In situations of perfect balance between sebum production and requirements, the skin feels, looks, and smells good. It is comfortable, well moisturized, clean, and easy to decorate and not so easy to irritate. In situations of lipid deficit, the skin feels itchy, dry, and rough and looks lusterless, erythematous, and scaly. Makeup preparations spread unevenly, and irritation is common. In situations of lipid excess, the skin feels uncomfortable, greasy, shiny, and unclean and smells rancid, and color makeup smears. Under this condition, skin may be affected by acne, rosacea, or both. In short, excess oil is cosmetically and dermatologically undesirable. As a result of advances in the understanding of the physiology of sebaceous glands, epidermal lipid biochemistry and metabolism, and function of skin surface lipids, strategies to balance the needs of the skin to its optimal lipid requirements are being developed.<sup>1Abramovits W: Comparative efficacy and patient preference of Clinac OC topical gel vs. Seban lotion in patients with excessive sebum production. Cosm Dermatol 2000 (in press)

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