Dermatologist Questions Dermatologist

Is it bad to squeeze out sebum?

I am a 25 year old female. I want to know if it is bad to squeeze out sebum?

3 Answers

Hi,

No, there is nothing wrong with squeezing out sebum. It may be beneficial for you to start using oil blotting clothes and a topical prescription strength retinoid to help with oily skin.
I hope this helps.

Regards,

Darshan Vaidya, MD
It’s okay if you are careful. Being too aggressive will leave scarring and marks.

Suzanne Sirota Rozenberg, DO, FAOCD, FAAD
Sebum is a natural oily substance produced by our sebaceous or oil glands. Squeezing sebum out can make our pores wider. I recommend against doing this. There are ways to decrease sebum production including certain medications, topical creams or washes, and chemical peels. Consult with a board certified dermatologist to go over a customized treatment plan for you.

Kaminska Dermatology Care Team