Have you noticed your skin getting oilier with changes in the season, or have you observed how people with oily skin types experience more acne breakouts, clogged pores, and a constant greasy shine. Excess sebum production could be the culprit.

But what exactly is sebum, meaning?

Sebum is the oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands in the skin. Its main function is to lubricate and protect the skin and hair, keeping them moisturised and preventing dryness. Sebum also acts as a barrier against harmful microorganisms and environmental damage. However, excessive sebum production can lead to frustrating skin issues, including clogged pores and acne.

“Did you know, on an average, the skin produces about 1 to 2 grams of sebum per day. This amount can vary depending on factors like skin type, age, hormones, and environmental conditions.”

What happens when the body secretes excessive sebum production?

When sebaceous glands produce too much sebum on face, it can lead to oily skin prone to cystic acne and comedones, and when it produces more sebum on scalp, it leads to scalp condition called seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, scaling, and dandruff, typically in areas rich in sebaceous glands.

Are there any factors that affect the sebum production in the skin?

Yes, following are few factors that affect the sebum production in the skin.

• Hormones: Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy can significantly alter sebum production.
• Diet: High-glycemic foods, dairy, and certain fats may promote increased sebum production.
• Genetics: Your genetic makeup plays a role in determining the size and activity of sebaceous glands, which influences how much sebum you produce.
• Environment: Factors like temperature, humidity, and stress levels can also affect sebum production. For example, heat and humidity can cause sebaceous glands to work overtime.
• Skin Care: Over-cleansing or using harsh products can lead to a rebound effect, where the skin produces more sebum to compensate for lost moisture.

How to control sebum production naturally?

Controlling sebum naturally requires three crucial steps:

1. Right Skincare practices and products

• Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser twice a day to remove excess oil without over-drying the skin. Overwashing can lead to the skin producing even more sebum to compensate for the loss of moisture.
  
  Forest Essentials Kashmiri Saffron and Neem Delicate Facial Cleanser is a natural way to cleanse the face and manage excess sebum production. It is also a natural alternative to harsh sulfate-infused cleansers and is specially designed to treat sensitive, acne-prone, and oily skin.
  

• Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and mix with sebum, leading to acne. Use Revitalising Kashmiri Walnut Gel Scrub 1-2 times a week, especially if you have oily or combination skin.

• Clay masks infused with clarifying herbs: Clay masks, particularly those with kaolin clay, help absorb excess oil and purify the skin.
  
  Forest Essentials Neem Varnya clarifying facial masque is prepared with a unique blend of herbs and specially designed for acne-prone skin to control sebum production and any acne breakouts as well. Using it once a week can provide a mattified look and feel without stripping the skin.

• Do not over-dry the skin: Using harsh, alcohol-based toners or astringents can strip the skin of moisture, which can cause the sebaceous glands to produce even more oil in response.
  
• Be Gentle with Your Skin: Avoid excessive scrubbing or abrasive exfoliation, as this can irritate the skin and lead to more oil production or skin damage.

2. Diet and Lifestyle Changes

• Healthy Diet: Limit fatty and high-glycemic foods (like refined sugars and carbs) and dairy, as they may trigger increased sebum production in some people.
  
• Ample Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. The dehydrated skin tends to overproduce sebum to compensate, leading to oiliness.
  
• Stress Management: Stress increases the production of cortisol, a hormone that can lead to more sebum production. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, yoga, or meditation can help reduce stress and maintain a balanced skin oil level.

3. Herbs to manage excess sebum production

Certain Ayurvedic herbs can help regulate oil production, detoxify the body, and improve skin health:

• Neem: is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and purifying properties. It helps detoxify the body and reduce skin inflammation, making it ideal for managing excess oil and acne.
  Use neem-based cleansers or masque as a topical treatment or take it internally as an herbal supplement.
  
• Aloe Vera: is known for its soothing, cooling, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in balancing sebum production and can calm irritated, oily skin.
  Use pure hydrating aloe vera gel directly on the skin or consume aloe juice to support overall skin health.

• Turmeric: has powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can help reduce excess oil production and fight acne-causing bacteria.
  
  Use Haldi Varnya lepa for the topical use and Incorporate turmeric into your diet as turmeric water or turmeric milk for the health benefits.

• Sandalwood: has cooling and astringent properties that help reduce the appearance of oily skin and acne.
  It can be used as an ingredient in face masks or applied directly to the skin in the form of sandalwood powder mixed with rose water or coconut oil.
  
• Nagkesar: balance excess oil production of the skin and helps to minimize open pores and clarifies skin for an even-toned and glowing complexion.

References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3051853/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499819/
https://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR_Vol.13_Issue.8_Aug2023/IJHSR22.pdf