7 Tips to Treat Dandruff Right Now

For some reason, our scalps never seem to get the attention they deserve until something goes wrong. Take dandruff, for example — which is caused by an overgrowth of yeast — and the itching and flaking associated with it. As soon as those symptoms appear, that’s all we can think about. In fact, according to a recent survey by the British Skin Foundation in conjunction with dandruff shampoo maker Head & Shoulders, a third of people avoid social situations due to uncontrolled dandruff.

Kevin Mancuso, Nexxus New York Salon Care global hair creative director and certified trichologist (a specialist in hair and scalp care) has some practical advice for keeping your hair and scalp healthy so you can feel more confident in any situation.

Spend More Time Shampooing

Sorry to the blowout bar addicts who can go days without a wash, but if your scalp flakes, the first thing you want to do is wash more frequently to exfoliate scales. In mild cases, find a formula meant to maintain a balanced scalp while also keeping hair clean, like Clear Complete Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.

“More advanced cases of dandruff need DHS Zinc Shampoo,” says Mancuso. “This formulation contains a higher level of zinc that works great to get the problem under control.”

Not only is it important to spend additional time sudsing up to treat dandruff, but it’s also essential to prevent it. “[It] varies, as scalp conditions are unique case by case,” says Mancuso. “But any style that isn’t washed on a regular basis, such as extensions, braids, dreads, or wearing wigs often — especially without cleansing the scalp — can cause dandruff,” says Mancuso.

Practice Yoga or Pilates

Add dandruff to that long list of ailments we can blame on stress. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, being in a negative mental space can worsen skin conditions, including those that appear on the scalp.

Enlist exercise, a proven stress-buster, to keep calm. It’ll have a dramatic effect on your mood — and your dandruff.

Tweak Your Diet

Eating well-balanced meals won’t just help whittle your waistline: The practice can also work wonders for keeping your head and hair healthy.

“Reduce bad fats in your diet, particularly chocolate and dairy,” says Mancuso of the foods that can cause more oil production, exacerbating dandruff. And add in foods with vitamin B (a deficiency can actually cause dandruff), as well as foods containing good oils, such as green vegetables, protein, and grains.

Switch to Transparent Formulas

“For the mildest dandruff conditions, I prescribe switching from a pearlized formula to a clear formula,” says Mancuso. “As an example, a client using Nexxus Oil Infinite would switch to Nexxus Hydra-Light.”

Why? Pearl or opaque formulas typically indicate a rich, moisturizing makeup (aside from the medicated versions), while clear formulas have the deep-cleaning agents ready to do battle against dandruff symptoms without leaving deposit behind.

Consider Your Environment

While dandruff can be the result of a dry scalp, steamy climates can also cause a cranky hairline. “Heat and humidity cause perspiration and oil production, so hair requires more frequent washing,” says Mancuso.

On the flip side, winters and drier climates cause dehydration, so using scalp masks like an olive oil mask can resolve a simple dry scalp issue.

Massage Your Scalp

You probably know how much good a massage can do for your body; your scalp can benefit from the same kind of TLC if it’s plagued with dandruff.

Apply natural oils like coconut, almond, or jojoba with a dropper or hair color applicator directly to the scalp and lightly massage the oils into your head, says Mancuso. The soothing treatment will help break up flakes and soothe your scalp. Just be sure not to scratch your head or rub too hard.

Get a Blood Test

In some cases, dandruff could be the sign of an underlying issue like a vitamin deficiency or problem with the immune system, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dandruff-like flaking can also be related to scalp psoriasis.

“If the condition doesn’t resolve or worsens, see a trichologist or a dermatologist for a clear diagnosis of the condition,” says Mancuso. Having a doctor check your blood for abnormalities can help you figure out what’s causing the dandruff in the first place.

How To Tackle Dandruff With Your Diet

Did you know that there’s a 50% chance you’ll experience dandruff in your life? We tend to associate the condition with men, but it’s just as common in women.

Dandruff—a mild form of the condition seborrheic dermatitis—presents as itchy, flaky and sometimes scaly skin. Dandruff is that name given to the condition when it appears on the scalp, but it can also crop up on the face, chest, back, underarms and groin areas.

And, as anyone who has experienced it will tell you, it’s a nuisance. Not only can the itchiness be distracting, but spotting unsightly flakes on the top of your shoulders can be embarrassing, or even distressing. They’re certainly not a favourable addition to an outfit.

The typical treatment for dandruff is a shampoo that contains anti-fungal or anti-septic agents. While this can help symptoms to abate in the short-term, it’s not a long-term solution. As soon as you stop using the shampoo, the flakes will return.

A better approach is to consider why your skin is struggling in the first place. And—as with many dermatological conditions—the answer tends to lie on the inside. By providing your body with good nutrition, you’re effectively giving it the tools it needs to repair itself from the inside out.

With that in mind, here are a few simple steps to help you become flake-free:

1) Identify any food intolerances

70% of your immune system resides in your gut. That means that if you’re eating a food that doesn’t agree with you, you’re likely to have some form of immune reaction. The resulting inflammation doesn’t necessarily stay contained within your gut, but can appear anywhere on your body. Red, itchy lesions on your scalp are just one example of this.

Although there are no controlled trials involving adults with dandruff and food intolerances, a study of 187 children with cradle cap (the infant version of dandruff) found that once allergenic foods had been removed from their diets, it took just one week for the condition to completely clear in the majority [1].

Some of the most common intolerances include wheat, cow’s milk, peanuts, eggs and shellfish [2]. If you suspect a type of food might be an issue for you, the best approach is to eliminate it for 2–3 weeks. After that, reintroduce it and monitor how it affects your dandruff. If it rapidly reappears or worsens, it’s likely that food is having an impact.

2) Cut down your sugar intake

One study found that those who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis tend to eat more sugar than those who don’t have the condition [3].

There are a couple of reasons why sugar could be an issue. Firstly, due to its hormonal impact, consumption of excess sugar can exacerbate inflammation [4]. Secondly, dandruff is associated with the presence of yeast. One type, Malassezia, lives on the scalp and is believed to feed on hair oil [5]. Others, however, can affect the condition from where they live in the gut—and these types of yeasts love to feed on sugar.

As well as sugary foods—such as fizzy drinks and sweets— it’s best to avoid starchy foods and products made with white flour, as these are treated like sugar during digestion. Instead, base your diet around good quality protein, lots of fresh vegetables and some whole grains. For many people, this alone is enough to clear up those pesky flakes.

3) Increase your intake of good fats

Although dandruff can be associated with oily areas, 59% of those who suffer from the condition experience the feeling of a dry or tight scalp [6].

Essential fats not only enhance the integrity of the skin, but they also moisturise it from within. Sources of good fats include oily fish, chia seeds and flaxseeds. Some people find that just 1–2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily effectively combats their dandruff. These can easily be incorporated into smoothies, or drizzled over salads.

4) Boost your B vitamins

There are lots of different B vitamins, and many of them have been associated with the development of dandruff. A deficiency of biotin (vitamin B7), for example, has been found to lead to skin lesions that resemble seborrheic dermatitis [7], while folic acid (vitamin B9) has been found to improve the condition.

