilt. Ergebnisse: Von den zur Verfügung stehenden therapeutischen Möglichkeiten zeigen die Kombinationen Cyproteronacetat (2 mg)/Ethinylestradiol (35 µg), Drospirenon (3 mg)/Ethinylestradiol (30 µg) und das kombiphasische Präparat mit Desogestrel (25 µg)/Ethinylestradiol (40 µg) für 1 Woche gefolgt von Desogestrel (125 µg)/Ethinylestradiol (30 µg) für 2 Wochen die stärkste Antiakne‐Wirkung. Gestagene oder Östrogene jeweils als Monotherapie, Spironolacton, Flutamid, Gonadotropin‐Releasing‐Hormone‐Antagonisten und Hemmer des peripheren Androgenmetabolismus werden nach dem heutigen Kenntnisstand nicht empfohlen. Niedrig dosiertes Prednisolon wird nur bei late‐onset kongenitaler adrenaler Hyperplasie eingesetzt und Dopamin‐Agonisten nur bei Hyperprolaktinämie. Die Therapie mit Antiandrogenen setzt voraus, daß keine entsprechenden Kontraindikationen vorliegen. Schlußfolgerung: Die antiandrogene Therapie ist weiblichen Patienten vorbehalten, die weitere Zeichen eines peripheren Hyperandrogenismus oder einer Hyperandrogenämie aufweisen. Zudem können Frauen mit Acne tarda oder persistierender therapieresistenter Akne mit gleichzeitigem Kontrazeptionswunsch mit Antiandrogenen behandelt werden sowie im Rahmen der Durchführung einer systemischen Isotretinoin‐Therapie. Die antiandrogene Therapie ist keine primäre Monotherapie einer nicht entzündichen und milden entzündlichen Akne.

Skin colonization by Malassezia species in neonates: a prospective study and relationship with neonatal cephalic pustulosis.

To assess skin colonization by Malassezia species in full-term healthy newborns, to investigate factors associated with colonization, and to look at acnelike cephalic pustulosis associated with this carriage. Samples were obtained from neonates and their mothers 0 to 5 days after birth and again 3 weeks later. Clinical patterns of common acnelike pustulosis were reported as mild (<10 papulopustules), moderate (> or =10 papulopustules), or absent. Direct examination and culture of sample. Identification of yeasts was based on microscopic and physiologic criteria. A maternity hospital and the pediatric dermatology unit of a university hospital. Consecutive series of 102 neonates and their mothers. Incidence of skin colonization and type of Malassezia species found in neonates and correlation with neonatal cephalic pustulosis (neonatal acne). At the first visit, 11 neonates and 36 mothers had cultures positive for Malassezia. Malassezia sympodialis and Malassezia globosa were preferentially cultured. At 3 weeks, 29 (52%) of 56 neonates and 18 (32%) of 56 mothers had cultures positive for only M sympodialis and M globosa. Breastfeeding was not associated with a higher prevalence of Malassezia carriage in neonates. Malassezia colonization was higher when pustulosis was more severe and M sympodialis was found in pustules. Malassezia colonization begins at birth and increases in the first weeks of life. A high prevalence of M sympodialis in neonates is noted from birth. Its association with neonatal acne is confirmed. Further investigation is needed to study the role of sebum secretion rate and quality in the neonatal period.

New photographic techniques for clinical evaluation of acne

AbstractClinical evaluation of acne is usually based on direct visual assessment and ordinary flash photography, both of which are compromised by viewer subjectivity. It is difficult to accurately assess individual acne lesions and to observe early response to therapy. Standard flash photography has inherent limitations owing to the physics of light; it does not permit consistent visualization of subtle cutaneous characteristics like erythema or microcomedones, and it tends to blur distinctions between active inflammatory lesions and older hyperpigmented macules.Over the last decade there has been increasing interest in newer techniques aimed at increasing the accuracy and objectivity of acne evaluation. These include parallel‐polarized light photography, cross (or perpendicular)‐polarized light photography, videomicroscopy, and fluorescence photography. This article will review the advances of the past decade and summarize new techniques to evaluate acne lesions. Moreover, findings of a study that evaluated the course of individual acne lesions and the effects of adapalene gel 0.1% on inflammatory and non‐inflammatory acne lesions will be viewed.In this study, the use of parallel‐polarized and cross‐polarized photography, in combination with videomicroscopy and sebum production measurement, provided objective, detailed information on the evolution of different variable acne lesions and their response to adapalene gel 0.1%. Adapalene treatment produced rapid resolution of inflammatory and non‐inflammatory lesions, and inhibited formation of new lesions. Sebum secretion rates also declined during treatment. Use of the new assessment techniques proved to be a valuable, non‐invasive and reliable method of assessing acne vulgaris and its response to treatment.

