The dandruff is excessive flaking of the hair that may have itching . It can be confused with seborrheic dermatitis, since its symptoms are similar. They differ in that seborrheic dermatitis presents inflammation and scaling in areas with a high concentration of sebaceous glands, such as hair, eyebrows, eyelashes or forehead.
There are two types of dandruff, dry and seborrheic . The first, the most common, is characterized by dry hair, rough in texture, lacking luster, and with white or grayish scales. The other type is recognized as having a shiny, oily appearance with yellow scales. In addition to flaking, there is an increase in fat production that can lead to alopecia.
The causes of this problem can be diverse. Blanca Velasco Valenzuela, pharmacist at the Óptica Velasco pharmacy in Jaén, highlights the main ones:
- Genetic predisposition:Dandruff tends to affect entire families.
- Weather conditions:for example, exposure to the sun, cold, heat, or wind.
- Physical or emotional stress.
- Hormonal changes.
- Lifestyle factors, such as diet or alcohol intake.
Regardless of the causes of dandruff, the problem is treated with different products: softening shampoos, creams and foams, masks, regenerating fluids or tonics, ampoules, anti-dandruff treatments . “We will recommend one or the other depending on the patient, the type of dandruff and the stage in which it is found,” explains Velasco.
The expert reviews the characteristics of each product:
1) Shampoo
Anti-dandruff shampoo is the star product to treat this problem. It is not an aggressive product, so the hair is not damaged and combines the specific treatment with daily hair cleaning.
Velasco points out that the ingredients they contain fulfill various functions, including:
- They decrease the thickness of the stratum corneum,which favors looser hair and capable of absorbing part of the sebum secreted by the scalp.
- They decrease the amount of sebum produced.
The expert indicates that it should be used two or three times a week. In each wash two soaps would be given, “a first to remove dirt from the hair and a second by massaging and leaving the ingredients of the cosmetic to work for a few minutes.”
2) Tonic
If there is much itching, the pharmacist recommends using a toner on clean, dry hair. It can be used daily or several times a week.
3) Peeling ampoule
Velasco also suggests using a peeling ampoule once a week to eliminate flaking. “This product helps the assets we use to penetrate better, especially at the beginning of the anti-dandruff treatment.”
Depending on the evolution of the person, “this ampoule can be used twice a week.”
4) Anti-dandruff hair mask
Another recommended product is the mask or smoothing cream, which control the appearance of dandruff, “they give shine and recover the good appearance of the hair,” says Velasco.
When do you start to see the results?
If these treatments are used properly, Velasco states that “the results begin to be seen four weeks after the start of the treatment, although their duration will depend on the type of dandruff and how the patient is doing.”
Oily dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis has outbreaks and, therefore, “the treatment will be used throughout the year, with more or less intensity, alternated with shampoos or hair beauty treatments.”
