What is sebum and how does it help your scalp?
In this article you will learn that sebum is a natural oil produced by sebaceous glands on the scalp, which helps protect and moisturize hair and scalp by forming a barrier against environmental damage and bacteria. However, excessive sebum can lead to greasy, dull hair and may contribute to dandruff by providing a habitat for the microbe Malassezia globosa, which can cause scalp irritation. Hormonal changes can affect sebum production, influencing hair's appearance and health.
Your scalp is constantly producing sebum, but what is it for? Find out how sebum works to protect your hair.
Sebum is a natural oil constantly produced by your sebaceous glands.
It’s the sebum produced by the glands on your scalp that can make hair look greasy in between washes.
We all produce it throughout our lives, but hormonal changes (during puberty or pregnancy, for example) can increase or decrease sebum production.
What does sebum do?
Put simply, it helps to protect your scalp and hair, to keep them healthy and feeling moisturized.
Sebum forms a kind of barrier on the surface of the skin to protect it from the elements, and oxidative damage (the same harmful force that causes skin aging).
It also travels down the hair shaft to protect each hair strand.
Your scalp oils also help to protect from bacterial infection by forming a barrier to keep most disease-causing microbes out.
What problems can sebum cause?
When the sebum builds up, it can start to cause problems.
First, there’s the look. A build-up of sebum can make the hair look greasy, dull and oily rather than looking healthy, shiny and voluminous.
Then there’s the risk of scalp and hair damage. The naturally occurring, dandruff-causing microbe Malassezia globosa is one organism that has evolved to live in sebum.
It breaks down these scalp oils into potentially bothersome substances that can damage your scalp and hair.
If you’re sensitive to these substances, you’re likely to experience itching and some degree of dandruff.
Our Citrus Fresh Shampoo is a formula with citrus essences that deeply cleans scalp pores and hair fibers of excess oil, with an uplifting and vibrant scent.
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FAQ
Sebum is a natural oil produced by sebaceous glands on the scalp that protects and moisturizes hair and scalp by forming a barrier against environmental damage and bacteria. It helps maintain healthy and moisturized hair while preventing bacterial infections.
Excessive sebum can lead to greasy, dull hair and may contribute to dandruff by providing a habitat for the microbe Malassezia globosa. This microbe can cause scalp irritation, itching, and dandruff in sensitive individuals.
Using a clarifying shampoo, like the Citrus Fresh Shampoo, can help deeply cleanse scalp pores and hair fibers of excess oil. This helps maintain a healthy and non-greasy appearance for your hair.
