In human skin, Prolactin and prolactin receptors are both expressed in the sebaceous gland , and prolactin stimulates sebum production . These effects are evident in women with hyperprolactinemia, who develop hirsutism and seborrhea, not uncommonly associated with female pattern balding . Patients treated with hyperprolactinemia-inducing neuroleptic agents also develop seborrhea . As sebocytes are prominent target cells of neuroendocrine signaling , prolactin might also contribute to the aggravating effect of psychoemotional stress on acne vulgaris. Besides the stimulation of sebocyte proliferation, which enhances holocrine secretion of this gland, this might also be related to effects on peripheral androgen metabolism .