Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Skin & Beauty > Hair & Scalp > 13 Helpful Tips to Remove Excess Sebum From Scalp

13 Helpful Tips to Remove Excess Sebum From Scalp

June 14, 2022
9 min read
By Sarita Sanke, MD | Dermatology

In this article:

  • Ways to Clear Excess Sebum From the Scalp
  • Cause of Excess Sebum Production
  • Effects of Sebum Overproduction
  • Underproduction of Sebum: Can Also Be a Problem
  • Final Word

Limp, greasy hair can be a frustrating and embarrassing problem. It dulls your entire appearance and may make your face appear oily at times.

how to clear excess scalp sebum

Oily or greasy hair occurs due to an overproduction of sebum in the scalp. (1) Sebum is the oily substance produced by the body’s oil glands to protect the skin and moisturize it.

However, an excess of sebum in the scalp can lead to a buildup of grease on the scalp, oily hair, and dandruff. (1)(2)

Here is a brief overview of what sebum is and how it can affect your skin and scalp.

Advertisements

What Is Sebum?

Sebum is the medical term that refers to the waxy, oily substance secreted by the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands). It is produced all over the body and scalp.

Sebum is a mixture of cholesterol, cell debris, lipids, some protein, and other substances. (3) Its composition varies among individuals. It has a waxy texture and helps coat the skin with a moisture-retaining layer.

Types and Location of Sebum

Sebaceous glands are located almost all over the body. They are mostly found next to the hair follicles and release sebum through the hair shaft. Some sebaceous glands are also found in hairless areas of skin such as the genitals and eyelids.

There are no sebaceous glands on the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands. (3)(4)

Advertisements

What Role Does Sebum Play?

Sebum forms a protective layer over the skin and hair. It helps lock in moisture and prevents it from evaporating. Sebum may also help keep the skin soft.

Ways to Clear Excess Sebum From the Scalp

Here are a few simple tips to help you get rid of sebum deposits in the scalp:

1. Wash your hair at least thrice a week

wash your scalp atleast thrice a week to reduce excess sebum deposits

If you have oily hair, wash your hair with a mild shampoo every alternate day to remove any oil residue that collected the previous day. People with dry hair can wash their hair twice a week only. (5)(6)

2. Use the right shampoo to wash your hair

It is important to choose the right shampoo for your hair type. Shampoos cleanse the hair and scalp and prevent the accumulation of dirt, oil, and debris.

People with oily hair should use shampoos specifically meant for clearing excess oil and grease. (7)

Advertisements

3. Choose your conditioner wisely

Conditioners help keep your hair hydrated and prevent moisture loss. (8) If you have oily hair, your hair is already moisture locked and does not necessarily need conditioning. (9)

However, if you still chose to use a hair conditioner, go with dry leave-in conditioners for best results. (10)

4. Use a scalp exfoliation/scalp scrub

use scalp exfoliation/scrub to help clear excess sebum from scalp

Skin exfoliation is essential to maintain your skin health. However, many people are not aware that the same goes for your scalp.

Scalp exfoliation is a common Korean skin care technique that helps prevent dandruff and removes dead cells or sebum residue. (11)

Note: Scalp exfoliation can be done before shampooing to cleanse your hair.

5. Maintain the pH of your scalp

Hair has a natural pH between 3 and 5. It is acidic, which helps keep the cuticles closed to lock in moisture. Try to maintain the pH of your hair within the desirable range by avoiding alkaline hair products. Always chose shampoos and conditioners with a pH of 5 or lower.

6. Avoid the use of heat styling products and dyes

Heat styling products such as blow-dryers and hair straighteners dry out your hair strands. This prompts the oil glands to increase sebum production, leading to oily hair. (11)

Advertisements

7. Use lukewarm water/cold water to wash your hair

Hot water showers are also a significant reason behind excess sebum production. Multiple studies have shown that washing your hair with hot water can lead to oily hair. (12)

8. Clean your comb regularly

Your comb may trap all the cell debris, conditioner residue, and grease from your scalp while combing. Over time, these elements can build up between the teeth of your comb and turn your hair greasy while combing. (13)

9. Improve your diet

dietary modifications can help avoid excess sebum formation on scalp

A healthy diet is necessary for every aspect of your health – even your skin and hair. If you suffer from excess sebum production, you can try to control oil secretion by including green leafy vegetables, cucumbers, beetroot, and papayas in your diet. Avoid eating junk food and fried food. (14)

Advertisements

10. Avoid stress

When you are stressed, the body produces stress hormones that may increase oil production. (15)

11. Keep track of your hormonal issues and hormonal medication

At times, hormonal issues can be the cause of oily skin. Keep track of any hormone pills you take such as your birth control.

12. Seek medical treatments that can help in clearing excess sebum

Birth control pills, oral retinoids, topical retinoids, and anti-testosterone drugs for hair loss are some common examples. (16) Talk to your doctor about your options.

13. Use tea tree oil and aloe vera gel

tea tree oil and aloe vera gel usage can help clear excess sebum deposits

Tea tree oil and aloe vera gel make an excellent combination for skin care. (10) Both have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce sebum deposition on the scalp surface. They can help get rid of itchy scalp, dandruff, and greasy scalp and hair. (17)

How to use:

  1. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel in a bowl.
  2. Take a cotton ball and dip it into this paste.
  3. Apply this to areas of your scalp with dandruff or irritation.
  4. Let it dry for 20 minutes before rinsing it off.