Topical spironolactone reduces sebum secretion rates in young adults.

The effects of topically applied spironolactone on the sebum secretion rates (SSR) of young adults were investigated. SSR was expressed as the ratio of wax esters/[cholesterol+cholesterol esters] (WE/[C+CE]) and the amount of sebaceous lipids (squalene, triacylglycerol and wax esters). Topical spironolactone 5% gel applied to the right cheeks of the subjects produced a significant reduction in the SSR at 12 weeks (4 weeks after termination of application), but not at 8 weeks (the end of treatment). Untreated "control" areas (the left cheeks of the subjects) showed no significant change during the study. None of the subjects experienced skin rash or signs of local irritation. This results suggests that topical spironolactone may be effective in the treatment of acne patients with high SSR.

A Prospective Study of the Effect of Isotretinoin on the Follicular Reservoir and Sustainable Sebum Excretion Rate in Patients With Acne

A prospective study of 30 patients with moderate to severe acne was performed. The follicular reservoir and sustainable sebum excretion rates were measured before and after a 4-month course of isotretinoin at a dose of 1 mg/kg per day. The follicular reservoir and sustainable sebum excretion rates were profoundly reduced at the end of the course of isotretinoin (79% and 83%, respectively) and remained significantly suppressed at 1 year following therapy (43% and 36%, respectively). Those patients who relapsed clinically at 1 year after treatment had a significantly higher follicular reservoir rate. These data support the concept that up to 1 year after therapy, there is a reduction in the sebum secretion rate accompanying the remission of acne. This suppressed sebum secretion may modulate the microenvironment of the pilosebaceous canal through an effect on the follicular reservoir.

Changes in Sebum Secretion and the Sebaceous Gland

New data have shown that sebum secretion is highest in young adults and then declines steadily throughout life in both men and women. This parallels the decline in androgen levels, but this cannot be the sole factor because there is so much overlap in sebaceous gland activity between men and women. The increased occurrence of dry skin in the elderly has been shown to be unrelated to the sebum secretion rate. This is not unexpected, as children, with even less sebum, rarely have this problem. Seborrheic dermatitis, which is also much more common in the elderly, is also unrelated to sebum secretion rate.

加齢に伴う顔面皮膚の生理的，形態的変化 ＩＩ 人種差の検討

Physiological and morphological changes in the facial skin were investigated in relation to aging in British, French, American (caucasian), and Japanese women to clarify racial differences.The following parameters were measured; sebum secretion rate, transepidermal water loss, skin surface conductance, skin surface microtopography, corneocyte surface area, and skin color. In any ethnic group it was shown that sebum secretion rate was highest in the 20's to 30's, after which it declined with aging. However, Japanese women showed most remarkable age-associated change.Transepidermal water loss was inclined to decrease with increasing age and no racial difference was recognized. Skin conductance was low in young age group, and then it increased with aging until 30's or 40's. Caucasian people had higher conductance in every age group examined than Japanese. Skin surface microstructure was considerably changed during the aging process, showing that pore size and irregularity of furrows incresed with aging. From the change in these parameters it was appeared that the skin texture of Japanese women is finer than that of caucasian. British and Japanese women showed almost the same change in corneocyte surface area with aging and so, it was considered that there is little racial difference in the age-related change of turnover time of stratum corneum. It was also found that skin color changes from reddish to yellow and value decreases.

加齢に伴う顔面皮膚の生理的，形態的変化 Ｉ 日本女性の加齢変化

Using noninvasive measurement techniques, parameters representing skin characteristics were measured in a total of 117 Japanese females ranging in age from 3 to 65 years. The parameters measured were sebum secretion rate, transepidermal water loss, skin surface conductance, skin color, skin surface temperature, corneocyte surface area, and skin surface microtopography. Measurements were taken twice for each subject, once in the summer (July) and again in the winter (December). Polynomial regression analysis was used to quantitatively assess age-related trends associated with changes in shin parameters. Also, to evaluate the progression of the aging phenomena in adults (i.e., physiological aging), multiple regression analysis was carried out with age as the criterion variable and the above parameters as predictor variables.The results of these analyses established the following facts: Most physiological skin parameters undergo changes that can be characterized by curves which attain peak values during the third decade of life, whereas morphological parameters tend to vary linearly with age. Until the third dacade of life, the physiological functions of female skin remain in the developmental phase and are extremely prone to fluctuations. However, during the third decade, the physiological development of the skin reaches a stage of completion and becomes comparatively stable, and thereafter commences a gradual transition to senescence concomitant with chronological aging. The degree of skin aging can be estimated by a quantiative assessment of age-related physiological phenomena and a comprehensive analysis of the relevant data.

