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Sebaceous glands, typically attached to hair follicles, produce sebum, a fatty substance that is released into the follicular canal and then onto the skin surface. These glands are found almost everywhere on the body, with the exception of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, although they are particularly common on the scalp and face.
The secretion of the sebaceous gland, a mixture of triglycerides, wax esters, squalene, cholesterol and cell residues, forms the sebum. This helps to create a slightly greasy film on the skin, which keeps the skin supple and prevents excessive water absorption.
The development of the sebaceous glands begins in the fourth month of pregnancy from embryonic hair follicles and is already well advanced at birth. After a shrinking phase during childhood, the glands experience a renewed enlargement during puberty, influenced by the increasing levels of male hormones, particularly testosterone.