B vitamins are found in a host of natural, whole foods, including vegetables, pulses, nuts, seeds, chicken, fish, eggs and some whole grains. Aim to eat as wide a variety of these as you can manage. If you’d also like to supplement, make sure you choose a formulation that includes all the B vitamins (rather than one or two in isolation), as they all work together.

5) Consider a probiotic

It’s well known that an imbalance of bad to good bacteria in our guts can contribute to inflammation [8], which has a knock-on effect on dandruff. Further to this, it also appears that certain types of good bacteria can actively help to fight dandruff.

A randomised, placebo-controlled trial found that a type of probiotic called Lactobacillus paracasei reduced the severity of dandruff, as well as alleviating other symptoms such as redness, itching and greasiness [9]. Interestingly, the levels of Malassezia yeast (associated with dandruff, see above) also decreased.

It’s tricky to buy the particular strain of Lactobacillus paracasei used in the study, but you can find other strains as part of a probiotic blend

. Other types of Lactobacillus can help to fight the Malassezia yeast too. Look for a formulation that contains 20–50 billion colony forming units (CFUs).

Other considerations

Shampoo ingredients. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is the ingredient that’s responsible for making shampoos lather. Although many people like this lathering effect, it can damage the skin’s acid mantle, which is designed to keep bacteria and fungi in check. If your dandruff is particularly severe, try switching to an SLS-free shampoo while you go through the steps listed above.

Alcohol. Excess consumption of alcohol is known to deplete B vitamins. It also depletes zinc, a mineral that plays a role in maintaining a healthy scalp. It’s easy to forget having the odd glass of wine, so for one week write down everything that you drink. You may find it’s more than you think. If necessary, develop an action plan for cutting down (for the sake of both your dandruff and your general health).

Circulation. Blood carries the nutrients that nourish the skin. If blood flow is affected, the integrity of the skin can suffer. There are two sure-fire ways to increase blood flow to the scalp: one is regular hair-brushing, and the other is exercise. Whether it’s going for a brisk walk or dancing along to your favourite song, do something to get your blood pumping every day.

Interested in skin? Learn more in my book.

Here’s how your diet can impact your dandruff status

Whatever the season might be, dandruff seems like an evergreen problem for some. Most of us depend on anti-dandruff shampoos, hair masks and expensive hair treatments to deal with this white, flaky irritating monsters that rob your hair of its sheen and health. But it always seems to come back with vengeance, because what many may not know is that the problem could be the food that we eat. Diet plays an important role in determining our scalp health. Nutritionist Kavita Devgan, and hair specialist and dermatologist Vandana Punjabi explain how a good diet is imperative to prevent dandruff:

Focus on zinc intake

Our scalp has a high concentration of sebaceous glands that produces skin oils (sebum) to protect the scalp. However, excessive production of sebum can cause dandruff. Experts suggest that consuming zinc can help control sebum production. But remember that zinc requires Vitamin B6 for proper digestion. Therefore, include legumes, nuts and grains in your diet.

Sugar Control

One needs to restrict consumption of sugar if one has dandruff issues as it can worsen the problem. Dandruff is often attributed to the Candida yeast, and sugary foods promote the overgrowth of this yeast. Sugar also depletes the body of vitamin B, which is an essential component of an anti-dandruff diet. Reduce your sugar intake and avoid processed foods high in sugar content.

A healthy digestive system

An unhealthy, improper digestive system is also a reason for dandruff woes. Include garlic, onions and scallions in your diet, for they contain allicin. Allicin is a health compound that is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It can help combat dandruff.

Add legumes in your diet to keep your scalp healthy. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Food allergy

One of the most unknown reasons that cause dandruff is food allergies. Experts suggest using an elimination diet with the help of a nutritionist to figure out which foods cause dandruff in an individual.

Here’s your anti-dandruff diet

Opt for food rich in probiotics (fermented food) such as kanji, idli, home made pickles, dhokla, miso and home-made curd. Include fish, flaxseeds and walnuts in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids keep your scalp hydrated. Biotin (Vitamin B7) also helps combat dandruff. Foods such as salmon, sweet potatoes, egg yolks and almonds are a good source of biotin..

Avoid These 5 Foods To Help Your Dry, Flaky Scalp | Lifestyle

If you’re struggling with a skin condition like dandruff or eczema, you may feel like you’ve tried everything – washing less, washing more, changing up your pillowcase, using different hair care products, and so on. But it might surprise you to learn that diet is intimately related to skin and scalp health. That means some foods can trigger or worsen dandruff and eczema flare-ups, while some anti-inflammatory foods can help alleviate it.

We’ve rounded up the five worst offenders – common foods you should avoid to help your dry, flaky scalp. Before we get into that elimination diet, however, let’s review exactly why diet is so crucial for supporting your scalp and hair health – and how dietary changes can affect conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.

The happy hair diet

It’s a cliche, but you really are what you eat. Poor nutrition can cause problems like dry skin, hair loss, and dandruff. More importantly, while products like coconut oil can help revitalize your skin, they’re not a substitute for a proper diet (even if they do feel nice when you’re itchy).

Healthy hair requires omega-3 fatty acids like those found in fish oil and almonds, as well as specific vitamins and protein. Many people follow diets that lack certain essential nutrients like Vitamin B6 and B12, and this can lead to poor hair health over time.

Fortunately, eating a nutrient-rich, whole food diet with added nutritional supplements can offset the worst impacts of diet, while products like dandruff shampoo can deliver essential nutrients straight to your hair and scalp. The best dandruff shampoo choices complement a proper diet but don’t replace it.

So what about the foods that are actively bad for you and can worsen problems like dandruff? Let’s take a closer look at these.

Problem Food #1: High-Mercury Fish

Normally, fish is good for your skin and hair. With a delicate dressing of apple cider vinegar and plenty of essential fatty acids, fish is often thought of as a healthy, nutrient-rich food to consume weekly. But is it?

High-mercury fish can actually lead to hair loss over time as the mercury moves throughout your body – and this is especially common among people who eat a lot of sushi. Fish to be cautious of include mackerel, swordfish, and certain types of tuna.

As alternatives, look for fatty fish like shrimp, sardines, salmon, and canned light tuna. These all tend to be low in mercury, so eating them can help you improve your hair, scalp health, and eczema symptoms. Also, these types of seafood are widely available in supermarkets and stores, which makes them easy to add to an eczema diet  or healthy hair diet on practically any budget.

Problem Food #2: Sugar

We all know that too much sugar is bad, although it can be delicious, and that it can lead to (or worsen) problems like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. If you want to get rid of dandruff, you’ll need to address your scalp health from both inside and outside your body.

Sugar can cause flaky skin, itching, and damage to your hair follicles because it encourages the production of androgen, a hormone that shrinks hair follicle sizes. That means you could quickly develop dandruff, and many medicated shampoo options won’t treat the source of this issue. If you want healthy hair, limit your intake of sugar.

What Causes Dandruff? The Truth Behind 9 Common Dandruff Myths

Finding flakes in your hair is an incredibly common issue, but many people don’t realize what causes dandruff in their hair or on their scalp—or the best way to deal with it.

