The Effect of Local Temperature Variations on the Sebum Excretion Rate

SUMMARY.– The effect of a local increase or decrease in skin temperature on the rate of sebum excretion from forehead skin was studied in 9 subjects. The relationship between skin temperature and sebum excretion rate was highly significant, and heating and cooling produced changes of the orders of 10% per 1°C. These changes occurred within 90 min., which suggests that the sebum excretion rate measured by the present technique may not always accurately reflect the rate of sebum production deep in the glands. Variations in temperature affect the rate at which sebum is absorbed by the collecting papers, probably due to changes in sebum viscosity, and this could explain the observed changes in sebum excretion.