Dandruff is a very common scalp disorder that affects half of the entire population in pre-puberty age (but it can occur at any age, for the matter). However, its causes are not quite sure. Learn more about this condition and other tips in dandruff prevention.
What Causes Dandruff?
Understanding how dandruff is formed and what conditions cause dandruff is vital to stopping and preventing its occurrence. Here are some factors and conditions that may lead to dandruff.
1. Excessive Oiliness
A scalp that is too oily is bad for you as too much oil can clog hair follicles and cause possible hair loss and dandruff. It can also cause oily hair, which tends to trap more dirt. This extra dirt and dust can cause acne.
2. Malassezia Globosa
This is suspected to be the most common cause of dandruff. It’s a type of fungus that is attracted to and feeds off of sebum or excess oil on the scalp. It feeds on the sebum and breaks it down into substances such as oleic acid. As most people’s skin is sensitive to oleic acid, the body responds to it by trying to shed off this byproduct. The body increases skin cell production to cast off older cells, which are laden with oleic acid.
3. Weather and Climate
Skin can be very sensitive to the weather and climate. Too much heat and humidity can cause irritation of the skin. This may cause the body to produce more oil and accelerate skin cell production, which can lead to dandruff.
Too cold a climate can also cause the skin to get irritated. This may cause the skin to release extra oil to combat dryness, and as a result, can make the skin flaky and shed.
Dandruff Prevention: Important Tips
While it is unknown what exactly causes dandruff, here are some tips that may help in dandruff prevention.
1. Manage Stress
Stress can impact your overall health negatively, including making you susceptible to a multitude of diseases – dandruff included. Someone who previously did not have dandruff may develop it if they undergo too much stress.
2. Stay Healthy
Improving your overall health is essential to dandruff prevention as it can protect you from other illnesses. Follow a balanced diet that provides enough zinc to help boost your immune system, and vitamin B, which promotes cell growth and prevents infections.
Exercising regularly helps as it can reduce stress. It can also boost the overall health of your skin by increasing the circulation of blood throughout your body, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to your cells.
3. Better Scalp Care
Excessive use of hair products can lead to build-up on your scalp and cause your scalp to produce more oil. Shampooing regularly is another good form of dandruff prevention as it can reduce the oiliness of your scalp and help loosen and lessen flakes.
Likewise, you can also use a special shampoo (clarifying shampoo) that can remove excess product on the hair.
4. Get Sunlight
You’re probably thinking, doesn’t UV light damage skin? You aren’t wrong as too much sunlight does damage skin. However, 10-15 minutes of sunlight a day can help in the production of vitamin D in the body. The right amount of sunlight helps against dandruff because it can suppress the fungus that causes some cases of dandruff and other skin conditions like seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Key Takeaways
As common as dandruff is, it’s actually surprising how little is known about it. Worry not though, as current treatments are already effective in dandruff prevention. Contact your doctor or dermatologist should your case become severe and needs medical intervention.
Learn more about Hair and Scalp Care here.