Dandruff has been my big secret since I was a young girl. On wash days my mother would sit me down in the living room, turn on a Disney movie, and scratch the flakes out of my scalp before shampooing my hair. But I never really knew what causes dandruff. My mom would mumble on and on about how I inherited the flakes from my father and my grandfather, who have both used Head & Shoulders since before I was born.

Going to the hair salon, I always felt I needed to explain. “Sorry about the flakes! I have a really bad scalp,” is the way I would preface any trip to the shampoo bowl. And through my years as a beauty editor, I’ve found that there are a lot of misconceptions about dandruff. It’s a common scalp annoyance that no one really understands.

So we decided to bust all the myths about what causes dandruff, what it is, and how to soothe your itchy, flaky scalp.

What causes dandruff?

Dandruff is a condition in which the scalp starts to itch and flake, leaving you with white bits in your hair and an inflamed scalp. Mild dandruff can be caused by many things, including dry skin and bad reactions to hair products.

But on the more severe end, your dandruff may actually be caused by seborrheic dermatitis, the Mayo Clinic explains, a chronic inflammatory skin condition that may be partially driven by yeast and hormone changes.

Some people are sensitive to that yeast—called malassezia furfur—that naturally exists on the scalp, Christine Choi Kim, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica, California, tells SELF. For most people, this type of fungus is a harmless part of your scalp and skin flora and feeds on the oil on your skin. But if it’s allowed to overgrow, some experts think it can cause an inflammatory response that leads to a buildup of skin cells that then flake off.

There also seems to be a genetic predisposition to flaking, Dr. Kim says, so dandruff tends to run in families (see mine). Other conditions, like contact dermatitis, eczema, and scalp psoriasis, can also lead to dandruff-like flaking.

The best way to treat your dandruff—whatever the cause—is to first know what you’re really dealing with.

Let’s clear up some myths about dandruff.

Myth #1: Dandruff always comes from having a dry scalp.

If your skin is dry or you’re dealing with a contact dermatitis reaction that results in dry skin, it can definitely cause flaking, itchiness, and even skin peeling.

But having an oily scalp can be a major factor too. That’s because Malassezia yeast—those that are linked to seborrheic dermatitis—feed on the oil (sebum) on your skin and scalp. They thrive when there’s more of it present, making this condition more likely when you have an oilier scalp.

To appropriately treat your dandruff, it’s important to know whether your scalp tends to be oily (or have a lot of product buildup on it) or on the dry side.

Myth #2: Using an oil treatment will make dandruff better.

A hot oil treatment is one of the DIY remedies I found while searching for dandruff solutions on the internet. To see the effects, you’re supposed to apply warm coconut or olive oil directly to the scalp. But does it work? It could help moisturize your scalp if it’s dry. But if your flakes are caused by an oily scalp, “applying more oil will simply give you stickier and greasier flakes,” Anabel Kingsley, a trichologist at Philip Kinglsey Trichological Clinic, tells SELF. “Rubbing oils into the scalp can also cause irritation.”

Myth #3: You should remove any flakes before shampooing.

Flashback to my mom using a rattail comb on my head to dislodge the flakes. But talking to Kingsley, I realized that this wasn’t the right strategy. “If your flakes are so adherent and heavy that they need dislodging with a comb, chances are you have a different and more serious scalp condition,” Kingsley says, such as scalp psoriasis. “Harsh or improper removal of scales can be painful and cause bleeding.” And bleeding leaves your scalp susceptible to infection.

Myth #4: You should wash your hair less often if you have dandruff.

If you assume your dandruff is due to a dry scalp, it might be tempting to cut back on washing it so often. But whether the cause is dryness or oiliness, you should actually be washing your hair pretty regularly to rinse away the flakes and any buildup of debris on your scalp.

Do Away with Dandruff with Diet

Dandruff is a condition of the scalp that can be embarrassing, causing flakes of skin to appear in the hair and fall onto clothes. Dandruff is a common condition marked by itching, and in some cases is not easy to treat.

There is a natural cycle of skin renewal that can be caused to speed up, leading to patches of dead skin forming on the surface of the scalp. What causes the skin renewal cycle to speed up is not always clear, but below you will find the typical culprits.

Oil from the scalp causes the skin cells to clump together and appear as white flakes. Dandruff can be caused by a number of things, including dry skin; sensitivity to hair products; and skin conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or eczema. The overgrowth of yeast can also cause dandruff.

Dandruff has been blamed on a multiplicity of causes, including dry skin, oily skin, too much or too little hair washing, diet, stress or hygiene. However, the real cause of dandruff is actually a yeast-like fungus, Malassezia globosa, which lives on your scalp, feeding on skin oils.

What causes sudden dandruff?

Winter cold air, combined with overheated rooms is a common cause of itchy, flaking skin. People with dandruff caused by dry skin tend to have small flakes of dandruff; the flakes are not oily. People with seborrheic dermatitis are very prone to dandruff.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

This is a common condition that causes oily skin, and people with it are very prone to dandruff. This can also affect many areas of the skin, including the backs of the ears, the breastbone, eyebrows, the sides of the nose and anywhere where skin folds together, such as the armpits. It causes red, greasy skin that’s covered with flaky white or yellow scales.

Fungus (Malassezia)

Malassezia is a fungus that lives on everybody’s scalp, and typically causes no issues at all, but it can grow out of control. It feeds on the oils our hair follicles secrete, then causes the scalp can become irritated and produce extra skin cells. These extra skin cells die and falloff, then mixes with the oil on the hair and scalp. Reddish, scaly plaques may also appear in the eyebrows, on the forehead, in the ear canal, on the folds of skin that extend from the nostril to the lips. Although the skin affected may feel and look dry, this is not the case.

These two issues are thought to be interlinked, as the presence of the fungus on skin may provoke an abnormal response from the immune system, which can then cause skin to become oily. Then the oiliness of the skin encourages more growth of the fungus, which then triggers dandruff.

Dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of certain yeast on the scalp, and drinking white wine triggers the overgrowth of that yeast in people who are prone to dandruff. It can also exacerbate too-fast skin-cell turnover, which can cause dandruff.

Dandruff is often attributed to the Candida yeast, and sugary foods promote the overgrowth of this yeast in the body. Sugar also depletes the body of B vitamins, which are a key component of any anti-dandruff diet.

Eliminate Food Allergens: Food allergies to dairy products or to wheat can cause dandruff in some people.

Yeast

People who are sensitive to yeast have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff. These yeast-sensitive people find that it gets better during the warmer months and worse during the winter. UVA light from the sun counteracts the yeast. The skin is drier due to cold air and overheated rooms during the winter, making dandruff more likely. So, it is sometimes not that easy to know whether it is yeast or just dry skin.

Certain Skin Conditions

People with psoriasis, eczema and other skin disorders tend to get dandruff much more frequently than other people. Other conditions like the cold winter air, combined with overheated rooms is a common cause of dandruff because it creates dry skin that presents itself as small flakes of dandruff that are not oily.

Diet

Certain foods in your daily diet might be the cause of your dandruff problem. From food allergies to nutritional deficiencies, there are many potential diet-related causes of dandruff. Some experts say that people who do not consume enough foods that contain zinc, B vitamins, and some types of fats are more prone to dandruff.

