True or False: The skin's sebum, despite its oily nature, primarily serves to moisturize the skin rather than protect against pathogens.

False. Sebum is a greasy fluid that coats the skin and helps keep it soft and flexible, but it also plays a big role in fighting germs. The oily layer traps bacteria and viruses, making it harder for them to reach the skin’s surface, and it contains fatty acids that kill many microbes. Think of sebum as a natural “oil barrier” that both moisturizes and blocks infection. For example, a person with oily skin often has fewer acne-causing bacteria because the sebum creates a hostile environment for them.