PSI Barbering Practice Exam

What factors influence sebum secretion in the skin?

1. Water intake

2. Hormones

3. Temperature

4. Diet

The correct answer is: Hormones

Sebum secretion in the skin is primarily influenced by hormones. Androgens, which are male hormones present in everyone, play a significant role in regulating the sebaceous glands, stimulating them to produce more sebum. During puberty, for example, increased levels of these hormones lead to heightened sebum production, contributing to conditions like acne. Hormonal fluctuations throughout life, such as those experienced during menstruation or menopause, can similarly affect sebum levels. While factors like water intake, temperature, and diet can have significant effects on overall skin health and hydration, they do not directly regulate sebum production to the same degree as hormones do. For instance, water intake can impact skin moisture but doesn’t specifically increase or decrease sebum output. Temperature can influence sweat and, to a degree, sebum activity, but the hormonal mechanism remains the primary driver of sebum production. Similarly, while diet influences overall skin health and may contribute to acne for some individuals, it is the hormonal pathways that control the actual production of sebum.