Sebum (sebum)

The scalp also produces sebum (or sebum). The sebaceous glands in the scalp produce sebum that helps keep your hair and scalp hydrated and healthy. Too much sebum can lead to problems such as an oily scalp or dandruff, while too little sebum can lead to a dry and itchy scalp. So it is important to have a good balance of sebum production for a healthy scalp and hair.

Conditions that affect sebum production

One of the most common conditions is Atopic Dermatitis (also known as eczema), which is often accompanied by dry and itchy skin due to reduced sebum production.

Another condition is Asteatotic eczema, which is characterized by extremely dry, scaly and cracked skin, often caused by a lack of sebum. This is common in the elderly because sebum production decreases with age.

Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease, can also affect the sebaceous glands and lead to reduced production of sebum, resulting in dry skin and dry eyes.

Shampoo and your scalp

Shampoo can have both positive and negative effects on the scalp's sebum balance.

Positive influence: Shampoo helps remove excess sebum and dirt from the scalp and hair. This can help unclog the pores on the scalp and promote scalp health. Some shampoos also contain ingredients designed to promote scalp health and balance sebum production.

Negative impact: On the other hand, some shampoos can dry out the scalp, which can lead to increased production of sebum in response to dryness. This can create a vicious cycle of dryness followed by excessive oil production. In addition, some shampoos may contain ingredients that can be irritating to the scalp, leading to inflammation and possibly an imbalance of sebum.

There are several ingredients in some shampoos that can be irritating to the scalp and affect sebum production. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Sulfates: These are often the cleaning agents in shampoo. They are very effective at removing oil and dirt, but can also strip natural oils from the scalp, which can lead to dryness and irritation. The most common sulfates in shampoos are sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate.
2. Parabens: These are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of shampoo. However, some people may be allergic to parabens, which can cause skin irritation.
3. Alcohol: Some types of alcohol can dry out the skin and cause irritation. Not all alcohols are bad - fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol can actually be moisturizing.
4. Fragrances: Many shampoos contain synthetic fragrances that can cause irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin.
5. Dyes: Synthetic dyes can also cause skin irritation.

If you find that your scalp becomes irritated after using a certain shampoo, it is a good idea to stop using that shampoo and possibly switch to a shampoo specifically designed for sensitive scalps.

What is the difference between sebum and sebum?

"Sebum" and "sebum" are actually two words for the same substance made by the skin. Both sebum and sebum refer to the oily substance produced by your skin's sebaceous glands. This substance helps keep skin and hair hydrated and protected. It can also help remove bacteria from the skin. Although they are basically the same, "sebum" is more often used in scientific or medical contexts, while "sebum" is a more common word.