Understanding and combating dandruff properly
Difference between dry and oily dandruff
Dandruff is a cry for help from your skin
The skin, our largest sensory organ, continuously renews itself by replacing old cells with new ones. Normally, this process goes unnoticed, but when the balance is disturbed and an increased number of dead skin cells are shed, it results in dandruff on the scalp. In this article, we will show you the different types of dandruff and how you can combat them.
Types of dandruff: Dry dandruff or oily dandruff
To find the right care product, it’s important to determine the type of dandruff:
- Oily dandruff is larger and tends to be yellowish
- Dry dandruff is smaller, white, and often falls onto the shoulders
Dry dandruff: What are dry dandruff and where do they come from?
Dry dandruff is a sign that the moisture balance of the scalp is disrupted. They are small, white, and tend to fall from the scalp onto clothing. When the body's production of protective lipids is insufficient, the scalp becomes too dry, leading to itching and a feeling of tightness.
About one in four men suffers from a sensitive scalp, which can trigger these symptoms. To combat dry dandruff, the underlying cause of the disrupted skin shedding must first be addressed.
Possible triggers for dry dandruff
- Heating air
- Cold or heat
- Hormonal changes
- Aggressive care
- Drying styling products
How can I effectively treat dry dandruff?
For a dry scalp, it’s important to provide moisture from the outside while the protective lipid film rebuilds. Instead of using aggressive anti-dandruff products, it’s recommended to use a mild, moisturising shampoo.
Additionally, make sure not to strip the scalp of additional moisture by using lukewarm water for washing your hair and avoiding blow-drying with hot air. Especially during cold seasons, when low temperatures and dry heating air stress the scalp, it’s advisable to let your hair air dry.
Oily dandruff: What is oily dandruff?
Oily dandruff is yellowish, large, and plaque-like, and tends to stick to the hair and scalp. These often result from an overproduction of the sebaceous glands, which makes the scalp oily. The excess sebum can promote the growth of germs and microorganisms, leading to oily dandruff.
If you experience additional itching and skin redness, you should consult a dermatologist, as oily dandruff can sometimes be a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis, which can cause skin inflammation
Possible triggers for oliy dandruff
- Overproduction of sebum
- Infrequent hair washing
- Hormonal changes
- High humidity or extreme temperatures
- Heavy or oily styling products
What helps against oily dandruff?
To control oily dandruff, the growth of fungi should be reduced with antimicrobial agents. Therefore, the right treatment is crucial. The shampoo should contain appropriate, effective ingredients. For example, the active ingredient piroctone olamine can combat the Malassezia fungus, which often occurs on an oily scalp and can cause itching.
Conclusion: 3 tips for scalp care with dandruff
Dandruff isn't all the same: there are oily and dry types. This distinction and the cause of the dandruff influence which dandruff shampoo is right for you. A dermatologist can also provide advice and, if necessary, recommend a specific care product.
Using dandruff shampoo correctly: Some products should only be used once to a maximum of three times a week. Others, due to their mild formulation, are also suitable for daily hair washing.
Air Drying: Allowing your hair to air dry instead of using a hairdryer is gentler on your scalp.
Skin friendly styling products: Hair gel, hairspray, and other hair care products can further irritate sensitive and inflamed scalps. If you don't want to give up these products, you should pay special attention to dermatological compatibility.
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