Got Dandruff?
Get flake-free
Get flake-free
Feeling flaky? You’re not alone: About one-third of Americans are diagnosed with dandruff annually. Dandruff is often caused by a skin condition called seborrhea, the result of an extra-oily scalp mixed with dead skin cells. The condition strikes more men than women and seems to hit people most prevalently in young adulthood through middle age. You don’t have to live with those tell-tell flakes, read on for tips to get flake-free.
If you have dandruff, it is likely not a secret. After all, it is hard to mistake those oily skin flakes hanging out on your shoulders. You may also notice a flare-up of acne on the forehead and back, thick scales on the scalp, and red, greasy patches in your armpits or on your face or chest. So if you are suffering from seborrhea, here are some ways to get rid of dandruff for good.
CAUSES OF DANDRUFF
Despite the common belief that dandruff is brought on by poor hygiene and a lack of shampooing, the likely culprit is a fungus called malassezia. Though malassezia usually exists on your skin without causing trouble, certain factors, like hormonal changes, stress, fatigue, or a suppressed immune system, can cause this fungus to go into overdrive. It then mixes with the oil naturally secreted from your hair follicles, leading to an irritation that kills off skin cells,which manifest themselves into those pesky white flakes.
WASH DANDRUFF RIGHT OUT OF YOUR HAIR
The go-to treatment for dandruff sufferers is medicated shampoo. Key ingredients like selenium sulphide (like Selsun Blue); zinc (Head and Shoulders or Keracare); tar (Neutrogena T-Gel or Polytar); salicylic acid (Sebcur); or Ketoconazole (Triatop) work to slow down the growth of malessezia and the rapid cell turnover. With so many anti-dandruff options available on the market today, try out a few brands to figure out which one works best for you. Or, consult your dermatologist about even stronger, prescription-only shampoos and treatments, like hydrocortisone or anti-fungal creams.TRY HOME REMEDIES TO FIGHT FLAKES
There are many natural ways to do away with dandruff. To exfoliate dry flakes without dehydrating your skin, steep two green tea bags in hot water for 20 minutes, cool, cut open the bag, and massage the tea into your scalp. Or, grab a bottle of white or apple cider vinegar and mix 1/4-cup vinegar with an equal amount of water. Pour into an empty spray bottle and spritz on damp hair. Wrap your head in a towel for about 30 minutes. Then rinse your locks and wash that dandruff away for good.PREVENT DANDRUFF FROM HAPPENING TO YOU
Reduce your risk of developing dandruff by staying as stress-free as possible. Stress and anxiety may trigger dandruff or increase existing symptoms. In addition, limit your use of styling products, like gels, waxes, and hair sprays, which may cause an oily build-up in your hair. Even eating a diet chockfull of B vitamins, zinc, and fatty acids may assist in the fight against dandruff.For more tips on maintaining healthy hair and skin, check out these links:
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