Hair Follicles Clogged by Sebum

Hair follicles clogged by sebum can result in some fairly unpleasant side effects, but understanding what sebum is can help you prevent any problems.

Achieve healthy hair with simple changes.

Sebum is a substance that is produced and excreted by the skin's sebaceous glands. It coats the hair follicles, traveling through the follicle's pore to eventually reach the surface of the skin. When it reaches the skin, it combines with lipids and sweat to form a fine, acidic coating called the acid mantle. The acid mantle may not sound very skin-friendly, but its purpose is definitely beneficial: It acts as a barrier, preventing viruses and other contaminants from penetrating the skin. It also keeps the skin moist and hydrated.

Chances are you've noticed that acne almost always forms in a few choice spots on the body. On the day of the big date or major event, you may notice an irksome blemish on your forehead, chin or cheeks. You might even feel a blemish or two (or three or four...) on your back. It's no coincidence that acne tends to form almost exclusively in these areas. Most sebaceous glands are located in these particular areas, thus resulting in excess acne wherever there is a greater amount of sebum production.

The shiny, slick spots that coat the skin are likely to make anyone groan with despair. Oil-blotting sheets, pore-minimizing pads and other shine-stopping products fly off the shelves at a rapid rate, all but proving that oily skin is a nemesis not easily fought. At the same time, the oil on the skin does protect the skin from bacterial infections. Along with sweat, lipids and environmental dirt, sebum does a great job in preventing harmful infections and reducing the skin's natural water loss. This is no small feat.

The production of sebum increases greatly during puberty, which accounts for the increased incidence of acne among adolescents. Hair follicles clogged by sebum are the primary cause of acne. Thus, acne can be treated by reducing the production of sebum. This can be accomplished through a variety of methods, including increased vitamin A usage (through both diet and topical application) and birth control pills.

When greasy hair strikes, sebum is usually the culprit. Those heavy, weighed down strands of hair that seem to gleam under the lights in the most unattractive way possible are actually the victims of sebum overproduction. This typically occurs when the sebaceous glands are out of balance, resulting in either an overproduction or underproduction of sebum. Both instances can result in severe problems for the hair, roots, and scalp.

Overproduction of sebum on the scalp may result in undernourished roots. This is because the hair follicles clogged by sebum are literally "drowning" in the oil, thereby weakening both the scalp and the hair strands.

When too much sebum builds up on the scalp, it eventually hardens and hinders the growth of healthy hair. Essentially, hair that falls out (a natural occurrence for men and women alike) is not replaced as it normally would be due to the clogged follicles. The end result is thinning hair and eventual hair loss.

Just as too much oil can clog the follicles and lead to hair loss, too little oil can also eventually result in the same thing. However, the reason is quite different: when the sebaceous glands aren't properly producing a natural amount of sebum, the follicles and roots of hair become undernourished. Eventually, the hair becomes dry and brittle, resulting in hair loss.

There are several steps that individuals can take to keep their scalps in healthy shape and ensure beautiful, oil-free hair.

Marcia Brady's secret to great hair was to brush it 100 times every night. That might be a bit impractical for most of us, but brushing the hair is still fairly underrated when it comes to its importance in keeping the scalp healthy. In addition to stimulating the capillaries, increasing blood circulation and encouraging the transport of nutrients and oxygen, brushing also helps keep the scalp's pores open. This allows them to "breathe" and retain a natural amount of oil.

However, too much stimulation can cause the scalp to produce even more oil, which you want to avoid. Maintain a good balance of gentle brushing to maintain healthy hair and scalp, but avoid rough and over-brushing or other scalp irritation.

Choose hair products formulated specifically to treat sebum build-up. While ordinary shampoos won't do the trick, these special formulas work to soften, loosen and eventually release the sebum clogging the hair follicles. Rene Furterer's Curbicia Concentrated Purifying Shampoo treats the scalp by deep cleaning and regulating sebum production.

A two-step cleansing system by Lion Corporation is also being released to treat clogged hair follicles on the scalp.

The natural drying and antiseptic properties of tea tree oil are also excellent for remedying excess scalp sebum. Look for a shampoo based on tea tree oil, or make the shampoo at home yourself for an effective remedy.

Sebum-clogged hair follicles can cause a range of different problems from mild acne to severe hair loss, but with a few simple steps and proper hair care, the naturally healthy properties of sebum can be used without the adverse effects..

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