Dandruff is always present and affects about one in two people. If some are not careful, others may suffer more serious consequences. Unattractive and sometimes embarrassing, it seems hard to get rid of them. Especially since at least once in our lives we have all faced the problem of scalp. Here are some solutions to improve your everyday life.
First, you need to understand what dandruff is. As a result, the scalp’s skin appears to renew itself every 20 to 30 days. Scales, which are small pieces of dead skin, appear at the roots of your hair. But sometimes this cycle can be shortened to 5 days, in which case the dead skin cells are not removed quickly enough, causing dandruff to form. The imbalance in this cycle is caused by a microbe called pityriasis. This infection is common as it affects about 1 in 2 people 1. It poses no risk to those affected, but it is unattractive. Then, it is necessary to distinguish between oily dandruff and dry dandruff. Dry dandruff occurs on a dry and dehydrated scalp and is easier to treat than oily dandruff. These stick to the roots and form large yellowish patches that promote bacterial growth. Dandruff can sometimes cause severe itching2, which is caused by inflammation. Finally, it appears that men and adolescents are most affected by dandruff 3.
Dandruff can come from external causes. In fact, repeated brushing, daily use of hairspray or gel, and exposure to overheated blow dryers can all sensitize the scalp and promote their formation. Just as washing too often or too little can affect the regulation of skin sebum. Therefore, excess sebum is often associated with the proliferation of these small dead skin cells1. We also notice that air pollution and seasonal changes (wet weather, cold, heat) are not without their effects on our scalp. Regarding internal causes, diseases such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis1 or psoriasis are often the cause of dandruff formation. In people with oily hair, a fungus called Malassezia 2.3 is common. It feeds on sebum and produces fatty acids that are particularly irritating to the skin. Half of those affected were not affected by Malassezia, while the other half suffered from excessive dandruff. Hormonal imbalances 2 (testosterone in men and estrogen in women) also play a role in itching episodes.
The appearance of dandruff takes into account the hygiene of life. It is recommended not to wash your hair too often to avoid a sensitive scalp, and to do a final rinse with cold water to tighten the scalp. Hats, hats or helmets should also be avoided as they impede the breathing of skull 1. Food also plays a role in preventing dandruff. In fact, excess sugar consumption boosts insulin production and further stimulates hormones. A diet rich in antioxidants (Vitamins A, B6 and BE) is advisable as it will provide all the nutrients needed to maintain a balanced scalp. Alcohol and tobacco are two substances to avoid as they promote dandruff. It’s also important to clean your brushes and combs regularly with shampoo or soap to prevent fungal growth and to remove excess sebum that may accumulate there. Finally, a healthy lifestyle requires good sleep, which will limit the risk of stress.
To combat dandruff, there are adaptive and specialized treatments. As a result, one can find anti-dandruff shampoos that reduce damage to the
If you prefer to opt for a more natural solution1 to combat dandruff, essential oils are a great option. They make it possible to treat both oily and dry hair and can be used as a natural anti-dandruff agent (a few drops in shampoo) or as a scalp conditioner (topical application). Here are some oils that are especially recommended for treating dandruff:
Rosemary Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Composed of antioxidants2 such as caffeic acid, it helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, phenolic diterpenoids, and flavonoids. Its purifying action soothes the scalp and reduces the appearance of dandruff. Therefore, you can rinse your hair with water that you have previously boiled with fresh rosemary.
Tea Tree Essential Oil: Highly recommended for fighting dandruff3. Some preventative shampoos are made with it, but you can also add a few drops to your usual lotion to reap its benefits. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, this plant helps control infections caused by fungi 4.
Eucalyptus essential oil: This essential oil is known for its antibacterial properties5. It helps fight scalp infections by purifying the scalp. It also promotes good hair growth by regulating the lack of sebum in dry scalp. The refreshing aroma of eucalyptus intervenes in the management of stress and fatigue, two causes of dandruff formation. It turns out that when applied topically by massaging the skull, it works like a pretty good anti-dandruff agent.
Apple cider vinegar: Mix it with water to use apple cider vinegar as a rinse aid. It helps to acidify the scalp and regulate its pH by tightening the cuticles. Therefore, it is especially useful for people with oily hair, and its antibacterial properties help fight any type of infection.
