Dandruff: symptoms and causes

According to medical statistics, dandruff occurs in 40-60% of the adult population of the planet. And more often than not, this is not just a cosmetic problem, but an unpleasant disease that can cause not only scalp discomfort, but also hair loss. What are the causes of dandruff and how to get rid of it, we will understand in this article.

What is dandruff

Dandruff is an epidermal scale that has exfoliated from the scalp in significant quantities. Normally, the replacement of dead skin cells with new ones takes 28 days. Then, as with the development of dandruff, the process is accelerated up to 10-20 days. In this case, the skin does not have time to cleanse the excess amount of scales, and they begin to accumulate and mix with the sebum product of the sebaceous glands, forming the very large flocculent particles that we notice on hair and dark clothes.

There are two types of dandruff: dry and oily. Their second name is dry and oily seborrhea. Each has its own reason for the appearance, and the methods of getting rid of them are also different.

Dry

More often than not, all this is fine white dandruff, which abundantly covers the hair, loosely crumbles on the back and shoulders. It can be caused by improper care, such as the use of a shampoo with an aggressive formula that causes dryness and tightness of the scalp. A dry scalp tends to flake off. Buying a shampoo that is more delicate in composition can eliminate dandruff on the scalp. Choose formulas with nourishing, moisturizing and soothing ingredients to help reduce discomfort, restore the skin's moisture balance and strengthen its barrier properties.

Bold

Seborrhea of ​​a fatty type is a layer of large yellow flakes, tightly attached to the surface of the scalp. The causes of this dandruff are Malassezia fungus and a general disturbance of the bacterial balance of the scalp. For treatment, you will need special agents with antifungal components.

Dandruff symptoms

Dandruff can be distinguished from other ailments that cause peeling by certain symptoms:

• The constant appearance of exfoliated white scales on hair, clothes, bed, hats.
• Persistent itching, irritation, feeling of tightness, microdamage to the epidermis.
• Too oily or dry scalp.
• Deterioration in the appearance of hair: dullness, loss of volume, thinning.

What causes dandruff on the head: 7 main reasons

Accelerated death of scalp epithelium particles can provoke many reasons. Let's name the main ones.

Imbalance in the scalp microbiome

It is believed that dandruff is formed due to the Malassezia fungus, but, as it became known, the original reason lies in the imbalance of microflora, when there is a sharp decrease in beneficial propionic acid bacteria and the growth of pathogenic microorganisms increases, including fungi.

Disruption of scalp pH and thinning of the lipid mantle

Frequent shampooing and the use of products with an aggressive composition can change the acid-base balance of the skin and disrupt its natural lipid layer, which is fraught with irritation and peeling.

Change in hormonal levels

An imbalance in male and female hormones (estrogens and androgens) is a common cause of dandruff in women. Such leaps are usually observed during pregnancy, as well as in adolescence in girls and boys.

Improper care

Another reason why dandruff appears is inadequate grooming. Using harsh tap water, non-hair care products, or combs that scratch your skin increase the risk of whitish, flaky scales on your scalp.

Unbalanced diet

The abuse of sweets and confectionery containing trans fats, as well as fried and salty foods leads to the growth of Malassezia fungi. To correct the situation, replenish your diet with foods rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, trace elements, healthy fats Omega 3, 6, 9.

Low immunity

Various dermatitis often occurs when the immune system malfunctions, and, as you know, on the surface of irritated skin, the renewal of epidermal cells is more active. Scaly patches of psoriasis, eczema can be seen on the temples and even on the eyebrows. The skin in these areas dries up, and its particles fall off in the form of small flakes.

Stress

A high psycho-emotional load leads to a deterioration in the condition of the skin, including in the scalp.

4 Vichy home remedies for dandruff

Dercos Vichy laboratory experts have developed effective shampoo formulas to treat all types of dandruff at home.

Dercos Vichy for normal to oily hair

Selenium Shampoo DS for intensive cleansing of the scalp and restoration of its normal microbiome. Designed to combat oily seborrhea. Already from the first application, a noticeable cosmetic effect occurs - all visible dandruff is eliminated, the feeling of discomfort is reduced. The product provides deep cleansing and prevents the growth of Malassezia yeast and other pathogenic microorganisms that provoke an imbalance of microflora. The shampoo helps restore the normal microbiome and strengthens the skin's barrier properties, protecting it from dandruff recurrence for up to 6 weeks.

Dercos Vichy for sensitive scalp

Delicate formula without sulfates, synthetic colors, fragrances and parabens, ideal for sensitive scalp. Thanks to the active ingredient, piroctone olamine effectively fights against fungal infection, reduces inflammation and eliminates itching. By using the shampoo 2-3 times a week, your hair is protected from dandruff for up to 6 weeks.

Dercos Vichy for dry hair

Moisturizing formula with selenium DS. It helps to restore the optimal bacterial balance of the scalp, eliminates itching, flaking, reduces irritation, and provides antioxidant protection. From the very first application, you will get rid of traces of dandruff on your hair. And with regular use 2-3 times you can get rid of possible

Moisturizing formula with selenium DS. It helps to restore the optimal bacterial balance of the scalp, eliminates itching, flaking, reduces irritation, and provides antioxidant protection. From the very first application, you will get rid of traces of dandruff on your hair. And with regular use 2-3 times you can get rid of possible relapses up to 6 weeks. The shampoo can be used to treat and prevent dandruff.

Dercos Vichy peeling shampoo

A new addition to the Dercos range of products, it is designed to combat difficult-to-wash dandruff, which is characterized by large adhering lumps of dandruff that cannot be removed with conventional shampoos. The exfoliating formula contains two types of peels: chemical (salicylic acid) and mechanical (microparticles of apricot kernel), as well as the active antimicrobial component piroctone olamine. Niacinamide in the composition has a restorative and soothing effect.

FAQ

What are the types of dandruff?

Dercos Vichy laboratories specialists distinguish dry, oily and hard-to-wash dandruff. For each of the types in the arsenal of the French brand, you can find the best suitable tool.

How does dandruff develop?

Sebum is a secretion of the sebaceous glands that protects the skin from the negative influence of external factors. But its excess is a favorable environment for the development of Malassezia yeast and other aggressive bacteria that provoke the appearance of dandruff.

Are folk remedies effective for getting rid of dandruff?

The consequences of treating oily dandruff at home with folk remedies can be fraught with a deterioration in the condition of the skin, fragility and hair loss, since it is necessary to fight against fungal infection with pharmaceutical preparations, which contain antifungal substances, for example, piroctone olamine, ketoconazole, ciclopirox. These components slow down the growth of fungi and prevent relapses.

But how to treat dry dandruff caused by improper care, we will tell you:

To moisturize and strengthen the lipid layer of the skin, masks based on vegetable oils with the addition of egg yolk and lemon juice are suitable. Essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus can help eliminate itching and tightness. Decoctions of calendula, nettle, burdock will help strengthen the hair roots. A quick cosmetic effect is given by rinsing with acidified water. You can use vinegar or lemon juice.

How to understand dandruff or dry skin?

In both cases, the skin itches and flakes, but dandruff produces larger flakes that stick to the scalp. But for the overdried skin, small powdery particles of dead epithelium are characteristic.

Is dandruff contagious?

The answer is unequivocal - no! Each person has a specific set of microorganisms living on the scalp, including the Malassezia fungus. And only under certain conditions can it begin to actively reproduce.