Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that works alongside our sebaceous glands to regulate sebum production. Vitamin D helps our bodies protect against insulin resistance which can lead to oily skin as insulin stimulates the overproduction of sebum.
Vitamin B deficiency is the hidden reason why most of the people have an oily scalp. Vitamin B helps in regulating oil production in your scalp and further manages the pH levels. Not having enough vitamin B can cause excess production of sebum in your hair due to an imbalance in the pH levels.
Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D is responsible for regulating the sebum content in the body. A deficiency could lead to an imbalance in our scalp oil levels. Humid climate: The production of sebum touches an all time high in humid conditions.
Hair and puberty
These are both likely caused by the sex hormone testosterone, which is a major player in both female and male reproductive development. Testosterone is thought to increase the production of sebum which is the substance that can make both skin and hair feel oily.
Androgens represent the most important of all hormones regulating sebum production. As of puberty, androgens stimulate sebum production and acne formation in both sexes. This androgen-dependent secretion of sebum is mediated by potent androgens such as testosterone and DHT and likewise with weaker androgens.
When the level of androgens (hormones) increases, which happens when you're experiencing a hormone imbalance, this puts your body in a slightly stressed state, making the glands in your scalp produce more oil. 3 To help combat this extra oil your hair is producing, try a clarifying shampoo.
The main cause of an overproduction of sebum is hormonal imbalances, including as a result of puberty and pregnancy. “As well as hormones, heat, exercise and genetics play a part,” says Kate Kerr, acclaimed clinical facialist.
Vitamin D seems to inhibit sebocyte proliferation, differentiation, and sebum secretion, all of which are key factors in the production of sebum.
Diets higher in protein and fiber and lower in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates work well for oily and acne-prone skin. To reduce sebum production, try a Paleolithic diet (rich in fruits, veggies, nuts, and lean meats) or a Mediterranean-style diet (rich in fruits, veggies, fish, olive oil, and legumes).
Symptoms of Zinc deficiency: The seeming paradox of a greasy/oily scalp, but often with dry, brittle hair. This hair/scalp anomaly is sometimes accompanied by a flaking, irritated or pustular scalp. White spotting seen on the fingernails; a dry, scaly acne of the forehead and face.
Isotretinoin. Also known as 13-cis retinoic acid, isotretinoin is an oral retinoid that has been proven to result in the greatest reduction of sebum among all other mentioned treatment options.
The preponderance of evidence suggests zinc has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and that it may decrease sebum production.
Modern lifestyles have led to an increase in anxiety and stress levels, making them one of the most common causes of oily hair. “Stress causes your cortisol levels to rise. Cortisol stresses out the oil glands to produce more sebum, naturally leading to oily hair,” explains Sethi.
Sebum is vital to our hair, protecting it from environmental damage and keeping it supple, but too much can lead to a greasy look. Our hair also becomes thinner as we get older, and we don't renew the hair we lose as quickly, leaving us with less to absorb the oil (sebum) the scalp produces.
If you're not getting enough zinc in your diet, you may have side effects such as hair loss, lack of alertness, and a reduced sense of taste and smell. Zinc deficiency is rare in the United States, but it still occurs in some people.
Sebum production is controlled by our hormones, so a sudden surge in scalp oil production could be down to hormonal changes. If you've recently gone through a major life event that's known to have an impact on your hormone levels, this may be having a knock-on effect on the amount of sebum your scalp is producing.
Green Bentonite Clay
In addition to unclogging pores and even shrinking them, it also helps to control the overproduction of sebum — making it a powerful oil-control ally.
Try oil cleansing
Oil dissolves oil, so an oil cleanser can actually eliminate excess sebum, as well as daily dirt and grime (aka, the exact recipe for sebaceous filaments). "I especially like oil cleansers for oily, congested skin," says Britta Plug, holistic esthetician and mbg Collective member.
Salicylic acid - The OG degreaser, salicylic acid will help to break down sebum that is trapped or plugged in your pores. Look for treatments and washes with 2% salicylic acid, which is strong enough to remove excess oil and exfoliate dead cells but won't dry out your skin.