How To Reduce Sebum Production on Scalp

Sebum is an oily substance that is secreted from the sebaceous glands keeping the body protected.

Sebum is a natural oil that is secreted to nourish the skin, keep it moisturized and protected. It is an oily and waxy substance and is made up of lipids such as triglycerides, cholesterols, and fatty acids.

Sebum is secreted from the sebaceous glands which are present all over the body. They are often around hair follicles though they exist independently as well. The highest concentration of sebaceous glands is present on the face and the scalp which can lead to scalp buildup and scalp acne. Palms of the hands and soles of the feet are the only areas of the skin without sebaceous glands.

Sebaceous glands on scalp helps in moisturizing the hair and maintaining its natural shine. However, an excess of sebum can cause oily scalp resulting in oily hair, scalp acne, and dandruff. These may lead to hair loss. If you are looking to find how to reduce sebum production on scalp, read further to know.

Is Sebum Production Bad for Your Scalp?

Before we decide how to reduce sebum production on scalp, let’s understand its functions. Sebum is good and essential for hair. The sebum produced in the scalp keeps the hair shaft nourished and moisturized, it also offers protection. The main functions of sebum are listed below.

Lubrication

Sebum lubricates the hair and prevents friction damage. Sebum is responsible for the moisturization and softness of the skin. A decreased production causes dry scalp issues. 

Moisture retention

The sebaceous glands that secrete sebum on the hair prevents the moisture of the hair from escaping through the cuticles. It also does not allow excessive moisture from the air to enter the hair. Thus, it keeps the moisture content of the hair balanced.

Protects from sun damage

Sebum transports vitamin E over the skin. Vitamin E prevents free radical damage by protecting against UV damage caused due to sun rays.

How Does Excess Sebum Affect Your Hair?

Balanced sebum production is essential for the health of the hair and the scalp. If there is an increase or decrease in the production of sebum, hair health is adversely impacted which leads to something called scalp buildup. 

• Excessive sebum on the scalp can result in clogging of the pores on the scalp (scalp buildup). Clogging triggers a variety of problems. 
  • The supply of nutrients to the hair follicle from the bloodstream may get blocked. 
  • The clogged pore can also lead to bacterial infections and dandruff. 
• Dried or hardened sebum can be a site for secondary infections.
• All these factors increase the possibility of hair loss. Secondary infections further aggravate it. In rare cases, it can also cause pimples on the head and on the scalp.

Can Diet Affect Sebum Production?

What you put into your body directly affects the health of your hair. While A well-balanced diet ensures perfect hair health, Certain foods have a direct impact on sebum production and acne. A diet that is rich in vitamins, proteins, and minerals keeps hair health in check and improves the blood circulation in the scalp. Such improved circulation regulates the production of sebum and reduces overproduction. This is an ideal solution to how to reduce sebum production on scalp.

You can keep the following pointers in mind regarding your choice of food if you are looking at how to reduce sebum production on scalp.

• Avoid oily and fried food to prevent excessive sebum production.
• Foods that are very sweet or very salty aggravate Kapha dosha causing excessive sebum production.
• Cold beverages should be avoided. You should have beverages either hot or at room temperature.
• A wholesome and fresh meal that is easy to digest should be consumed.