One of the most frustrating things about having oily hair is the sebum plug. Sebum plugs are when your hair follicles and pores in your scalp become clogged with excess oil and skin cells.
This blocks any oxygen and natural oils from getting to the roots of your hair, which makes it much harder to keep it healthy, shiny, and free of frizz.
What is Sebum?
Sebum is an oily substance that is produced by the sebaceous glands. These glands are found in the skin and they secrete sebum onto the surface of the skin to keep it moist and supple. The Sebum Plug Shampoo produced by the sebaceous glands is composed of triglycerides, wax esters, squalene, and cholesterol.
Why is Sebum Bad for Your Skin?
Sebum is the natural oil produced by your skin to keep it moisturized and protected. However, too much sebum can lead to a number of problems, including acne, oily skin, and clogged pores.
When there is too much sebum on your skin, it can trap dirt and bacteria, which can lead to acne. Sebum can also make your skin look oily and cause your pores to become clogged. If you have oily skin, you may find that your makeup slides off your face or that your hair gets greasy quickly.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to control the amount of sebum on your skin. Washing with a gentle cleanser and using an oil-free moisturizer can help to reduce the amount of sebum produced by your skin. You can also try using products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can help to control sebum production.
What Causes the Buildup of Sebum on Your Scalp?
The buildup of sebum on your scalp is caused by a number of factors, including the overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands, the accumulation of dead skin cells, and the presence of bacteria. While sebum is necessary for keeping the skin and hair healthy, an excess of it can lead to problems like dandruff, oily scalp, and hair loss.
How to Prevent and Treat Sebum Buildup
Sebum is the natural oil produced by your skin to keep it healthy and hydrated. When sebum production is increased, it can lead to sebum buildup on your scalp and in your hair. Sebum buildup can cause your hair to feel greasy, oily, or heavy. It can also make your scalp itch or flake.
To prevent sebum buildup, wash your hair regularly with a mild shampoo. Avoid using harsh shampoos or those that contain drying alcohols. You should also avoid over-washing your hair, which can strip away the natural oils that keep your scalp healthy. If you have oily skin, use an oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without adding unnecessary oils.
If you already have sebum buildup, you can treat it by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove excess oils and build-up from the scalp and hair. Be sure to follow up with a conditioner to help replenish moisture lost during the cleansing process. You can also try using a dry shampoo in between washings to absorb excess oil and help extend the time between washes.
Conclusion
If your hair is looking a little greasy or oily, it might be time to clear out the sebum. Sebum is an oil produced by your scalp that can build up and make your hair look greasy. There are a few different ways to clear sebum from your hair, and the method you choose will depend on how much sebum is present and how often you want to do the treatment. With regular treatments, you can keep your hair looking clean and healthy without stripping it of its natural oils.