Dandruff or flaking? How to distinguish between them and take action

Itching, flaky skin, small white flakes on your clothes: it's not always dandruff. Here's how to tell the difference and what steps to take to restore balance with the ESTĒREL Method.

How can I tell if it's dandruff or flaking?

This is a very common question. Dandruff and flaking are not the same thing:

Dandruff: is linked to an imbalance in the microflora of the scalp. Cells renew too quickly and form visible plaques and flakes that can be dry or oily. It is often associated with intense itching, redness and, in more severe cases, an oilier or inflamed scalp.

Desquamation: this is more like skin “peeling”. It often appears when the skin is very dry, dehydrated or stressed (e.g. due to overly aggressive cleansers, sun, cold, sudden changes in temperature). The flakes are thin, light and fall off easily without excessive itching.

Why does this happen?

The answer is multifactorial:

• Reactive and unbalanced skin (altered pH, compromised hydrolipidic barrier)
• Stress, hormones or diet affecting the microflora
• Cleansing that is too aggressive or, conversely, too infrequent
• Excessive sweating, hot and humid weather or wearing hats
• In cases of flaking, also dehydration and marked skin dryness

What can I do right away?

The first thing is not to improvise with DIY remedies that risk making the problem worse. The key is to understand the cause: dandruff and flaking require different treatments.

• If you suspect you have dandruff, you need a purifying action that rebalances the skin microbiome and regulates flaking. We recommend: the Purifiant Pellicules line, specifically designed to combat persistent flakes and soothe itching.
• If, on the other hand, your skin appears dry and flaky, you need deep hydration and nourishment to rebuild the skin barrier. We recommend: the Phyto Affinant line, ideal for dry and flaky skin, even with occasional itching.

What if I'm not sure?

Symptoms often overlap. That's why the ESTĒREL Method always starts with a diagnosis: understanding whether it's dandruff (active or dry), simple flaking or other conditions (seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.) is essential for choosing the right routine.

We invite you to discuss this directly with our Beauty Scientists: you can send photos and a description of your case to receive a personalised routine that combines shampoos, lotions and targeted treatments.

Our practical advice

• Avoid scratching the skin or removing flakes: this worsens irritation and micro-lesions.
• Use specific shampoos and alternate them with a mild cleanser when the problem improves.
• Use soothing or rebalancing lotions to prolong the cleansing effect.
• If the problem persists for more than a few weeks, seek advice from a specialist or our Beauty Scientists.

Conclusion: balance and method

Understanding dandruff or flaking is the first step. The good news? With the ESTĒREL Method, the scalp regains its balance thanks to targeted, natural and scientifically validated rituals. Let the experts guide you: every scalp is unique, and yours deserves a tailor-made approach.