What is Dandruff and what are its causes?

Dandruff is one of the most common issues related to scalp health. This condition, characterized by the presence of small flakes of dead skin on the scalp, can be accompanied by itching, irritation, and redness.

Dandruff is not just an aesthetic problem; it can also impact our self-esteem and overall well-being. In this article, we will explore in detail what dandruff is, what causes it, and how it can be effectively treated.

What is Dandruff?

Dandruff is the consequence of the flaking of the scalp. Dead skin flakes accumulate and shed, becoming visible among the hair or falling onto clothing.

There are two main types of dandruff:

• Dry Dandruff: Characterized by small, white flakes that easily detach from the scalp. Dry dandruff is often accompanied by itching and is most common during winter when the climate is drier and the skin tends to become dehydrated.

• Oily Dandruff: Appears as larger, yellowish flakes that adhere to the scalp due to excess sebum. This type of dandruff is often associated with seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes inflammation and redness.

Although dandruff is not a serious condition, it can be challenging to manage and negatively affect one's quality of life.

Causes of Dandruff

Understanding the causes of dandruff is crucial for effective treatment. The causes can be numerous and often interconnected. The main ones include:

1. Sebum production imbalance

The scalp naturally produces sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the skin hydrated. However, an excessive sebum production can create a favorable environment for the excessive proliferation of a fungus called Malassezia, which normally lives on the skin. This fungus generates substances that irritate the scalp, leading to increased shedding of skin cells and dandruff, often accompanied by itching.

2. Dry skin

Dandruff can result from excessively dry skin. When the scalp is particularly dehydrated, dead skin cells accumulate and shed more easily. This condition is more common in winter when the air is dry and cold, and can be exacerbated by indoor heating, which further reduces humidity.

3. Reaction to aggressive hair care products

The use of shampoos, conditioners, or styling products containing irritating ingredients can trigger dandruff; these products work by stripping away the scalp's natural protective oils, irritating it and contributing to flaking. Similarly, washing hair too frequently, especially with very hot water, can remove the protective lipid layer from the scalp, leaving it vulnerable to dehydration.

4. Diet and lifestyle

A diet lacking essential nutrients such as B vitamins, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to dandruff. Stress and lack of sleep are also factors that can worsen scalp health, leading to increased flaking.

5. Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema, can present with symptoms similar to dandruff. Therefore, it is important to differentiate these conditions to adopt the most appropriate treatment.

How to Treat Dandruff

Once the causes of dandruff are identified, an effective strategy can be implemented to combat it. The good news is that there are several products specifically formulated to tackle dandruff. Below, we suggest an effective routine to address this issue and restore scalp health.

1. Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Using a quality shampoo suited to your hair type or specific issues is the foundation of any hair care routine.

To treat dandruff, we recommend ESTĒREL's PHYTO ACTION PURIFIANTE + shampoo, ideal for effectively treating both dry and oily dandruff.

Formulated with the active ingredient Octopirox and enriched with plant extracts, this shampoo acts gently, slowing the shedding of the scalp and restoring the normal cell turnover.

2. Anti-Dandruff Lotion

For more targeted treatment, an anti-dandruff lotion can be a valuable ally. Lotions are formulated to be applied directly to the scalp, where they work deeply to reduce flaking and soothe itching.

ESTĒREL's ANTIPELLICULAIRE SEC + is a highly effective lotion specifically designed to treat both dry and oily dandruff. Enriched with Esamidina Disetionato, Capelvenere, Barosma Betulina, and Henna extracts, it counters the accelerated cell turnover, reducing flake formation, and regulates excessive sebum secretion, restoring the skin's natural balance.

3. Dandruff Kit

For a complete and intensive dandruff routine, ESTĒREL offers the SPECIAL PURIFYING BOX, a travel-sized kit specifically designed to provide an effective and lasting solution. The kit includes the PHYTO ACTION PURIFIANTE + shampoo, the ANTIPELLICULAIRE SEC + Lotion, and the AP HYDRA PURE mask, which work together in perfect synergy to tackle all types of flaking, whether dry, oily, or associated with an itchy scalp. These products are formulated to cleanse, purify, and refresh both the hair and scalp, restoring natural balance and ensuring visible, long-lasting results.

Dandruff prevention

In addition to using specific products, certain habits can help prevent the recurrence of dandruff:

• Regular, but not excessive hair washing: Keeping the scalp clean is essential to prevent the buildup of sebum and dead cells, but washing it too much can lead to the opposite effect;

• Avoid irritating products: opt for gentle products free from harsh ingredients;

• Maintain a balanced diet: a balanced diet, with the right amount of all essential nutrients, can help prevent the formation of dandruff

Thus, with the right combination of products and good habits, it is possible to achieve healthy, balanced hair and scalp.