Foods That Help

• Step Up Your Zinc Intake: Clinical trials have shown zinc supplementation to be effective at controlling sebum production. Zinc requires vitamin B6 for proper absorption in the intestines, and is found in a variety of food like oysters, red meat, poultry, legumes, nuts, and grains.
• Add Allicin to Your Diet: Allicin is a potent health promoting compound found in garlic, onions and scallions, when these items are crushed or chopped. It has been shown to promote heart and cardiovascular health, prevent and treat cancer, and reduce high blood pressure, but it also helpful for people with dandruff due to its anti-fungal properties.
• Eat Plenty of Foods Rich in B Vitamins: If you are struggling with dandruff, eat plenty of foods rich in B vitamins. Evidence shows that B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (riboflavin), can help reduce dandruff. It has been suggested that inefficient metabolism of carbohydrates and fatty acids could be one of the underlying causes of dandruff, and B-complex vitamins are known to play a crucial role in metabolic processes. Vitamin B6 can be found in a variety of foods like beans, meat, poultry, fish, and some fruits & vegetables.

Vitamin E promotes healthy blood circulation and proper healing, factors that can help in scalp health and dandruff control. Other nutrients important to scalp health include essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, and minerals such as iron, copper, selenium and zinc.

Foods to Avoid

• Reduce Sugar Consumption: A diet high in sugar that rapidly raises blood sugar levels can make dandruff worse in some people. Dandruff is often attributed to the Candida yeast, and sugary foods promote the overgrowth of this yeast in the body. Sugar also depletes the body of B vitamins, which are a key component of any anti-dandruff diet. A high intake of sugar also impacts the levels of antioxidant vitamins C and E in the body.
• Eliminate Food Allergens: Food allergies to dairy products or to wheat can cause dandruff in some people. What causes an allergic reaction in one person, however, may not cause a reaction in another. An elimination diet can be used to identify which foods worsen dandruff in an individual. This means removing any food or that is suspected of causing an allergy or intolerance from your diet for two to four weeks. If dandruff has disappeared or reduced significantly, the suspected foods and substances can be re-introduced to the diet, one food at a time. Systematically going through all the suspected allergens one by one, by consuming a suspect food or substance several times a day and then returning to the elimination diet for a few days. If symptoms re-occur or worsen during this time, the person could be allergic to the food or chemical that was re-introduced.

What is the cause of dry scalp?

This symptom, commonly known as dandruff, can be due to a variety of conditions, from a simple dry scalp to a form of eczema or even psoriasis. Dandruff flakes are actually dead skin cells that naturally fall off the scalp, more so if you scratch. A number of skin conditions and other causes can make your scalp flaky.

Natural oils, such as coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil, can be used to keep the scalp moisturized and prevent dandruff. Simply warm up some oil in a bowl and apply with a scalp massage, ensuring that the entire scalp is covered. Wrap the hair and scalp in a towel and leave the oil on overnight.

How can you get rid of dandruff permanently?

Just massage 2 tablespoons lemon juice into your scalp and rinse with water. Then stir 1 teaspoon lemon juice into 1 cup water and rinse your hair with it. Repeat this daily until your dandruff disappears. Lemon’s acidity helps balance the pH of your scalp, which helps keeps dandruff at bay.

Dr. Mehmet Oz swears by Apple Cider Vinegar as a dandruff treatment…

As the acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your scalp, making it harder for yeast to grow. Mix a quarter cup apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup water in a spray bottle and spritz on your scalp. Wrap your head in a towel and let sit for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair as usual. Do this twice a week.

Here are 7 best essential oils for dandruff to disinfect, calm & soothe your scalp as well as take the itch away.

• Tea Tree Essential Oil. …
• Lavender Essential Oil. …
• Rosemary Essential Oil. …
• Thyme Essential Oil. …
• Peppermint Essential Oil. …
• Patchouli Essential Oil. …
• Chamomile Essential Oil.

Dandruff: Causes and treatments

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Dandruff is a scalp condition that causes flakes of skin to appear. There may also be itching.

Most people experience dandruff at some point in their lives, but it is more common from the teenage years up to midlife.

There are various possible causes, including seborrheic dermatitis, allergic reactions, psoriasis, and eczema. An overreaction to Malassezia, a yeast that occurs on the scalp, is among the causes of seborrheic dermatitis.

Various factors increase the risk of developing dandruff, including a person’s age, the weather, stress levels, medical conditions, and choice of hair products.

Poor hygiene is not a factor, but the flakes may be more visible if a person does not wash or brush their hair often.

People often feel self-conscious about dandruff, but help is available.

Some treatments will target an underlying condition, such as psoriasis. Others aim to exfoliate dead skin cells or counter the yeast production that can trigger dandruff.

The right strategy will depend on the person’s age, any underlying conditions, and how severe their dandruff is.

Here are some lifestyle changes and home remedies that may help:

• managing stress
• avoiding products that contain harsh detergents and chemicals
• brushing the hair often
• asking a dermatologist about a suitable scalp and hair-care strategy

If dandruff and itching are severe and persistent, or if symptoms worsen, it may be a good idea to see a doctor. They may identify an underlying problem that will respond to a specific treatment.

For mild dandruff without a specific cause, various over-the-counter products can help manage flaking and itchiness.

Before using an anti-dandruff shampoo, individuals should carefully try to remove as many scaly or crusty patches on the scalp as possible. This will make the shampoo more effective.

Gently use a comb or hairbrush to remove loose scales or flakes, and then wash with a medicated shampoo. Take care not to remove patches or plaques too aggressively, as this could irritate the condition.

Ingredients to look out for

Most anti-dandruff or antifungal shampoos contain at least one of the following active ingredients:

• Ketoconazole is an antifungal ingredient that is suitable for any age.
• Selenium sulfide helps manage dandruff by reducing scalp glands’ production of natural oils. It also has antifungal properties.
• Zinc pyrithione slows down the growth of yeast.
• Coal tar has a natural antifungal agent and can reduce excess skin cell production. During long-term use, coal tar may stain dyed or treated hair. It may increase the scalp’s sensitivity to sunlight, so users should wear a hat when outside. Coal tar may also be carcinogenic in high doses.
• Salicylic acid helps remove excess skin cells.
• Tea-tree oil is present in many shampoos. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties. One older study has suggested that shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil appeared to be safe and well-tolerated for treating dandruff. Do a patch test first, as some people experience a reaction.

Dandruff shampoo is available online. Products to treat dandruff in the beard area are also available.

How to use the shampoo

How often a person needs to use a medicated shampoo may depend to some extent on their hair type.

The American Academy of Dermatology offer the following advice:

For Black people: Shampoo once a week with a dandruff shampoo. Ask a dermatologist to recommend a suitable option.

For white and Asian people: Shampoo daily, and use a dandruff shampoo twice a week. If one shampoo does not help, try another one.

Some experts suggest using a shampoo for a month to see if it works.

A specific shampoo may become less effective over time. A person who feels their choice is losing its effectiveness may want to switch to a different shampoo with another ingredient.

The length of time a person should leave a product on their scalp will vary. Users should follow the instructions on the container.

Medical treatment

Dandruff is a medical condition. A doctor will recommend suitable treatment for any of these underlying causes.

