A problem that affects up to 50% of people, dandruff can be driven by factors ranging from hot baths to stress. They arise from the swelling of the sebaceous glands, located at the base of the hair follicle, which start to produce excess oily secretion, forcing a faster exchange of the scalp tissue. The dead cells, when eliminated, resemble white flakes and uncomfortable dandruff.
In addition to scaling, an itchy scalp is also one of the characteristic signs of this condition, which can cause other local reactions, such as greasy spots and tingling.
Dandruff can also arise due to seborrheic dermatitis, dry skin, sensitivity to hair products, or the growth of a type of fungus that develops on the scalp.
Although there are several solutions indicated to combat the problem, the use of some homemade products helps a lot to reduce the dandruff symptoms.
Nine Ways To Get Rid Of Dandruff Naturally:
Try Tea Tree Oil
Also called tea tree oil, it is one of the most used essential oils in natural medicine worldwide for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which also help relieve dandruff symptoms.
Used in the treatment of diseases such as acne and psoriasis, its effectiveness in fighting infections, including those resistant to antibiotics, such as fungal and bacterial skin problems, has been proven by different studies.
One review, for example, showed that it works by fighting the fungus strain, which can cause seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
Use Coconut Oil
Known for its many health benefits, coconut oil is a natural remedy to fight dandruff. It helps improve skin hydration and prevent dryness, contributing to worsening symptoms.
A small study of 34 people demonstrated that coconut oil is as effective as mineral oil for skin hydration.
It also helps treat eczema, an inflammation of the skin, which can also cause dandruff.
The effects of coconut oil and mineral oil were also compared in treating atopic dermatitis and chronic inflammation of the skin. Applying it for eight weeks reduced symptoms by 68%, compared to just 38% of the effects provided by mineral oil.
Coconut oil has even been shown to have antimicrobial properties in some laboratory studies, although the effects on the fungus that causes dandruff have yet to be examined.
Apply Aloe Vera
The gel extracted from the inner lining of the aloe plant leaves is famous for its almost miraculous properties for the skin and hair. For example, it can help treat burns, psoriasis, and cold sores.
At the same time, it is antibacterial and antifungal, which contributes to protecting the scalp against dandruff, as a review of different studies pointed out.
Its effectiveness in combating different species of fungi was also confirmed by tests carried out in laboratories, helping to control infections caused by them, which can result in hair loss. The gel even attenuates the inflammatory process.
However, despite the positive results pointed out by these studies, more evidence is needed to prove the benefits of inhibiting the formation of dandruff or the symptoms caused by it.
Monitor Stress
Stress is a disease that affects a large part of the world population, usually caused by external stimuli; it can provoke a set of physical, mental, psychological, and behavioral responses in the organism.
While it is not a dandruff-causing factor, it is responsible for aggravating symptoms like dryness and itchiness.
In addition, people who experience this condition for a long time may have a weakened immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections, including those caused by fungi or other skin-related infections, which contribute to the formation of dandruff.
A study with the participation of 82 people with seborrheic dermatitis, for example, identified as one of the most common causes for the appearance of dandruff, showed that this type of inflammation, in most cases, was preceded by an event. Stressful.
Practicing meditation, yoga, and aromatherapy – a therapeutic exercise that uses the properties of 100% pure essential oils to restore balance and personal harmony – can go a long way in keeping stress levels under control.
Add Apple Cider Vinegar To The Shampoo
Apple cider vinegar has also been linked to several health benefits, including improving insulin sensitivity and increasing weight loss.
Its effectiveness in fighting dandruff is attributed to acidity, which helps eliminate dead cells from the scalp. It also provides more balance to the pH of the skin, which helps to reduce the growth of fungi and, consequently, the formation of dandruff.
However, these benefits have not been proven by any scientific evidence and are only supported by testimonials from people who have used the condiment for this purpose, although some tests carried out with apple cider vinegar in laboratories prove its effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of different types of fungi.
An excellent tip to experience the effects provided by it in the fight against dandruff is to add a few tablespoons to the shampoo (about three or four). It can also be combined with essential oils and sprayed directly onto the hair.
Take An Aspirin Test
Salicylic acid, one of the main substances in aspirin and responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties, is also present in the composition of several anti-dandruff shampoos.
This substance works by helping to get rid of flaky skin by shedding the flakes so they can be removed .
Increase Your Omega-3 Intake
Omega-3, affectionately known as “good fat,” is the most famous of the fatty acids, essential for the proper functioning of the body, although it cannot be produced by it.
It has been the subject of thousands of studies worldwide, with evidence of benefits that favor different biological functions, promoting better mental health, heart, eyes, and bones, for example, and strengthening the immune system.
Eat More Probiotic-Rich Foods
The term probiotic derives from the Greek biotikos, which means “in favor of life,” and appeared in 1965 to designate substances produced by microorganisms that favored other organisms’ growth. The main probiotics are found in dairy products.
These beneficial bacteria provide various health benefits, help with digestion, absorption, and synthesis of vitamins and minerals, decrease cholesterol levels or increase immune resistance, protecting against the development of numerous diseases, including some neoplasms.
Baking Soda: A Natural Exfoliant
Commonly found in almost every kitchen, one of the benefits provided by baking soda is its exfoliating action. It gently removes dead skin cells while reducing flakiness and relieving itchiness. It also has antifungal properties, which can benefit the treatment of dandruff.
A laboratory study proved its antifungal action on species that cause skin infections. It inhibited the growth of these fungi in 79% of the samples after seven days.
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