Many of us have experienced the embarrassment of an itchy, flaky scalp leaving a snowflake-like dusting on our clothes. In fact, about half of us in the United States will experience dandruff at some point of our lives. While dandruff is uncomfortable and annoying, it’s actually harmless. That being said, no one wants a greasy, flaky scalp, so most sufferers will seek to treat it. But what’s the right way to treat dandruff?
Here are 5 things you didn’t know about dandruff:
- Dandruff, formally known as seborrheic dermatitis, manifests itself in the form of dry, itchy flakes. However, dandruff is actually the result of an oily scalp. The excess oil creates a perfect environment for yeast to grow, which in turn causes the skin cells of the scalp to shed more frequently than normal.
- Dandruff often strikes when your immune system is down. This makes sense when you consider that many people experience dandruff in the winter months, which is prime time for cold and flu bouts.
- You can help your scalp by eating right. The best dandruff fighters are zinc, B vitamins and healthy fatty acids. Steer clear of sugary foods, as sugar might promote the overgrowth of yeast.
- Since dandruff is caused by excess oils, it’s okay to wash your hair more frequently. Generally, your stylist will tell you not to over-wash your hair. But if you have dandruff, your scalp is not as at-risk of being dried-out as it would be if it were at a normal oil level. Thus, frequent washing with a good scalp treatment can really benefit your scalp.
- Some dandruff shampoos and treatments can be toxic. Many drugstore products contain harsh chemicals that temporarily fight dandruff, but have harmful long-term effects. These treatments tend to work while you’re using them, but your dandruff will often come back after you discontinue use. That means the chemicals are temporarily treating the symptoms of your dandruff, but not getting to the root of the problem.
Because synthetic dandruff treatments can be so ineffective and harmful in the long run, it’s best to treat your itchy scalp with products that contain natural dandruff-fighting ingredients. A good example is Davines NaturalTech Purifying Shampoo and Purifying Gel. With dandelion phytoceutical, lavender, myrrh and sage essential oils and anti-inflammatory ingredients, Davines purifying products sooth itchy, flaky scalps without using harsh chemicals. For a well-rounded natural hair care line, try Surface Awaken Therapeutic Shampoo and Conditioner. Awaken promises to encourage healthy hair growth and strengthen thinning hair, all while working to relieve itch and naturally treat dandruff and psoriasis. These products consist mainly of botanical extracts and mineral ferments and are free of sulfates, parabens, phtalates and animal protein.
Dandruff is an uncomfortable, embarrassing problem—but now you know where it comes from and how to effectively treat it. Don’t waste any more time or money buying cheap dandruff shampoos that only temporarily mask the problem. Start fighting your dandruff with natural products that really work and don’t cause you more problems in the long-run.
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