Sebum is a natural moisturizer produced by your skin. It helps to keep the skin barrier intact, preventing infection and dry, cracked skin. The skin barrier is layers of skin cells connected to each other with natural ceramides that help to retain moisture. Sebum seals in the moisture and softens your skin. When sebum is stripped away from your skin, the skin barrier loses protection and can dry out and crack. Moisture is easily lost then, and microorganisms can enter the skin and cause infections. Exposure to household cleaners, chlorine, chemicals used in soap, body wash and shampoo can strip sebum from your skin.
Step 1
Wear gloves while you clean the house, wash dishes, work in the garden or repair equipment. The gloves keep household chemicals from stripping the sebum from your skin.
Step 2
Use mild, natural soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner to avoid stripping all the sebum from your skin. Moisturize your hands every time you wash them, including after a bath or shower. Shower after swimming in chlorinated water and moisturize your hands after the shower.
Step 3
Apply jojoba oil to your skin after washing your hands, while your hands are still wet. According to an article in the February 2009 issue of the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, jojoba oil is the oil most similar to human sebum. In fact, it is used in scientific studies to replace human sebum. Jojoba oil can help seal in moisture and protect the skin barrier almost as well as natural sebum.
Step 4
Eat a healthful diet. According to Baylor College of Medicine News, healthful foods contribute to healthy skin. Zinc stimulates sebum production. Flaxseed oil and wheatgerm oil help to replace ceramides that glue your skin barrier cells together. Foods with vitamins A, B and E help to build healthy skin and replace sebum naturally. Fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, found in nuts and seeds as well as fish, will help to boost the amount of sebum on your hands.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep a lotion with jojoba oil near every sink where you wash your hands. Keep disposable gloves near household chemicals so that you remember to wear them.
Things You'll Need
- Disposable gloves
- Jojoba oil
References
- Baylor College of Medicine News: Healthy Foods Contribute to Healthy Skin; Graciela Gueierrez, March 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamins
- Rutgers University; Skin and Nutrition; Apostolos Pappas; April 2011
- "Pediatrics in Review"; Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine ...; C. Bukutu, et al.; December 2007
- "Skin Pharmacology and Physiology"; Antioxidant Supplements Improve Parameters Related to Skin Structure in Humans; U. Heinrich, et al.; July 2006
- Acne: What is Jojoba Oil Anyway?
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