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Dandruff is a fairly common problem, and this is so-so news. But there is also a good one: now there are enough funds in the beauty arsenal to safely solve this problem and keep the situation under control.
What is dandruff
Types of dandruff
Peeling of the scalp, which people used to call dandruff, comes in many types and is most often a manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis.
Oily
The most common form. It has been proven that the fungus of the genus Malassezia, which is normally naturally present on the scalp, can significantly multiply its population (up to 20 times) due to the acceleration of skin cell renewal. The result is scales of dead skin cells stuck together with sebum.
The doctor should understand the causes of seborrheic dermatitis, since their spectrum is very wide.
- Genetic predisposition to increased production of sebum and seborrheic dermatitis.
- hormonal changes, associated with an increase in the level of androgens that stimulate the production of sebum: puberty, pregnancy, endocrinological abnormalities.
- Diseases of the digestive system and liverwhen the overall balance of microflora in the body is disturbed or there are problems with the metabolism of fats.
- unbalanced diet, which directly affects our microbiome.
“A love of spicy foods can lead to oily scalp. Whole milk is also considered a provocateur of dandruff if you drink it in liters, ”explains Vichy medical expert Elena Eliseeva.
Another reason is improper care. For example, shampoo for weak or colored hair cannot be used for oily hair (it is not designed to thoroughly wash out sebum).
“Too soft washing bases do not cope with cleansing, which in the end inevitably leads to dandruff,” explains Elena Eliseeva, medical expert Vichy.
A common occurrence is the careless use of styling products. They should not be allowed to get on the scalp, mixing with sebum. And of course, we must not forget about the regularity of care: the hair should be washed as it gets dirty, without waiting until it becomes greasy and stuck together, and the skin starts to itch.
Check how your hair feels.
Dry
First of all, this is evidence of extremely dry scalp. Causes:
- seborrheic dermatitis;
- improper carewhen dry hair is washed with too aggressive shampoo, or subjected to too frequent tests like dyeing, heat styling, perming;
- age-related hormonal changes and side effects of some drugs.
Hair should be washed as it gets dirty, without waiting for it to become greasy and stuck together, and the scalp starts to itch.
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How to determine the type of dandruff
In general, you don’t have to be an expert to tell the difference between dry and oily dandruff.
- Dry – very small, like dust particles.
- Oily – larger and oily, in the form of flakes or scales.
The sudden appearance of dandruff is a reason to turn to a dermatologist and trichologist. Specialists will understand the causes, prescribe an examination and treatment. After all, as we found out, dandruff can often be a signal of malfunctions in the body.
How to deal with dandruff and scalp discomfort
Regardless of the type of dandruff and its causes, it is often accompanied by itching. “Hyperreactivity of the scalp is associated with the peculiarities of its structure,” explains Elena Eliseeva. – It contains a huge number of nerve endings and blood vessels. They are located close to the surface, so sensitivity is almost a natural condition of the scalp.”
Usually the discomfort disappears along with dandruff. The main thing is to follow the recommendations of the doctor and carry out the full course of treatment, restore the skin microbiome and maintain it with the help of special care.
Good care means:
- selected with the help of a doctor shampoo;
- masks – cleansing (for oily dandruff) and moisturizing (for dry).
In some cases, it makes sense to resort to more serious professional means and cosmetic procedures (mesotherapy, microcurrents).
How to wash your hair with shampoo:
How to choose a remedy for dandruff and scalp discomfort
What ingredients to look for in oily dandruff formulations? We answer.
- Antifungal Ingredients, because the cause is the uncontrolled growth of the malassezia fungus: selenium disulfide, zinc.
- Exfoliating Ingredients (for example, salicylic acid) help cleanse the scalp of accumulated sebum, keratinized scales glued to it, waste products of microorganisms. All these are the main causes of itchy skin.
- Antioxidants: vitamin E, green tea extract
If we talk about flaky dry scalp, then standard anti-dandruff products will not work. Softer antifungal and antiseptic ingredients will be required, because in any case we are talking about a violation of the skin microbiome.
“Sulfate-free shampoo bases, for example, based on saponifiable coconut oil lipids (often included in baby bath products), are useful for sensitive scalps. They gently clean damaged tissues, – suggests Elena Eliseeva. – The composition should contain calming ingredients: allantoin, bisabolol, panthenol, niacinamide, biotechnological molecules. They relieve the unpleasant symptoms of hyperreactivity: irritation, itching, discomfort.”
Overview of cosmetic products for dandruff and scalp discomfort
Despite the high prevalence of dandruff, the causes of its occurrence are individual. Care must also be chosen based on personal indications.
- Focus on your hair type and your scalp type.
- Carefully follow the instructions for use, especially when it comes to using the shampoo in a course.
Intensive anti-dandruff shampoo for normal and oily hair Dercos Technique, Vichy
Selenium disulfide is considered an effective anti-dandruff agent because it has antifungal properties. Combined with salicylic acid, it reduces the appearance of dandruff. Also in the composition – vitamin E: softens the scalp, protects against the negative effects of the environment. It is necessary to use Vichy anti-dandruff products 2-3 times a week for a month, then with a maintenance course once a week.
Intensive anti-dandruff shampoo for sensitive scalp Dercos Technique, Vichy
The mild soothing formula includes bisabolol and octopirox (a substance with antifungal properties). Does not contain sulfates.
Intensive anti-dandruff shampoo with micro-exfoliating effect Kerium DS, La Roche-Posay
The emphasis in the action of the product is on exfoliation and thorough cleansing in case of seborrheic dermatitis. Efficiency provides a combination of lipohydroxy- and salicylic acids. Octopirox works against the fungus, vitamin B3 soothes the skin and strengthens its barrier functions.
Anti-dandruff shampoo Fructis 2-in-1, Garnier
The product is intended for all types of hair. The main active ingredient in dandruff is zinc pyrithione. Lemon extract refreshes the skin and saturates it with antioxidants.