oily scalp and face

Hello, I have been shaving my hair bold since I was 13 years old. There is just something about hair that I did not like at that age and it kind of kept on being a daily thing. I am in my 30's right now and I started noticing that my scalp and my face have been more and more oily on daily basis. To give you an idea; my head always looks like I am sweating. Its always shiny and oily. I started losing hair in my 20's and now I have significant hair loss but in mean time going from my dad, grandpa and on, everybody is and was bold. Is there any shampoo or soap or some kind of herbal creme that I could reduce my scalp from being so oily? Thanks for your prompt answer!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
In oily skin, the oil producing sebaceous glands are overactive and produce more oil than is needed. The oil oozes and gives the skin a greasy shine. It can be caused by heredity, diet, hormone levels, pregnancy, birth control pills and hot and humid weather. Oily skin needs special cleansing with plenty of hot water and soap to prevent the pores from being clogged. Avoid harsh products that strip your skin of oil and encourage flakiness. They can cause a reaction known as reactive seborrhoea, where the oil glands work overtime to compensate for the loss of natural oils.

Avoid skincare products that leave your skin feeling taut and dehydrated. You can use cetaphil and make sure that the rest of the times you wash your face with fresh water. Avoid heavy greasy moisturizers and take a diet rich in proteins but restricted in sugar, fluids and salt. Drink plenty of quality water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.