increased production and/or release of the lipid-rich substance that is produced by the sebaceous glands, acts to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair of mammals, and provides antibacterial activity; sebum is released by disintegrating sebocytes that are continuously replaced from progenitors in the periphery of the sebaceous gland; its composition varies across species (Mammalian Phenotype Ontology, MP_0013373)
