What Is Sebum?

Sebum

Say: SEE-bum

Sebum is your skin's natural oil, made by sebaceous (say: sih-BAY-shis) glands. It keeps your skin soft and makes it a bit waterproof. Ever get wrinkly fingers in the tub? Although your fingers may look shriveled like raisins, they aren't really shriveled — they're actually waterlogged because the sebum has been washed away.