Dealing with dandruff is no fun. Flakes, an itchy, dry scalp can be seriously uncomfortable, not to mention maybe a little embarrassing. Thankfully we got all the info you need to get to the bottom of this problem.
Dealing with dandruff is no fun. Flakes, an itchy, dry scalp can be seriously uncomfortable, not to mention maybe a little embarrassing. Thankfully we got all the info you need to get to the bottom of this problem.
Dandruff refers to the fine, white flakes that come off your scalp, though other symptoms include scalp itching, tightness, and even redness. The cause? A particular type of yeast that lives on the scalp (gross, but true) known as Malassezia ovalis. Some people are especially sensitive to this yeast, and that reaction can cause both inflammation and an excessive growth of skin cells. There’s no concrete answer on why certain people have dandruff. Things such as stress and pollution can impact the sebum levels on your scalp. Malassezia yeast feeds on oil, so more oil equals more yeast which equals, yep, more flaking.
How to get rid of dandruff?
The good news is that it’s easy to treat with the right dandruff shampoo, namely one with pyrithione zinc. The over-the-counter, anti-fungal ingredient works by controlling the amount of yeast on your scalp. Since these formulas are a little different than your standard shampoo, they should be used a little differently, too. If your dandruff is mild or you’re just trying to prevent flaking, use either one of these dandruff shampoos twice per week. To treat more intense dandruff, they can be used daily. Either way, be sure to massage the dandruff shampoo into your scalp and let it sit for about five minutes.