Have you ever wondered why your hair quickly becomes oily, despite regular washing? Hyperseborrhea of the scalp could be the answer. This condition, characterized by excessive sebum production , can lead to various hair problems. To address this common concern, Fauve has developed a targeted solution with the Scalp Detox Serum , this treatment purifies the scalp and regulates sebum production.
In this article, we explore what hyperseborrhea is, its underlying causes, and its effects on scalp and hair health. Learn how to recognize and manage this imbalance.
What is Scalp Hyperseborrhea? Definition and Characteristics of Hyperseborrhea Difference between Seborrhea and Hyperseborrhea What are the causes of Scalp Hyperseborrhea? Hormonal Imbalances Genetic Factors Diet and Lifestyle External Aggressions CONSEQUENCES ON THE HEALTH OF THE SCALP AND FIBERS The consequences of an unbalanced scalp Adverse effects on hair fibers
WHAT IS SCALP HYPERSEBORRHEA?
DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF HYPERSEBORRHEA
Scalp hyperseborrhea is characterized by excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands, located in the dermis, produce sebum, a complex mixture of lipids essential for protecting and moisturizing the scalp and hair. Sebum forms a protective barrier , the hydrolipidic film, which protects against dehydration, pollution and UV rays. However, when hormonal imbalance or external factors disrupt this process, the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, leading to hyperseborrhea.
Symptoms of hyperseborrhea include a constantly oily scalp , a feeling of heaviness, itching , and sometimes greasy dandruff . Hair quickly becomes oily after washing, losing its freshness and volume. This condition can also make hair more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections due to the buildup of sebum on the scalp.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEBORRHEA AND HYPERSEBORRHEA
Seborrhea refers to a slightly higher than normal production of sebum, making the scalp slightly oily. In contrast, hyperseborrhea is a more severe condition where excess sebum is produced on a consistent basis, leading to a very oily scalp and an increased risk of complications such as seborrheic dermatitis. Distinctive signs of hyperseborrhea include a very oily scalp, persistent itching, and hair that quickly becomes oily after washing, often accompanied by dandruff.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SCALP HYPERSEBORRHEA?
HORMONAL IMBALANCES
Hyperseborrhea is often related to excessive production of androgen hormones . In men, testosterone and in women, Δ-4-androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone are converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the sebaceous glands. This DHT stimulates the production of sebum. Some people have higher activity of the enzyme 5-α-reductase, which is responsible for this conversion, making them more likely to produce excess sebum.
GENETIC FACTORS
Genetic predispositions play a major role in hyperseborrhea. If you have family members with hyperseborrhea, it is likely that you have inherited genes that increase the sensitivity of your sebaceous glands to DHT . This increased sensitivity can lead to excess sebum production.
FOOD AND LIFESTYLE
Diet and lifestyle also influence the regulation of sebum production:
- Nutrition: A diet high in refined carbohydrates can cause insulin spikes, indirectly increasing androgen levels and therefore sebum production. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and B vitamins can help regulate this production.
- Stress: Chronic stress can increase levels of cortisol, a hormone that can stimulate sebum production.
EXTERNAL ATTACKS
Environmental aggressions also contribute to hyperseborrhea:
- Pollution: Pollutants and fine particles can clog pores, prompting the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum to protect the scalp.
- UV: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage the scalp, causing an overproduction of sebum as a defense mechanism.
- Unsuitable Hair Products: Products containing harsh ingredients like sulfates and parabens can irritate the scalp and trigger hyperseborrhea. It is recommended to use gentle products, specially formulated for a sensitive and seborrheic scalp.
- Scalp hygiene should also not be neglected. In fact, not washing your hair regularly enough can lead to a build-up of sebum and debris, which can exacerbate hyperseborrhea.
CONSEQUENCES ON THE HEALTH OF THE SCALP AND FIBERS
THE CONSEQUENCES OF AN UNBALANCED SCALP
Hyperseborrhea negatively affects the health of the scalp. Excess sebum creates a favorable environment for bacteria and fungi, leading to irritation, itching, and dandruff. Fungi of the genus Malassezia, in particular, proliferate in this lipid-rich environment, aggravating inflammatory conditions of the scalp. These conditions can develop into folliculitis , an infection of the hair follicles, or seborrheic dermatitis , a chronic inflammation of the scalp.
ADVERSE EFFECTS ON HAIR FIBERS
Scalp hyperseborrhea also impacts the quality and health of the hair. Excess sebum weighs down the hair fibers, making them look greasy and dull. Hair becomes more fragile and prone to breakage due to the overproduction of sebum that interferes with the normal nutrition of the hair follicles. In the long term, this can lead to weakening of the roots, loss of volume and a decrease in hair density. The excess sebum can also clog the follicles, increasing the risk of hair loss and disrupting the natural hair growth cycle.
By recognizing the signs of hyperseborrhea and adopting an appropriate care routine, you can significantly improve the condition of your scalp. The Fauve Detox Serum , formulated with astragalus and zinc PCA, designed to purify and regulate sebum production, offers a targeted solution to this hair concern. The Tailor-Made Treatment at Studio Fauve allows you to precisely diagnose the scalp's tendency thanks to Hair FVlab technology and to set up a care protocol adapted to the specific needs of each scalp.