Often, it is not clear why dandruff occurs, but here are some possible factors:

Seborrheic dermatitis

People with seborrheic dermatitis have irritated, oily skin and are more likely to have dandruff. The skin will be red, greasy, and covered with flaky white or yellow scales.

It can affect the scalp, the backs of the ears, the eyebrows, the chest, and other parts of the body.

Here are some tips on treating seborrheic dermatitis naturally.

Medical conditions that commonly involve seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis appears to be more common among people with:

One study has found that 30–83% of people with HIV have seborrheic dermatitis, compared with 3–5% of the general population. The symptoms may also be more severe.

A person with HIV who experiences severe scalp problems should see their doctor, who will recommend a suitable treatment.

Certain skin conditions

Apart from psoriasis, some conditions can cause flaking skin on the scalp, such as:

Yeast

Dandruff often stems fromMalassezia, a fungus that commonly lives on the scalp and feeds on the oils secreted by hair follicles.

Malassezia is not usually a problem, but in some people the immune system overreacts to it. This can cause the scalp to become irritated and produce extra skin cells.

As these extra skin cells die and fall off, they mix with the oil from the hair and scalp to form dandruff.

Shampooing and skin care products

Certain hair care products can irritate the scalp and may cause dandruff. If a person finds that a product is causing irritation, they should try switching to a gentle, non-medicated shampoo.

Some people say not shampooing enough can cause a buildup of oil and dead skin cells, leading to dandruff. Others say that too much washing will strip away the natural oils.

Evidence is lacking that either of these is true. The frequency with which a person needs to wash their hair will vary between individuals.

While specific products can trigger irritation and reaction in some people, frequent shampooing is usually helpful.

Other factors

Other factors that may increase the risk of developing dandruff include:

• winter temperature extremes, and possibly a combination of cold weather and overheated rooms
• infrequent hair brushing, as brushing helps remove dead skin cells
• stress
• age, as dandruff is more likely to occur between the teenage years and midlife (though a type of dandruff known as cradle cap is also common with babies)
• hormonal factors, as it is more common in males

Diet

Dietary factors may play a role. Nutrients that may help include:

• zinc, if a person has a deficiency
• B vitamins, also if a person has a deficiency
• a type of omega-6 fat known as gamma linolenic acid, which is present in evening primrose oil

However, there is not enough research evidence to prove that these or other dietary measures can help resolve dandruff.

Complications rarely occur with dandruff, and most people do not need to consult a doctor. However, sometimes dandruff can indicate a more serious medical condition.

People should seek medical help if:

• There are signs of infection, such as redness, tenderness, or swelling.
• The dandruff is severe, and home treatment does not help.
• There are signs of eczema, psoriasis, or another skin condition.
• The scalp is very itchy.

Complications can sometimes result from treatment. If a shampoo or scalp treatment causes irritation, the individual should try another product.

Share on PinterestCradle cap is a kind of dandruff that affects newborns and young infants.

Newborns and young infants often have a kind of dandruff known as cradle cap. There will be yellow, greasy, scaly patches on the scalp.

It often appears within the first 2 months after birth and lasts a few weeks or months.

Gently washing the scalp with baby shampoo and applying baby oil can help prevent the scales from building up.

If the following occur, the infant should see a doctor:

• skin cracking
• infection
• itching
• swelling
• bleeding
• symptoms spreading to other parts of the body

How to treat cradle cap naturally.

Research into ways to help people with dandruff is ongoing.

Infusions of green, black, or white tea may help prevent dandruff and improve the condition of a person’s hair and scalp. Experts say this may be due to the antioxidants tea contains or other properties that offer protection from sunlight.

The authors of a 2012 study believe that a special formulation that can penetrate the skin’s waterproof barrier will combat excessive cell growth, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Another study has suggested that adding llama antibodies to shampoo could be a new strategy for fighting dandruff.

More research is needed to confirm whether these treatments work.

90,000 Anti-Dandruff Diet | Helperia.ru

Dandruff is an extremely common phenomenon that affects almost half of the inhabitants of modern cities.

Causes of dandruff

The appearance of dandruff is influenced by many factors – dry skin, stress, abuse of gels and hair lotions, insufficient frequent shampooing, psoriasis, eczema, metabolic disorders.

Malassezia is a common cause of dandruff, a yeast-like fungus that lives on the scalp of healthy people.Suddenly, for undisclosed reasons, it begins to grow uncontrollably, nourishing hair follicles, which in turn trigger the growth of scalp cells, resulting in dandruff.

Dandruff causes many aesthetic problems – white flakes are visible on the head, they fall on the shoulders, the work table.

Pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies offer a variety of dandruff treatments. Some of them allow you to achieve only a temporary result, others do not bring any relief at all.

Diet and dandruff

You can stop the formation of dandruff by adjusting the diet.

What’s useful?

First of all, you need to pay attention to foods with a high content of vitamin B6, since its lack leads to dryness of the skin.

Bananas, chicken, turkey, salmon and spinach are good sources of vitamin B6.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for scalp health by preventing the dryness of the skin that usually accompanies dandruff.

Sardines, salmon, tuna, flaxseed and oil, walnuts, beans, soybeans are foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

What is harmful?

But a number of drinks and products will have to be abandoned, since they can only aggravate the situation – tea and coffee increase the dryness of the scalp, as they remove fluid from the body, increasing the dryness of the skin.

We will also have to strictly control the intake of saturated fats, which increase the production of sebum, which is a breeding ground for fungi.

Health care

Doctors urge not to treat dandruff as the only cosmetic problem, because its appearance very often indicates serious malfunctions in the body, and try to identify the cause of its appearance as early as possible.

Dandruff is the primary symptom of serious diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, polycystic ovary disease, and a weakened immune system.

Dandruff diet

Dandruff flakes can be a serious problem.They fall on your shoulders, ruin your hair. Untidy, sloppy appearance leads to difficulties in communication and often causes a decrease in self-esteem.

Diseases that cause dandruff need to be treated. For this, it is not enough to rub any folk remedy into the scalp once. To overcome the disease and its external manifestations, you need to consult a doctor – dermatologist or trichologist and carefully follow their advice. Treatment will be much more effective if you work on the problem not only from the outside – with the help of shampoos, ointments, lapping and masks, but also from the inside – using a special diet that will help reduce dandruff separation.

Diet for oily dandruff

Oily dandruff affects the appearance much more negatively than dry dandruff. The sticky particles of the skin do not slip off the hair even under mechanical stress.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common cause of this dandruff. The scalp becomes inflamed due to exposure to pathogenic fungi and increased sebum production. At the same time, the active work of the sebaceous glands leads to more vigorous activity of the fungus. Therefore, in order to create an environment unfavorable for the development of the disease, it is necessary to reduce the oily skin.

