Ultimate Guide To Clearing Your Dandruff
By now, the word “dandruff” shouldn’t sound new to you. It’s a common scalp condition that has been around throughout most stages of our lives. But the question is, what does it really mean, or what comes to mind whenever you hear dandruff? Is it just white flakes or itchiness that affect a dry scalp or is it something more? Here’s an eyeopener – do you know that dandruff can also occur on oily scalp?
As a matter of fact, flakes from oily skin dandruff tend to be larger when compared to flakes from dry skin dandruff. These and more are what we’ll uncover in this blog post. Join us as we delve deeply into the real meaning of dandruff; its exact causes, types, treatments, and the easy way you can protect your scalp and hair from the problem.
Let’s get into it!
What Is Dandruff & How Does It Affect Me?
Dandruff is a common condition that causes white or yellow flakes of skin to appear around the scalp. It may be accompanied by itchiness and can spread to the eyebrows, hairline, or back of the ears. Some experts believe it is a milder form of seborrheic dermatitis, a skin problem that causes itchy patches and dry scales.
Though dandruff is not contagious or harmful, treating it can be difficult and its appearance can also be embarrassing. For milder dandruff, gentle shampoo might just do the trick but that may not be said about the more severe ones, as the symptoms usually come back. However, if you’ve tried treating your dandruff with regular shampoo and it keeps coming back, don’t forget to get in touch with us after reading this article.
What Are the Exact Causes of Dandruff?
For now, scientists have yet to pinpoint the real cause of dandruff. But we’ve outlined some of the factors which are believed to play a contributing role in the skin condition.
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Malassezia Overgrowth:
Malassezia is a type of yeast or fungus that naturally lives on the skin and feeds on the oil produced by the skin. When these yeasts grow in excess, it’s believed to trigger dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Once the skin becomes irritated, it produces more oil to soothe the irritation, which in turn also encourages the growth of these yeasts.
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Excessive Oil Secretion
As stated earlier, excess oil on the skin can cause dandruff. Usually, factors such as dry skin or increased androgen hormones make the skin produce more oil. Consequently, situations like that tend to trigger a cycle of continuous irritation, resulting in dandruff.
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Family History
Assuming your family has a history of dermatitis or inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, atopic or seborrheic dermatitis. Then, you’re at a higher risk of developing dandruff at some point in your life.
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Reaction to Certain Products
Another contributing factor is using skincare or haircare products with ingredients that trigger irritation or itchiness on your scalp. As we’ve already established, constantly irritating the scalp may lead to dandruff.
Other factors also include not shampooing frequently or properly, forcefully brushing your hair a little too much, sun damage, poor diets, and so much more. Irrespective of what caused your dandruff, rest assured we can help make it go away.
What Are the Types of Dandruff?
Though dandruff may seem to look alike, they are of different types. Understanding the exact kind of dandruff you have, is crucial to eliminating the itchiness and flakes. That will also help in addressing the underlying cause and keep the dandruff from coming back.
Dry Skin Dandruff
Among others, this is the most common type of dandruff. It’s accompanied by small dry white flakes and mostly occurs during the dry winter season or intensive indoor heating. Reaction to hair care items, aging, and overly washing your hair in hot water can also lead to this type of dandruff. Though it’s similar to Dry Scalp the difference is that Dry Skin Dandruff is related to seborrheic dermatitis while dry scalp only occurs due to lack of sufficient water.
At this time, the scalp may itch or feel dry but not too much. Using soothing shampoo, such as Nizolite Antiseptic Soap will help to calm the irritation. But if that symptom persists, kindly get in touch with us or a medical professional right away.
Oily Skin Dandruff
This type of dandruff occurs when the sebaceous gland produces too much sebum or oil on the skin. As earlier stated, this also causes an overgrowth of the Malassezia yeast. Once the excessive oil clumps together, that will irritate the scalp, thereby leading to dandruff.
At this point, using the Nizolite Antiseptic Soap (stronger version) as instructed will help reduce the oiliness on your scalp and keep the yeast overgrowth under control. Flakes from oily skin dandruff appear more yellow and oiler. And they are larger than the ones from dry skin dandruff.
Fungal Dandruff
This type is mostly caused by Malassezia yeast overgrowth. Aside from dandruff, overgrowth of these yeast can also trigger an inflammatory response that leads to conditions, such as eczema. Using medicated shampoos will help curb the overgrowth and restore the balance. You may wish to look out for ingredients, such as aloe vera in your shampoo.
Dandruff Treatment and Prevention
If you have mild dandruff, using a moisturizing shampoo frequently might solve the issue. For this article, here’s a simple dandruff-free routine you can adopt.
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Deeply perform a scalp scrub 2 to 3 times each week using Nizolite Antiseptic Soap
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Condition lightly for thick and straight hair using Salt Free Keratin Conditioner
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Add Scalpy Drop to your Scalp area daily
However, if you’ve tried a similar routine and it didn’t work or you believe you have a more severe dandruff issue, we highly recommend visiting our facility for more extensive treatments. Now, let’s go over simple ways you can prevent dandruff.
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Proper Scalp Hygiene
Avoid touching or scratching your scalp, especially when it’s already itchy. Constantly scratching and itching scalp will increase irritation, introduce dirt, and possibly worsen your dandruff.
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Exposure to Fresh Air
Try as much as possible to go outdoors regularly and avoid covering your hair all the time. Exposing yourself to fresh air will help reduce clumps or build-up of excessive oil around your scalp. Thus, preventing dandruff.
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Cut Down on Stress
Stress can worsen most skin problems, including dandruff. Malassezia can thrive if your immune system is weakened due to excessive stress. Make time for leisure and relaxation.
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Use The Right Shampoo
Avoid using shampoo that tends to irritate your scalp. One right shampoo is just enough to keep your oil under control, using too many products can irritate your scalp. Thereby leading to dandruff.
Other ways to prevent dandruff include brushing your hair properly, carefully massaging your scalp periodically, covering your scalp from harmful UV rays with breathable hats, etc
The Conclusion
Irritating scalp and excessive oil secretion are the major triggers of dandruff. If you wish to prevent this, use the right shampoo and avoid over-washing your hair because that can only irritate your scalp further. Also, using too many hair care products may not be what you need right now. Assuming you’ve been struggling with dandruff and it keeps coming back even after treatment, kindly get in touch with us today.
You can send a DM on any of our social media platforms or click the button below to book a FREE consultation with our professionals online. But if you can come to any of our physical facilities, you’re highly welcome to do so. We’re earnestly expecting you!
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