Dilutional Effect of Increased Sebaceous Gland Activity on the Proportion of Linoleic Acid in Sebaceous Wax Esters and in Epidermal Acylceramides

Sebaceous wax esters and epidermal acylceramides were isolated from skin surface lipid obtained from children and from young adults. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were prepared from the esterified fatty acids of these lipid classes and analyzed to ascertain the proportions of methyl linoleate (18:2 delta 9,12), methyl sebaleate (18:2 delta 5,8), and methyl sapienate (16:1 delta 6). On the same subjects, 2 measures of sebum secretion rate were obtained, namely the sustainable wax ester secretion rate (WESR) on the forehead and the ratio of wax esters/(cholesterol + cholesterol esters) [WE/(CH + CE)] in the surface lipid. The proportions of methyl linoleate in FAME from the wax esters decreased, and the proportions of methyl sebaleate increased, with increased rates of sebum secretion. For both methyl linoleate and methyl sebaleate, a better correlation was obtained when the ratio of WE/(CH + CE) was used as a measure of sebum secretion rather than the WESR. The proportions of methyl linoleate in the FAME from the acylceramides were also inversely related to ratios of WE/(CH + CE). In acylceramides, linoleate was replaced by sapienate, a major fatty acid of human sebum. It appears, therefore, that sebum fatty acid composition may change with changes in sebaceous gland activity, and that sebum fatty acids can enter the epidermis and be incorporated into epidermal lipids.

Effect of cyproterone acetate-ethinyl estradiol treatment on the proportions of linoleic and sebaleic acids in various skin surface lipid classes.

The effect of high-dose cyproterone acetate-ethinyl estradiol treatment on rates of sebum secretion and on the proportions of linoleic acid (18:2 delta 9,12) and sebaleic acid (18:2 delta 5,8) in the skin surface lipids of three female acne patients was examined. Changes in rates of sebum secretion were evaluated indirectly by measuring the ratio of wax esters/(cholesterol + cholesterol esters) in the subjects' skin surface lipid. In two of the subjects, this ratio indicated a reduction of sebum secretion rates to the childhood range. Concomitantly, there was an increase in linoleic acid and a decrease in sebaleic acid in all lipid classes. In the third subject, in whom there was only a small reduction in sebum secretion rate, the proportion of linoleic acid in the cholesterol esters more than doubled, but the changes in the other lipid classes were small or nonexistent. The results indicate that the proportions of linoleic acid and sebaleic acid in sebum are influenced by sebum secretion rates.

Changes in Sebum Secretion and the Sebaceous Gland

New data have shown that sebum secretion is highest in young adults and then declines steadily throughout life in both men and women. This parallels the decline in androgen levels, but this cannot be the sole factor because there is so much overlap in sebaceous gland activity between men and women. The increased occurrence of dry skin in the elderly has been shown to be unrelated to the sebum secretion rate. This is not unexpected, as children, with even less sebum, rarely have this problem. Seborrheic dermatitis, which is also much more common in the elderly, is also unrelated to sebum secretion rate.

Variables Associated with Skin Dryness in the Elderly

This study investigated whether sebum secretion and other external variables were associated with the occurrence of dry skin in the elderly. The sample consisted of 76 elderly white individuals ranging in age from 65 to 97 years who resided in retirement homes. Dry skin was measured through verbal report and verified by observation. Sebum was collected on dacron mesh disks and measured by quantitative thin layer chromatography. Other variables pertinent to the occurrence of dry skin were measured through structured interview. Dry skin was found in 59% of the subjects. Mean sebum secretion rate was .534 mg/10 sq cm/3 hr. Although sebum secretion rate was significantly lower in females than in males, p less than .001, sebum levels did not differ significantly as a function of dry skin for either sex. A significant association was found between severity of skin dryness and age, p less than .02. The findings refute the widely held, though untested belief, that the decreased sebaceous gland activity that accompanies aging is responsible for skin dryness in the elderly.