CONDITION: Dandruff

 

OVERVIEW: Dandruff is one of the most commonly reported conditions and affects over 50% of people. Dandruff can have different causes but occurs because skin cells on the scalp to divide faster than dead cells can be shed, causing whitish flakes of dead skin cells to appear in the hair and fall on the shoulders.

 

SYMPTOMS:

• Itchy scalp
• Scaling
• White flakes

 

CAUSES: Dandruff can be caused by a variety of conditions, including overly oily hair, fungal infections like Malassezia, overly sensitive skin from contact dermatitis, dry skin, and inconsistent shampooing.

 

WHAT MAKES IT WORSE:

• Excessively oily hair and scalp
• Lowered Immune system
• Poor hygiene
• Stress
• Changes in humidity

 

COMMON THERAPIES: Conventional medications include pyrithione zinc, tar, sulfide, ketoconazole, or shampoos containing salicylic acid. Most over-the-counter dandruff shampoos contain harsh chemical-laden ingredients that can leave your hair overly dry and brittle as well as irritate your scalp.

 

NATURAL INGREDIENTS WE USE:

Aloe Vera: Rejuvenates skin & contains salicylic acid

Arnica Extract: Decreases inflammation

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Strengthens damaged hair

Rosemary Extract: Has antimicrobial properties & reduces swelling

Sage Extract: Has antimicrobial & restorative properties

Stinging Nettle Extract: Soothes irritation

Tea Tree Essential Oil: Has powerful antimicrobial properties

Vitamin B Complex: Protects, soothes, & moisturizes skin

 

LIFESTYLE GUIDE:

• Use stress reduction techniques as a mind-body approach to reduce anxiety.
• Increase essential fatty acid intake by consuming omega-3's from cold-water fish and evening primrose oil.
• Take regular showers to cleanse the body and hair with chemical-free products from our Scalp Therapy line.

 

Resources

“Dandruff.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 14 July 2016, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/symptoms-causes/syc-20353850. 

Ranganathan, S, and T Mukhopadhyay. “Dandruff: the Most Commercially Exploited Skin Disease.” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20606879.

Nowicki, R. “[Modern Management of Dandruff].” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16617752.