Sebaceous hyperplasia (SH) is a condition of over-productive sebaceous glands and usually affects people with oily or combination skin, particularly forehead, nose and cheeks. It can also occur in the other areas of the body. SH manifests itself in the appearance of small, stubborn, crater-like flesh-coloured bumps mainly on the face. These lesions are benign tumours of the oil glands.
SH has been linked to the overexposure to the sun, which can cause damage to oil glands, skin traumas and a hereditary factor. The damaged oil glands become enlarged and clogged in a recognisible manner, i.e. with a yellowish outer rim and a depressed centre.
Sebaceous glands are highly androgen sensitive, and, although the number of sebaceous glands remains approximately the same throughout life, their activity and size vary according to age and circulating hormone levels.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia
The enzyme, called 5-alpha-reductase, which transforms weak androgen into potent dihydrotestosterone, is highly active in the scalp and facial skin. This enzyme stimulates proliferation of sebaceous glands in these areas. Estrogens, on the other hand, have been found to decrease sebaceous glands secretion.
You can learn more about Sebaceous Hyperplasia from a medial journal - https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1059368-overview
If you have this condition, you have probably found that these bumps would not go away, no matter what you do. Unfortunately, sebaceous hyperplasia cannot be cured but it can be effectively controlled and made to look less pronounced. The SH lesions can be easily removed with advanced electrolysis with a downtime of about a week.
Recent study suggested the condition of overactive sebaceous glands can be aggrevated by a hyperglycemic diet, carbohydrates, sugar, alcohol and lack of certain nutrients, such as zinc. Reviewing your diet and supplementing it with omega-3 fats for hormone balancing and sugar stabilising effects can make a difference over time.
Other supplements used to normalise lipid metabolism are vitamins A and E, niacinamide (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), berberine (a compound found in goldenseal and barberry) and, of course, zinc.