Why Replace the Sebum Layer?

It is important to use a hydrating conditioner to replace the sebum layer to protect and hydrate the hair. But there are plenty more reasons to maintain a healthy sebum layer (or bring one back) when it comes to the health of the skin. Skin Nerves: The nerves associated with the skin are very superficial. If the sebum layer is removed, it often exposes these nerves causing a dry itchy skin which clinically looks the same as allergies, but is not.

Blood Vessels of Skin: If the skin becomes dry due to environmental stress or harsh and/or frequent shampooing without adequate conditioning, the blood vessels will retract to deeper tissue. The body does this to prevent further dehydration from occurring.  It actually is a minor form of shock. When a good hydrating conditioner is used the blood vessels will actually come back to the surface. The skin will after even change from a white color to a pink, or even slightly red, color. Skin Infections: If you do not replace the sebum layer, the skin is more prone to bacteria and fungus (yeast). Furthermore, once the skin becomes dry and starts to crack, the protective barrier is compromised and bacteria, fungus, and allergens now start to move inside.

What Is the Sebum Layer?

Sebum is the natural oil produced by glands in the skin. It spreads over the skin and along each hair, forming a thin protective film. This film keeps moisture in, keeps irritants and microbes out, makes the hair smooth and shiny, and helps the skin stay calm and comfortable. Read the full background in how hair, skin and the sebum layer protect our pets.

What Happens When the Sebum Layer Is Stripped

• Itching: the skin’s nerve endings sit close to the surface, and dry, unprotected skin becomes itchy in a way that can look just like allergies.
• Dry, pale skin: the skin pulls blood flow deeper to limit moisture loss, so dry skin often looks white rather than healthy pink.
• Infection: without its protective film, the skin gives bacteria and yeast the opening they need to overgrow.
• Damaged hair: the hair cuticle opens up, so the coat dulls, tangles and mats.
• Rebound oiliness: some pets overproduce oil to compensate, becoming greasy and smelly.

How to Replace the Sebum Layer After Bathing

1. Use a gentle shampoo that removes dirt without stripping all of the skin’s oil.
2. Always follow every shampoo with a hydrating conditioner.
3. Choose a conditioner suited to the coat. See when to use a conditioner.
4. Leave the conditioner on for about 5 minutes so it has time to absorb.
5. For very dry coats, use the CLOSE-OPEN-CLOSE technique: conditioner, shampoo, then conditioner again.

Shop our conditioners, masks and PEKs, and see our article on why a proper conditioner protects the hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sebum layer on a dog’s skin?

Sebum is the natural oil made by the skin. It forms a protective film over the skin and hair that holds in moisture, keeps out irritants and microbes, and keeps the coat smooth and shiny.

Can stripping the sebum layer look like allergies?

Yes. Dry, unprotected skin can become itchy and irritated in a way that looks very similar to allergies.

How do I restore my dog’s natural skin oils after a bath?

Follow every shampoo with a hydrating conditioner and leave it on for about 5 minutes. For very dry coats, use the CLOSE-OPEN-CLOSE technique.