No matter how much you hate it, dandruff happens to most people at least once in their lifetime. There are treatments for it, so don’t stress about your scalp flakes too much. It’s not a serious condition and sometimes just an annoyance.
What Causes Dandruff?
There are a few theories that claim dandruff is caused by factors such as dry skin and stress. Dry skin is one possible reason for dandruff, along with stress.
Other reports suggest poor nutrition habits, poor hygiene and several different types of hair-care treatments and shampoos leading to the buildup of many things on your scalp.
1. An Overproduction Of Sebum
Sebum is the oil that, on a microscopic level, is secreted by tiny glands that are present under your skin. These glands produce sebum to keep your skin moist and serve various purposes that contribute to maintaining good skin health. At times, an overproduction of this oil may lead to dandruff on your scalp.
2. Microorganisms
Research suggests that certain types of bacteria, often found in the soil, and the fungus known as Malassezia live on our scalp and can contribute to dandruff.
A condition commonly referred to as eczema or psoriasis may cause irritation and inflammation of the skin, which may lead to an additional growth of cells, causing dandruff.
3. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dry skin conditions are a more severe form of dandruff. They result in inflammation and scaling, and can contribute to the development of dandruff and flakiness.
How Can You Treat A Dandruff-Affected Scalp?
1. Home Remedies
A. Tea Tree Oil
This ingredient is a popular choice in many skincare products and has traditionally been used to treat various skin conditions from acne to eczema. It contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This can reduce symptoms of dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
B. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be used to reduce dandruff symptoms. It aids in skin hydration, reducing dry, flaky skin. Research suggests that coconut oil may improve the appearance and feel of your skin by increasing its hydration levels, which can alleviate symptoms of eczema and other conditions that contribute to dryness.
C. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids keep your skin healthy and give it a youthful appearance (7). Deficiencies lead to conditions like dandruff and a dry scalp (8).
Foods like salmon, mackerels and walnuts are great sources. These fatty acids provide a variety of benefits to your skin: maintain hydration, manage sebum production, reduce inflammation, reduce signs of aging, etc.
D. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil has been traditionally used to support the dietary system and lower blood pressure. It’s only in recent years that the benefits of this oil in treating dandruff have come out. Lemongrass oil features a strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial quality that can help treat a variety of symptoms associated with dandruff, as well as a number of related skin conditions.
The oil may cause an allergic reaction if applied directly to your skin, so it is recommended you mix it into your shampoo or conditioner before applying it. You can also dilute it in water and apply it topically for best results.
E. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe contains a compound called aloin that is known for its healing and moisture-retaining properties. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help produce silky, smooth skin and reduce dryness (9).The shampoo’s molecular complex will also kill fungi that cause dandruff, like dermatophytes(10)
2. Medical treatments
A. Pyrithione Zinc Shampoos
Sun exposure on the scalp can cause irritation and tenderness. In order to reduce potential sun-sensitivity, look for shampoos with astringent content. These will help remove dead skin cells from the scalp in a slow, gentle manner.
B. Tar-Based Shampoos
Sun exposure on the scalp can cause irritation and tenderness. In order to reduce potential sun-sensitivity, look for shampoos with astringent content. These will help remove dead skin cells from the scalp in a slow, gentle manner.
C. Selenium Sulfide
This ingredient can reduce dandruff symptoms, which often exhibit as a greasy scalp. It also decreases the amount of natural oil produced in the scalp.
D. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid has been used in dermatology for years to combat a few skin disorders and improve the complexion. Shampoos that contain salicylic acid can help minimize flakiness, a sensation sometimes experienced after using harsh cleansers.
How To Prevent Dandruff?
1. Change Your Diet
If you work out a lot and eat a healthy diet, be aware that there may be an underlying cause for your dandruff. Dandruff is also caused by the body trying to moisturize itself and takes place in the scalp due to too much moisture.
This raises the production of sebum oils which are primarily composed of saturated fatty acid triglycerides, malondialdehyde, and hyroxynone, two types of chemicals that break down into glucose and fructose via glycolysis.
2. Wear A Hat When You Step-Out
Pollution can make an already-poor situation worse. These chemicals, released by our day-to-day activities, sit around us constantly and cause irritation to our scalps and bodies without our knowledge.
They may lead to increased inflammation and contribute to symptoms of dandruff in the future.
3. Wash Your Hair Regularly
Every time you wash your hair, you risk removing vital oils and moisture that are necessary for healthy hair growth. Over-washing your hair can be extremely harmful to the amount of moisture and oil already present in your scalp.
