WHAT IS DANDRUFF

Before we dive into the causes of dandruff, let's clarify what dandruff is and isn't...

Dandruff is characterised by the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp, leading to visible white or yellowish flakes in the hair and on your shoulders. You may also become extra sensitive to hair care products, have a scalp that feels tight with itching sensations, and in some cases experience patches of redness.

Dandruff Symptoms

1. Flakes: Noticeable flakes (can be white or yellow, oily or dry), in hair, on scalp, and shoulders.

2. Itchy sensation: An uncomfortable, persistent itchy feeling on the scalp.

3. Scalp Appearance: Visible redness accompanied by rough scalp texture. Dry or oily scalp.

And what it isn't...

Although it's such a common condition, and has been extensively studied, public misconceptions still abound around dandruff. It isn't simply a dry scalp, nor the result of poor hygiene or infrequent hair washing. And it is NOT contagious.

Types of Dandruff

There are different types of dandruff. Dry dandruff is the most common form, appearing as visible fine, loose, white flakes that shed from the scalp.

Oily dandruff tends to feature oily skin and produce yellowish flakes which are adherent to the scalp. It's associated with excess production of sebum (our natural skin oils).

Both dry and oily dandruff share low scalp hydration levels and an altered skin barrier function.

So, what is dandruff caused by?

At its core, dandruff is caused by three main factors: an unbalanced scalp microbiome, dysregulated sebum production, and altered skin moisture barrier function. If not managed, any of the three can aggravate the others and precipitate a self-perpetuating cycle.

Unbalanced scalp microbiome

The microbiome is the invisible ecosystem of microorganisms that colonises our body. Although the range of microbes that makes up the skin microbiome varies across different areas of the body, having it in balance is integral to skin wellbeing and plays a key role in skin protection. If the natural balance of the scalp microbiome is upset, it can lead to excessive skin cell proliferation and flaking.

Unbalanced sebum composition

Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands in the skin. It's made up of various oils, some of which are important nutrients for the microbiome. Excess oil production on the scalp can lead to an imbalance of the microbiome. This can potentially cause discomfort on the scalp, and trigger dandruff.

Altered skin moisture barrier function

An altered skin moisture barrier function is caused by both microbiome imbalance and dysregulation of sebum production, resulting in rough skin and flakes on the scalp.

Impact of External Factors:

If you're wondering why you get dandruff all of a sudden, it might have been triggered by any one of a number of external factors, including;

• Environmental (pollution, UVA/UVB and infrared light, changing of the seasons)

• Lifestyle (nutrition, tobacco usage, stress, lack of sleep)

Impact on Quality of Life

Dandruff is a very visible condition. Sufferers are often self-conscious, and dandruff can have a significant negative impact on their quality of life. It may lead to low self-esteem.

Anti-dandruff shampoos are formulated to target dandruff head on. They feature different active ingredients that work in different ways.

The best over-the-counter shampoos to treat dandruff target both the symptoms and all the underlying issues causing dandruff: an unbalanced scalp microbiome, dysregulated sebum production, and altered skin moisture barrier.

The DERCOS Anti-Dandruff shampoo range

DS Shampoo for Normal to Oily Hair and DS Shampoo for Dry Hair each feature a pair of dermatologically active ingredients in selenium disulphide (DS) and salicylic acid. Selenium disulphide works to rebalance the scalp microbiome, whilst salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant that loosens skin cells and removes visible flakes from the scalp.

Both shampoos rebalance the scalp microbiome after just four weeks' use [2], eliminate up to 100% dandruff from first use [3], and provide +6 weeks anti relapse.[4]

Other key ingredients include the antioxidant Vitamin E to prevent oxidation of sebum, and Ceramide R to reinforce the skin moisture barrier.

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp is a gentle shampoo enriched with Piroctone Olamine and Bisabolol. It acts on dandruff from first use and controls the appearance of dandruff for up to 6 weeks.[5]

Anti-Dandruff K Deep Purifying Shampoo is a gentle exfoliating formula formulated with salicylic acid, Piroctone Olamine and glycerin. Hypoallergenic and tested on sensitive scalp, it's suitable for daily use. Dandruff is visibly reduced in after 4 weeks [6], with significant results from the first week of use.[7]

Summary

Always consult a healthcare professional if your dandruff shampoo doesn't improve your symptoms or seems to make your dandruff worse.

For more information read our Comprehensive Guide on How to Get Rid of Dandruff.

References

1. Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC. Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015 Dec;3(2):10.13188/2373-1044. 1000019.

2. Cosmeto-clinical study, 56 subjects with 3 applications a week for 4 weeks.

3. Consumer test on 262 subjects after 2 weeks of regular use.

4. Cosmeto-clinical study on 45 subjects after 4 weeks of use and 6 weeks of remanence.

5. Cosmeto-clinical test conducted on 41 people.

6. Self assessment, 32 subjects, over 4 weeks.

7. Cosmeto-clinical scoring, 32 subjects, over 4 weeks