___________ provides moisture to the skin and hair, lubricating and helping to prevent the skin from wrinkling and/or hair from breaking:

• A. Hormone
• B. Sebum
• C. Melanin
• D. Perspiration

Answer: (B)

Sebum provides moisture to the skin and hair, lubricating and helping to prevent the skin from wrinkling and hair from breaking. The key is recognizing that sebaceous glands produce an oily film that coats the skin and hair, creating a protective barrier that reduces water loss and keeps surfaces flexible. This film helps maintain suppleness and resilience, which in turn guards against dryness, cracking, and breakage.

Hormones influence how much sebum is produced but don’t supply moisture themselves. Melanin is pigment and doesn’t contribute to lubrication or hydration. Perspiration adds surface moisture briefly but does not form a lasting lubricating film or protect against wrinkling and breakage.