Cause of Excess Sebum Production

The average rate of sebum production in a normal adult is 1 mg/10 cm2 every 3 hours. Sebum levels lower than 0.5 mg/10 cm2 can lead to skin dryness. Any level higher than the average rate is considered to be an overproduction of sebum. (16)

Many factors can contribute to excess sebum production, including:

  • Hormonal imbalances (18)
  • Improper hygiene/irregular washing
  • Hereditary factors
  • Certain medications (19)
  • Stress

Effects of Sebum Overproduction

detrimental effects of sebum overproduction

Sebum is a natural and necessary thing required for your skin. However, excess sebum production by the oil glands can have the following side effects:

1. Acne

Acne is common in people with oily skin. Excess oil deposition on the face clogs the facial pores and triggers inflammation and pimples. (4)(5)

2. Seborrhea

Seborrhea, the medical term for oily skin, can make your skin appear greasy and dull. It mainly affects areas that have more oil glands such as the scalp and T-zone of your face.

Too much sebum production can also cause seborrheic dermatitis in some people. (4)

3. Other scalp infections

The overproduction of sebum can make your skin and scalp susceptible to a number of yeast and bacterial infections. (20)(1)(21)(5)

Sebum deposits clog the pores and cause a buildup of dandruff, dead cells, fatty acids, etc., that can irritate the scalp and become a prime feeding ground for microbes. Common infections that can occur due to the overproduction of oil include folliculitis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and yeast infections. (21)

4. Hyperplasia and sebaceous adenoma

Most cases of excess sebum production are minor and do not require medical treatment. However, in rare cases, hyperactive oil glands can be a symptom of abnormal cell growth in the glands, which can lead to skin cancer. (22)

Underproduction of Sebum: Can Also Be a Problem

While the overproduction of sebum has negatives side effects, the underproduction of sebum is also bad for you and is worth mentioning.

Low sebum production can turn the skin dull and dry. It also compromises your skin’s immunity and makes it susceptible to infections. The oil balance on your skin and scalp has to be maintained well to avoid skin issues.

Final Word

A greasy scalp and hair are common issues faced by many people around the world. Although hygiene can play a role in improving the condition, most cases are due to the overproduction of sebum by the oil glands.

It is important to regulate this issue with proper diet, skin care, and hair care. If the problem persists, visit a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

References
  1. Trüeb RM, Henry JP, Davis MG, Schwartz JR. Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress. Int J Trichology. 2018;10(6):262-270. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_57_18.
  2. Ro BI, Dawson TL. The role of sebaceous gland activity and scalp microfloral metabolism in the etiology of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2005;10(3):194-197. doi:10.1111/j.1087-0024.2005.10104.x.
  3. Sebum. Sebum | DermNet NZ. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/sebum.
  4. Thematic review series: Skin lipids. sebaceous gland lipids: Friend or foe? https://www.jlr.org/article/S0022-2275(20)42848-2/fulltext.
  5. Endly DC, Miller RA. Oily Skin: A review of Treatment Options. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(8):49-55.
  6. The impact of shampoo wash frequency on scalp and hair conditions – researchgate.net. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349333296/.
  7. D’Souza P, Rathi SK. Shampoo and Conditioners: What a Dermatologist Should Know?. Indian J Dermatol. 2015;60(3):248-254. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.156355
  8. Zhang Y, Alsop RJ, Soomro A, Yang FC, Rheinstädter MC. Effect of shampoo, conditioner and permanent waving on the molecular structure of human hair. PeerJ. 2015;3:e1296. Published 2015 Oct 1. doi:10.7717/peerj.1296
  9. Draelos ZD. Essentials of Hair Care often Neglected: Hair Cleansing. Int J Trichology. 2010;2(1):24-29. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.66909
  10. Review on hair problem and its solution – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342174156/.
  11. Nayak BS, Ann CY, Azhar AB, Ling ECS, Yen WH, Aithal PA. A Study on Scalp Hair Health and Hair Care Practices among Malaysian Medical Students. Int J Trichology. 2017;9(2):58-62. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_76_16.
  12. Herrero-Fernandez M, Montero-Vilchez T, Diaz-Calvillo P, Romera-Vilchez M, Buendia-Eisman A, Arias-Santiago S. Impact of Water Exposure and Temperature Changes on Skin Barrier Function. J Clin Med. 2022;11(2):298. Published 2022 Jan 7. doi:10.3390/jcm11020298.
  13. Assisting patients with personal hygiene – NCBI bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563155/.
  14. Pappas A. The relationship of diet and acne: A review. Dermatoendocrinol. 2009;1(5):262-267. doi:10.4161/derm.1.5.10192.
  15. Arican O, Kurutas EB, Sasmaz S. Oxidative stress in patients with acne vulgaris. Mediators Inflamm. 2005;2005(6):380-384. doi:10.1155/MI.2005.380.
  16. Endly DC, Miller RA. Oily Skin: A review of Treatment Options. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(8):49-55.
  17. Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Bagherani N, Kazerouni A. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. Int J Dermatol. 2013;52(7):784-790. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x.
  18. Walton S, Wyatt EH, Cunliffe WJ. Genetic control of sebum excretion and acne–a twin study. Br J Dermatol. 1988;118(3):393-396. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1988.tb02433.x.
  19. Skorvanek M, Bhatia KP. The Skin and Parkinson’s Disease: Review of Clinical, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Issues. Mov Disord Clin Pract. 2016;4(1):21-31. Published 2016 Sep 8. doi:10.1002/mdc3.12425.
  20. Scalp microbiome and sebum composition in Japanese … – researchgate.net. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355291808/.
  21. Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/folliculitis.
  22. Sebaceous hyperplasia – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562148/.
  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.