Dandruff is nothing to be ashamed of. This is a fairly common phenomenon that Shab Kaspara often encounters as a trichologist and hair health expert. There are many ways to combat this problem. And one of them is a specialized shampoo. But is it possible to get rid of dandruff with shampoo? Do these beauty products really work?
ContentWhat causes dandruff? Is it possible to get rid of dandruff with shampoo Types of anti-dandruff shampoos How to buy the right anti-dandruff shampoo
WomanEL will share the opinion of professionals, and will also tell you how to buy an anti-dandruff shampoo correctly.
What causes dandruff?
The main cause of dandruff is the Malassezia fungus, which feeds on the sebum on the scalp, leaving behind oleic acid, which exfoliates the scalp so much that it flakes. If oleic acid sounds familiar, it's because it's commonly used as an exfoliant in skin care products. “The percentage of oleic acid on your scalp if you have dandruff is much higher than in a facial serum,” explains esthetician Ghanima Abdullah. “It flakes off to the point that your scalp continually produces flakes of dry skin that get into your hair and onto your clothes—and they keep coming back as Malassezia consumes sebum and produces oleic acid on the scalp.”
< p>How does this fungus even get on your head? Overgrowth of bacterial yeast on the scalp is caused by poor diet, infrequent shampooing and poor scalp hygiene, where skin cells divide rapidly, leading to flaking and build-up.
Is it possible to get rid of dandruff with shampoo
Dandruff used to be treated with harsh alcohol, which dries out the scalp. “Today, thanks to a better understanding of the scalp microbiome, the focus of anti-dandruff products has shifted toward more scalp-friendly, gentle and non-toxic solutions that effectively cleanse the scalp without stripping it of its healthy microbiota,” says Kaspara.
A few common ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoos include:
- Antifungal ingredients. Zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole are examples of antifungal ingredients found in anti-dandruff shampoos. These ingredients target and effectively kill Malassezia.
- Exfoliating ingredients. Just like skin care, scalp care uses chemical and physical exfoliants. Physical exfoliants include any textured ingredients, such as coarse salt or microbeads, that help remove flakes and build them up. Chemical exfoliants include salicylic acid and glycolic acid. They promote cell renewal and maintain an ideal environment for healthy hair growth.
- Moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera or coconut oil can help relieve the itching and sensitivity caused by dandruff. Moisturizing ingredients that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are also beneficial ingredients to help get rid of dandruff.
Types of anti-dandruff shampoos
Anti-dandruff shampoos are almost always antifungal, whether you choose a drugstore product or a natural antifungal shampoo.
Abdullah recommends using a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo if you are prone to allergies or have severe dandruff. . Shampoos that use substances such as ketoconazole are well tested and are least likely to trigger allergies. They also have enough antifungal agents to help the vast majority of people, regardless of the severity of their dandruff.
Natural anti-dandruff shampoos are gentler and can be used in mild cases. Natural anti-dandruff shampoos are best suited for those with sensitive scalp prone to periodic flare-ups. In other words, they are better suited as a preventative measure than as a treatment for severe dandruff.
How to Buy the Right Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
- An anti-dandruff shampoo should contain the right ingredients to combat itching and flaking. Choose a product that contains antifungal ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, octopirox or climbazole, which help reduce the level of Malassezia on the scalp.
- In addition, another important ingredient in your shampoo is salicylic acid, which breaks down dry skin clumps .
- Choose a formula with a balanced pH.
- It is better to avoid anti-dandruff shampoos where the first ingredient is alcohol.
- If you do not have severe dandruff, buy shampoo with natural ingredients.
- Different hair types have different needs. If you have oily hair, make sure your anti-dandruff shampoo is suitable for oily hair.
And don't forget about proper scalp care. Here are a few rules to keep in mind.
