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What Is Sebum?

en español

Sebo

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.

A KidsHealth Education Partner Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.