To reduce the work of the sebaceous glands, you need:

• Reduce consumption of sugar and other “fast” carbohydrates. Their significant amount in the diet leads to hormonal surges, which can disrupt metabolism, including lead to increased sebum secretion. In addition, sugar consumption can increase inflammation.
• Limit the use of spicy and salty foods that activate the sebaceous glands.
• Increase fiber intake from vegetables and cereals.Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are often to blame for skin problems. Fiber itself has almost no nutritional value, but acts as a “janitor” for the intestines, cleansing its walls. To improve the gastrointestinal tract, you can add fermented milk products to the diet.
• Drink more water. Oily skin is often a response to general dehydration. A person with average height and weight is recommended to drink 2 liters of liquid per day, the rate should be adjusted during physical exertion or when the temperature rises indoors or outdoors.
• Avoid yeast-containing foods – beer, bread, baked goods. This measure can be tried as an experimental one, since there are two polarly different theories. One of them recommends such products to combat dandruff, the other prohibits. The second theory is supported by the argument that yeast leads to fungal growth.
• Reduce fat intake. According to the standards of the World Health Organization, they should be 25% of the diet or a little more than 1 g.per 1 kg of weight. It should not be lowered below this norm either, since a balanced diet leads to positive results.

For a successful fight against oily dandruff, it will be useful to include in the diet foods containing some vitamins:

• Vitamin B6. Contained in fish and some of its by-products, for example, pollock or cod liver, walnuts, carrots, bananas, avocados, chicken, turkey, spinach.
• Vitamin PP. Available in cabbage and tomatoes, cheese, dates, peanuts and liver.
• Zinc. You can fill the need with meat, poultry, seafood, garlic, ginger, beets. Products containing this vitamin should be consumed deliberately, as zinc overdose has a toxic effect.
• Vitamin A. Found in liver, fish oil, butter, cottage cheese, egg yolks.

All these tips fit well with the basic nutritional recommendations of adherents of a healthy lifestyle.

Dry dandruff diet

Dry dandruff is usually not associated with increased oil production.However, even for such a manifestation of dermatological diseases, recommendations designed to combat oily dandruff are suitable. These tips will have a general strengthening effect on the body.

In addition, foods rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids can be added to the diet to combat dry dandruff and restore the fat balance of the scalp. They are found in red fish, vegetable oils – peanut, olive, flaxseed, rapeseed. It is better to replace them with some of the animal fats so as not to go beyond the framework of a balanced combination of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Avoiding large amounts of coffee and smoking is an effective way to combat dryness. These habits dehydrate the body and constrict the blood vessels that supply the body, including the skin, with oxygen and nutrients.

A balanced diet can stop the onset of dandruff and eliminate several factors that lead to “snow on hair”. The right diet will reduce stress levels and strengthen the immune system. Following these recommendations will improve not only the condition of the skin, but also the general well-being.

2015-11-18

90,000 what to eat what not, nutritional recommendations

Seborrhea of ​​the scalp is a global problem of the population. An important role is played by a diet for dandruff, because non-compliance with it often leads to an aggravation and aggravation of the situation. It is important to pay attention to the foods that are included in the daily diet, remove harmful ones and add useful ones. Nutritional therapy will help to cope with the problem and prevent possible complications.

General advice on nutrition for dandruff

The body needs regular cleaning, because people tend to eat a lot of things that are not very useful. Many products contain excess sugar or cholesterol, they provoke the development of seborrhea and are eliminated during cleansing procedures. The main dietary guidelines are:

• Eat healthy and wholesome food. Inclusion in the diet of more fresh fruits and vegetables, vitamins.Restricting the use of prohibited foods: fatty, sweet, starchy foods.
• Power supply regularity. It is important to eat at least 4 times a day in small portions.
• The quality of the food consumed. The diet should include a sufficient amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates.

In addition, to avoid the development of unpleasant diseases and ailments caused by food, it is very important to lead a healthy lifestyle and exercise. And also stay more in the fresh air and under the sun’s rays, because they provide the body with vitamin D, strengthen hair and help make the skin of the face more elastic.It is useful to make hair masks and wash your hair with self-prepared decoctions based on natural ingredients: nettle, tea rose, eggs.

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Duration of the diet

It is important to maintain water balance in the body.

Seborrhea is treated with special shampoos and nutritional therapy. The duration of a balanced diet is at least 3 weeks. If you do not follow it and periodically “break down”, there will be no result. Diet for dandruff should be accompanied by sufficient fluid intake – at least 2 liters per day.It is useful to drink herbal diuretic decoctions, compotes from dried fruits and rose hips. These drinks help to cleanse the body of toxins and cholesterol deposits, thereby stopping the manifestations of seborrhea and eliminating the causes of its occurrence.

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Diet for oily dandruff

Seborrheic dermatitis can often cause oily dandruff. It is slippery and unpleasant to the touch. The sebaceous glands on the head secrete excess sebum, which creates favorable conditions for the development of pathogenic fungi.Because of this, adherence to a diet is required, which helps to reduce the oily skin and stop the manifestations of seborrhea.

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What should you eat?

To reduce the functioning of the sebaceous glands, the following foods should be included in the diet:

• liver;
• any kind of cabbage;
• cucumbers, potatoes;
• milk and fermented milk products;
• porridge, especially Hercules;
• river and sea fish;
• nuts and dried fruits.

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What not to eat?

Foods that should be limited in the diet or not at all for the duration of the diet:

There are also many allergenic foods that should not be consumed for dandruff, because they can provoke hair and skin problems. The main ones are:

• honey;
• oranges and lemons;
• some berries – strawberries, raspberries;
• chicken eggs;
• goat milk;
• legumes.

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Dry dandruff diet

This dandruff has nothing to do with scalp oil production, but dietary recommendations for oily and dry dandruff are very similar. In addition to the benefits for hair, they will strengthen the body and maintain normal human health. The main food products that must and cannot be eaten with dry dandruff are listed in the table:

If you give up bad habits and follow a competent diet, getting rid of “snow” on your hair will not cause difficulties. There will be no trace of dermatological diseases. A properly formulated diet will also strengthen immunity, cleanse the body of harmful substances, help cope with stress and improve mood.

Dandruff requires a diet: a trichologist on seborrhea, baldness and split ends | PRESS CENTER

About headdresses

Hats absolutely do not suit me, so I don’t wear them either in winter or in summer. Does it somehow affect the condition of the hair?

Yes. For example, in summer, ultraviolet radiation combined with oxygen gives oxidation, hair loses moisture and becomes dry and brittle. The scorching sun is dangerous for any hair, especially for dyed hair: the pigment fades.Due to the fact that there is a load on the pigment, the hair is damaged faster. Therefore, in the heat – especially during the peak hours of the sun from noon to four in the afternoon – it is recommended to cover your head with hats – hats, panamas, baseball caps. By the way, they will not only help to maintain the condition of your hair, but also save you from sunstroke.

Do you need to cover the roots or hair along the entire length?

Full length desirable. And, by the way, in the summer it is recommended to switch from conventional hair care products to professional sunscreen lines.

About oily hair

My hair gets greasy very quickly: I’ll wash my head in the morning – after lunch it looks like I haven’t washed it for a week. How to be?

Oily scalp and oily hair are the result of more intensive work of the sebaceous glands. The reasons may be in a violation of the hormonal background, in a disorder of the central nervous system, vegetative-vascular dystonia, inappropriate nutrition. First you need to correct the diet, exclude or minimize fatty, sweet, salty, spicy, smoked.

What hair care products should I use?

