Understanding Sebum
My name is Sebum and I am your friend. I am an oily substance made up of fat, cholesterol and triglycerides.
I am produced in the Sebaceous glands. These glands are present all over your skin except palms and sole of your feet. Sebaceous glands are round in shape and present in the dermis layer just below the surface of skin. Different body parts have different amount of Sebaceous glands.
Sebum Benefits
My oily nature keeps your skin waterproof. I form a two way barrier that prevents excess water from entering your skin and even prevent your skin from losing too much water. I keep the skin hydrated thus, I prevent Skin dryness.
I form a protective layer that saves your skin from bacterial or fungal infections. I even shield your skin from environmental factors like dirt and dust. I prevent you against Skin diseases.
High Sebum
Sebum production varies with changes in season, hormonal imbalance and levels of stress in the body. Too much Sebum on the scalp may cause hair problems. Sebum hardens with time and affects growth of hair. Fallen hair is not replaced by new hair as hair follicles are clogged with Sebum. It causes thinning of hair and ultimately hair loss. Excessive Sebum on the skin is an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and pimples to develop.
Low Sebum
You may think that only overproduction of Sebum is harmful for hair. The production of less Sebum may also be hair damaging. Less Sebum from Sebaceous gland makes the hair brittle and dry. It even causes the skin to go cracked and exposed to germs.
Herbs for maintaining Sebum
1. You may also add eggs, nuts or green leafy vegetables in your diet. These are rich in sulphur and sulphur is a good herbal remedy in treating the excessive sebum problem.
2. Food rich in vitamin A are a good remedy for increased Sebum production. Include Carrots, mangoes, sweet potatoes in your daily diet.
3. Mix lemon juice and three teaspoons of honey in a cup of water. Apply this on the hair and wash with a shampoo after ten minutes.
4. Mix one egg yolk with two teaspoons of honey. Apply on the scalp and rinse after 30 minutes. Repeat it twice a week for best results.
5. Make a paste by mixing five tablespoons of henna in two cups of water. Apply on the head and let it try. Wash with a mild shampoo.
6. You want relief from oily face? Make a paste with crushed basil leaves, lime juice and honey. Apply on your face and wash after 30 minutes.