Dandruff
Dandruff Treatment: How to Get Rid of Dandruff?
Dandruff affects more than 50% of the population. Those affected have only one idea in mind: getting rid of it. Where does dandruff come from? How to treat it?
How is Dandruff Formed?
The scalp skin is composed of two layers: the dermis and the epidermis. It renews itself approximately every 28 days thanks to the formation of new epidermal cells that will eliminate dead cells by pushing them out of the epidermis.
Dandruff occurs when a fungus called Malassezia (non-contagious) proliferates and interrupts cell renewal. The cycle changes from 28 days to about 5 days. Dead cells don't have time to shed, so they cling together and concentrate in the form of scales (thin strips of skin that come off the outermost layer of the epidermis on the surface of the scalp), forming what is called dandruff.
Dry Dandruff or Oily Dandruff?
Dry Dandruff
Malassezia mainly feeds on the sebum produced by the scalp. Therefore, it dries faster and forms dry dandruff that looks like small snowflakes.
Oily Dandruff
The fungus pumps the scalp's natural sebum reserve and causes the appearance of so-called oily dandruff, harder to treat. It is yellowish and adheres to the hair roots forming sticky bundles. Oily dandruff is larger than dry dandruff. It can facilitate the growth of bacteria and cause itching or hair loss.
What are the Causes of Dandruff?
1. Genetic or Medical Causes
• Hormonal imbalance (puberty, pregnancy, menopause)
• Oily scalp
• Excessive sweating
• Certain medical treatments
2. Psychological Causes
• Stress
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
3. External Causes
• Pollution
• Inappropriate hair products
• Alcohol and tobacco
• Unbalanced diet
• Very aggressive hair care (dyeing, brushing, excessive hairdryer heat, etc.)
• Climate changes
• Prolonged use of helmet or hat
How to Remove Dandruff?
There are different anti-dandruff treatments adapted to each hair type.
Anti-Dandruff Shampoos and Care
Anti-dandruff shampoo treatments address the scalp by regulating excess or lack of sebum and slowing down fungal growth.
Preferred Ingredients:
• Zinc pyrithione. It is an excellent antifungal (to combat fungi) and antibacterial;
• Coal tar. This anti-proliferative decreases abnormal production of dermal cells;
• Sulfur or salicylic acid. These active keratolytics dissolve scales by peeling and eliminating the layer of keratin on the skin's surface;
• Using a sulfate-free 2-in-1 shampoo (very aggressive detergent) is ideal.
Dandruff is located at the hairline, and using an anti-dandruff shampoo can damage the ends. Consider hydrating them with daily care, such as conditioner or oil. If you have dry dandruff, you can apply a nourishing mask once a week to the entire hair.
To have healthy hair, it all starts with a healthy scalp. Generally, when you have dandruff, the hair fiber becomes dull and without volume because the scalp that needs to breathe becomes sensitized or even suffocated by dandruff. They can appear due to stress or when there is excess sebum or, conversely, when the scalp is irritated. This is partly caused by a fungus, Malassezia globosa, a microorganism that occurs naturally and causes dandruff. To overcome it, the goal is to work towards rebalancing your skin flora. It all starts with choosing an appropriate anti-dandruff shampoo enriched with Piroctone Olamine and antioxidants to treat the multiple early signs of dandruff.
Finally, the secret is to care for how you wash your hair. Use a small amount of product and massage gently. Then rinse well until there is no foam.
After a few weeks of use, dandruff will have disappeared; otherwise, it is better to consult a dermatologist.
Medicated Shampoos and Treatment
A dermatologist can prescribe lotions based on corticosteroids but only for very severe conditions, such as psoriasis.
Plant Extracts and Essential Oils
Some herbs can be very effective in combating dandruff. Rosemary has antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Propolis, a derivative of honey, is recognized for its antiseptic and bactericidal properties.
Many essential oils can also treat dandruff naturally. Among them, tea tree essential oil cleans and soothes the scalp, sage regulates excess sebum, and eucalyptus is a very good anti-inflammatory.
You must follow the right dosages, or the situation will worsen, and more problems related to dandruff will arise.
It is necessary to seek advice from a specialist before using plant extracts or essential oils.
Dietary Supplements and Vitamins
Certain dietary supplements and vitamins can also help get rid of dandruff. Prefer vitamin A (eggs, dairy), vitamin B6 (whole grains, salmon, or banana), and vitamin E (oily fish, hazelnuts, and almonds).
Trace elements are also important. Selenium, for example, has an antioxidant effect and allows the body to produce an enzyme (with the help of vitamin E) that protects cell membranes from oxidation caused by free radicals. It is mainly found in Brazil nuts or canned tuna.
Tips to Avoid Dandruff
• Don't "abuse" your hair anymore. Massage, rinse, and comb gently.
• Always rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water and finish with a cold water jet.
• Remember to regularly wash the comb or brush.
• Limit the use of styling gels, sprays, or hair lacquer as much as possible, as well as the use of a helmet or cap.
• Space out the time between washes, straighteners, and dyes (once a month).
• Make sure to find (or maintain) a balanced diet, neither too rich nor too acidic.