How can I lower sebum levels, will that reduce sebaceous glands on lips or penis?

Diet plays a major role in the production of sebum. Besides that, the hormone androgen (very present in teenage males) will cause the sebaceous glands to produce very actively.... here are some key points from Dr. Nghiem (naturopathy) to help regulate sebum production through nutrition: (This addresses acne as well).

Just like the colon and the kidneys, the skin is another means of detoxification, meaning that wastes that remain in the blood are eliminated through the skin. It is important to make sure all the organs involved in eliminating wastes and toxins are functioning optimally, otherwise these toxins will do anything to get out, and their last resort is through the skin. A naturopathic doctor knows exactly how to properly support the elimination pathway of each organ, without harming the body or causing unnecessary side-effects from the mobilized toxins.

Nutrition should focus on whole foods and foods that are the least processed or refined. Eat a well-balanced diet that omits dairy products (due to their high hormone content), foods high in iodine and foods containing trans-fatty acids and saturated fats. Fats from animal products and processed foods interfere with the metabolization of the essential fatty acids and should be avoided. Especially harmful are the trans-fatty acids contained in heat-damaged and hydrogenated fats. Fried foods, shortening, margarine and most commercially prepared foods are full of hydrogenated fats.

Choose instead fresh, raw vegetables at every meal to provide nutrients needed for healthy skin, including beta-carotene which is essential for epithelial tissue maintenance and repair. Foods high in vitamin C (lemons, oranges) aid in resisting the spread of acne infection, and fiber-rich foods help keep the colon clear. Reach for raw, unroasted and unsalted pumpkin or sunflower seeds to provide zinc to your body, which is an important nutrient for skin health. A deficiency in zinc is a cause of acne in some people, especially in adolescents.

Since inflammation is a common cause for acne sufferers, the most potent anti-inflammatory to take is a daily dose of pharmaceutical-grade fish oil, or unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil. These oils contain essential fatty acids that also lower the body’s production of sebum, reducing the pore clogging which causes acne. What’s interesting is that a deficiency in the essential fatty acids will trigger increased production of sebum.

The underlying cause of increased sebum production lies internally; and therefore, ensuring all hormones in the body are balanced is vital in preventing acne breakouts. Highly stressful lifestyles can wreak havoc on the balance of hormones. Instill daily stress management activities to offset the effects of increased stress hormones, which when too elevated, ultimately lead to unbalanced sex hormones, especially the hormones called androgens that contribute to acne development. Women going through a transition period such as PMS, pregnancy, post-pregnancy, menopause, etc. can benefit from replenishing what may be lacking and/or supporting the production of certain hormones. A naturopathic doctor can advise on lifestyle habits and possibly supplementation that will not harm her body (or her child’s) to bring her health, and therefore her skin, to its optimal level.