At least on the market they are definitely not worth buying. If you study the composition of store products, then make sure that they are saturated with silicones, and this is not always good for hair, especially for oily hair: silicones increase oily and make hair heavier. Should be a pharmacy line or professional care, you need a mild detergent base. Yes, pharmacy care is more expensive than store care. Professional – more expensive than pharmacy.But saving on hair means saving on your appearance.

How do you feel about hair masks and serums?

Positive. If professional care is not available, use home remedies. But be careful, choose the product according to the type of scalp. If the product is not chosen correctly, the scalp will flake off and dandruff will appear.

About wigs and curling irons

Today many professional stores sell very beautiful wigs.How do you feel about wearing wigs? If you wear them all the time, isn’t it bad for your own hair?

It is one thing when the choice in favor of a wig is made, when there is a problem and the appearance of a person suffers. But I absolutely do not understand when girls abuse wigs: because of the wig, the scalp is compressed, it does not have enough oxygen under the wig, and this can lead to hair loss.

Okay, I understand, but what can you say about the heat rollers, curling irons, irons?

Of course, using them is not good.After you have washed your hair, dry your hair naturally, and only after that you can resort to thermal treatments. Thus, you at least to some extent reduce the harmful effects.

I would also like to ask about lamination and keratin hair straightening.

Keratin has a positive effect on hair: during the procedure, the hair is enclosed in a keratin capsule. The result lasts up to six months. Among patients who have already resorted to keratin hair straightening, there are no dissatisfied.Lamination is the sealing of the ends of the hair to prevent splitting. It’s actually cheaper to just cut the split ends with regular scissors.

About hair loss

I am 78 years old, hair falls out very much. Is it just old age?

Lyudmila, Chelyabinsk

Do you take any medications on a regular basis?

Yes, because I have hypertension, angina pectoris, ischemia …

Most likely, alopecia, that is, partial or complete baldness, is a side effect of the drugs you are taking.

Can you somehow suspend or reduce this side effect?

It will not be possible to completely neutralize it, since your therapy is quite serious, judging by the diagnoses. It would be nice to take vitamin complexes. Nutrition should be complete and balanced.

My food is so healthy and close to dietary …

This means that it is necessary to stimulate the scalp in order to improve blood circulation.Apply burdock oil to the scalp, hold for one hour and rinse off. Darsonval would help you: an electrical device increases blood circulation, thereby slowing down the process of hair loss.

I lost my hair in one year. Doctors found violations in the endocrine system. After the treatment, the hair began to grow, and now it is climbing again. How to be?

Larisa Markovna, Troitsk

Hair loss is directly related to the dysfunction of the thyroid gland.In the event of a malfunction in the work of the glands, a redistribution of energy occurs. The body directs it to a more necessary place, using the energy that was intended for the growth and strengthening of hair. Hair loss needs to be treated in conjunction with the normalization of the thyroid gland – this is the only way to get a positive effect from the treatment. Therefore, if you carefully follow all the appointments that the endocrinologist and trichologist recommend to you, the treatment will certainly be successful. Particular attention should be paid to a balanced diet, which plays an important role in the disorder of any function of the endocrine system.Your diet should include a sufficient amount of plant foods (vegetables, fruits) and foods rich in iodine (any seafood, including seaweed), especially if you have hypothyroidism. Balancing your diet will improve your metabolism and hormone levels.

About split ends

My hair is splitting scary, how can I solve this problem?

Maria

Hair ends usually begin to exfoliate strongly due to the harmful effects of external factors: ultraviolet radiation, temperature extremes, frost.Therefore, do not forget to wear hats when going outside at any time of the year. In general, damaged, split ends, thin hair is the first sign of many diseases. Sometimes bad habits become the cause of the section: nicotine and alcohol in shock doses destroy the structure of cells, disrupting their vital activity. Hair can also split under stress. I recommend trimming the ends regularly: this is a very effective preventive measure. Do not wash your hair with hot water, the optimum temperature is 40 ° C -. Refuse irons, tongs, hair dryers and curlers during treatment.Brush your hair often to improve circulation and blood flow to your scalp. Sign up for a consultation with a trichologist who treats scalp and hair. He will identify the cause of the problem and prescribe treatment. Review your diet. Eliminate harmful products from it: fast foods, fried, fatty, sweet, spicy, carbonated, alcoholic. But fresh vegetables and fruits should be touched up in order to provide the hair with the necessary vitamins.

About dandruff

I have dandruff, and there is so much of it that it periodically sprinkles on my shoulders.Tell me how to deal with this unpleasant disease?

Irina P., Kartalinsky District

Dandruff is a combination of several problems, often associated with gastrointestinal diseases, erosions and gastritis. It is important to follow a diet – to exclude fatty, sweet, salty, spicy.

How often should you wash your hair?

Ideally every three days, but not everyone adheres to this. Considering our ecology, as a rule, they wash once a day.In your case, you need to wash your hair daily. For oily skin, with a tendency to dandruff, it is better to use shampoos that reduce sebum production.

They say that it is the roots of the hair that need to be washed, not the ends …

That’s right: it’s the hair roots that get dirty. Therefore, it is the roots that need to be washed with shampoo. And the balm should be applied over the entire length of the hair, especially on the ends, excluding the roots.

They say there are a lot of harmful chemicals in soap shampoos.How to choose a shampoo?

It should be based on a mild detergent base and contain as little silicone as possible. You need to choose either professional care or a pharmacy line.

See also:

How to get rid of dandruff once and for all: recommendations of a beautician

Method number 2: deep cleansing lotion

Try using special lotions. For example, Detox Deep Cleansing Lotion # 004 contains a natural ingredient derived from yeast that helps remove cellular degradation products.Apply about 3 ml of lotion to dry or damp scalp. Massage the preparation lightly into the skin while doing a gentle massage. Do not wash my head immediately after applying the lotion, let the healing components penetrate deeper. If you are going to wash your hair, do it before applying the lotion, or not earlier than 4 hours after applying it.

Method number 3: chemical peeling

Peeling is the most effective way to fight dandruff. In salons and trichological clinics, there is a chemical peeling procedure based on glycolic acid, created specifically for the scalp.With its anti-inflammatory effect, scalp peeling helps to deeply cleanse the hair follicles. The Saco salon uses Time to grow cosmetics of 30% and 50%.

Method number 4: a global approach to the problem

First, determine what kind of dandruff you have – dry or oily.

Dry appears in a day or two after shampooing, there is a lot of it, it flies off easily, accompanied by fragility, hair loss and itching of the scalp. The reasons for its appearance: hormonal problems, poor food, lack of vitamins, bad habits, poor cosmetics.If your dandruff is dry, then you need to start drinking vitamin complexes that include vitamins B6 and PP, eat a lot of vegetables, fruits and seafood, and use high-quality hair cosmetics.

Oily dandruff manifests itself later, on the third or fifth day, it is yellowish, oily to the touch, difficult to comb out. It appears due to poor functioning of the sebaceous glands of the scalp and impaired metabolism. To get rid of oily dandruff forever, you can cleanse the body of toxins, give up fast food, fatty, sweet, carbonated drinks, lose weight, if necessary, check your hormonal background, try taking special drugs (with a prescription) and make homemade masks against dandruff.

