Grease coming out of front forks?

I finally got around to adjusting my suspension and noticed that it doesn’t compress smoothly. I also noticed that on its first compression, these rings of grease seemed to come out. Someone mentioned it may be a bad seal which is upsetting since I have had the bike for an embarrassing ngly long time without ever adjusting the suspension. I am incredibly new to all this so any help is appreciated.

Here are some photos of the grease I’m talking about. Is this a big issue? Do I need to bring it in for a service or call the company? What can I do about the sticky choppy up and down movement? Thanks!