Remember: regardless of the causes of dandruff, you must definitely consult a trichologist so as not to miss something serious.

Where does dandruff come from and how to get rid of it

Dandruff is not an independent disease, but a symptom of ^{. And most often, one of the common skin diseases is seborrheic dermatitis. But there are other options as well.}

Where does dandruff come from?

The medical name for dandruff, pityriasis, is Latin for “bran.”Whitish, bran-like scaling on the scalp can occur for one of the following reasons ^.

Seborrheic dermatitis

This is the name of an inflammatory skin disease, the origin of which scientists have not yet fully figured out ^{. It is known that seborrheic dermatitis develops on those areas of the skin where there are many sebaceous glands: on the head, face (under the eyebrows, mustache, beard), upper back and chest.}

The amount of dandruff with seborrheic dermatitis, as a rule, increases in the cold season or under stress.

Physicians suggest that the main cause of this type of dermatitis is the increased sensitivity of the immune system to the yeast species Malassezia. These microorganisms are harmless and live on the skin of all people, especially the hairy areas. But if specifically your immunity does not like Malassezia, the body tries to “reset” them, starting active peeling.

Too oily scalp

Malassezia fungi feed on sebum. If there is too much fat, it creates ideal conditions for the yeast to reproduce.Your body may not be overly sensitive to these fungi, but when their numbers seriously increase, it begins to react with dandruff.

Too dry scalp

The epidermis, which lacks moisture, exfoliates more actively.

Contact dermatitis

To put it simply, an allergy to some product that has got on the skin. It can be shampoo, balm, hair dye. As a rule, in such cases, dandruff is not the only symptom: the scalp can itch and even ache.

Other skin conditions

For example psoriasis, atopic dermatitis or ringworm. Diseases can be identified by concomitant symptoms: the affected skin itches, round spots of different shades of red appear on it.

How to get rid of dandruff

In most cases it can be done ^{at home. Start by buying an over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo and apply it as directed.}

The UK National Health Service (NHS) recommends ^{to use products that include one of the following ingredients:}

• Zinc pyrithione. This substance has ^{antifungal and antibacterial effects.}
• Salicylic acid. It will be a light exfoliator that can relieve the scalp from flaking.
• Selenium sulfide. Also combats fungi. Side effect – it can change hair color. For example, to add yellowness to a blonde.
• Ketoconazole. Another antifungal agent.
• Coal tar. It slows down the rate of death and flaking of skin cells and thus reduces flaking. If you have light or gray hair, this ingredient can dye your hair.

Buy shampoos in sample or small quantities. You may have to try several remedies before you find one that works for you.

If one type of shampoo works for a while and then seems to lose its effectiveness, try alternating ^{with another.}

In addition, doctors advise ^{to slightly change your lifestyle: this will also help in the fight against dandruff.}

• Make sure you are eating properly. You should get enough zinc, B vitamins and fats from your diet.
• Wash your hair regularly. If hair gets dirty quickly, use shampoo every day. While washing, gently massage the scalp with your fingers, then the dead particles of the epidermis will exfoliate and can be easily washed off with water.
• Stop using styling products for a while. Gels, mousses, waxes can build up on the scalp and make it oily.
• Go outside during daylight hours. Small amounts of sunlight (a 10-15 minute walk is sufficient) helps the skin to regenerate. However, avoid direct sunlight.
• Learn to deal with stress. Nobody canceled psychosomatics: experiences affect the state of health and can worsen the situation with dandruff.

But the effectiveness of various “grandmother’s” means – oil masks, gargling with vinegar or, for example, a decoction of calendula – has not been scientifically confirmed. There is only one small study on tea tree oil.

Scientists found ^{that if you add 5% tea tree oil to your shampoo and wash your hair regularly for four weeks, there is less dandruff (41% improvement compared to 11% improvement with conventional wash). But this experiment was conducted with the participation of only 126 people, its results have not been rechecked, so it is too early to draw any conclusions.}

When to see a doctor

Be sure to consult a dermatologist if ^:

• Dandruff does not disappear within four weeks, although you regularly use the appropriate shampoo and strictly follow the instructions.
• Dandruff is very profuse or accompanied by severe itching.
• The scalp looks red, inflamed and has red spots or itchy crusts.

In such cases, we can talk about a chronic or acute skin disease.Your doctor will be able to diagnose it accurately and possibly prescribe a more effective prescription shampoo or steroid lotion for you.

This material was first published in July 2015. In July 2020, we updated the text.

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Proper nutrition for acne, dandruff, acne, seborrhea, other skin problems

Skin problems such as acne (pimples) or seborrhea often appear due to improper human nutrition.How should you eat so that such problems do not arise, in order to avoid the appearance of acne and dandruff?

What you need to eat

Daily replenishment of essential vitamins and minerals is the main condition for your clean and healthy skin. The most important of them are: phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, chromium, vitamins A, C, PP and B vitamins.

• Products such as cheese, milk, meat, cottage cheese and egg yolks make up for the lack of phosphorus.
• Greens, beans, all fermented milk products are rich in calcium.
• Potatoes, avocados, bananas and oranges are the leaders in potassium content.
• Bitter chocolate, watermelons, apples and parsley are responsible for magnesium.
• Chromium can be found in wild berries, carrots, apples, bell peppers.
• Lemons, cauliflower, red fruits will provide your body with vitamin C.
• Carrots, liver and spinach – vitamin A.
• Chicken, red fish and wheat – with PP vitamin.
• With a deficiency of B vitamins, you should eat bread, meat products, buckwheat.

Vegetables and fruits containing a large amount of plant fibers help to cleanse the body of toxins. Fermented milk products contribute to the establishment of a favorable microflora in the digestive tract.

Fatty fish and the omega-3 acids and vitamin A contained in it protect the skin from various types of breakouts. Such fish should be eaten at least twice a week, or fish oil should be used instead.

The healthiest cooking methods are boiling, baking or steaming.Thus, most of the nutrients will be retained in the food.

You should eat several times a day, giving each meal a sufficient amount of time.

What you don’t need to eat

List of foods that, if abused, can cause acne and seborrhea, and lead to dandruff on the scalp.

1. Sweets. Anything high in sugar and sugar substitutes will lead to acne. Pure mineral water and green tea should replace soda.Honey and fruits will help sharply cut the sweets in the diet.
2. Nuts. Most types of nuts contribute to acne. You should not completely remove the nuts, as they are still very useful. But reducing their consumption is worth it to a portion per day. The optimal portion is 5-6 unroasted nuts of any kind.
3. Fatty dairy products. Dairy products with a high proportion of fat are bad for the body, and the skin in particular. It is worth paying attention only to kefir and yoghurts containing live lactic acid cultures that help the body fight toxins.
4. Meat. May contain a high amount of both natural animal hormones and artificially introduced into feed. They contribute to the onset of acne. Products that are safe in this regard are chicken, rabbit meat.
5. Fats. Fried and fatty foods are the real enemy of clean skin. Reduce your fat intake and opt for cold-pressed vegetable oils.

Following this program is actually not that difficult. It is necessary to start cleansing the body first of all with the help of water.Try to drink at least one and a half liters of plain clean water daily. Try it yourself and you will see the result!

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