Do you see flakes on your shoulders? The initial thing that may come to your mind is dandruff and you may rush to get the best anti-dandruff shampoo on the market. However, this well-intentioned action may backfire. The fact is that it is a common mistake to mix the oily scalp with the dry dandruff — and knowing the best remedies for dry dandruff and flaky scalp becomes essential before choosing any product. Misuse of the treatment can usually make the situation worse.
The first and most important thing to do in order to effectively relieve your flakes is to understand the root cause of your flakes. We shall deconstruct the major differences to ensure that you select a solution that works.
The Main Difference: Too Much Oil vs. Not Enough Moisture
Deep down this is a story of two very diverse scalp conditions:
- One such case is an Oily Scalp, which is a case of overproduction. The sebum (natural oil) is being overproduced by the working of sebaceous glands.
- A case of underhydration is Dry Dandruff. The head is dry, and the skin is tight and irritated, peeling off.
A plain, dry scalp can be stripped of its natural barriers by using a harsh, anti-fungal product, which will result in increased irritation. On the contrary, applying a thick, hydrating cream on a greasy scalp may block pores and nourish the microorganisms that create the problem.
A Simple Symptom Checker: What Are Your Flakes Telling You?
To identify what is wrong with you, have a closer look at the clues:
Signs of an Oily, Flaky Scalp
- Flake Appearance: Flakes are bigger, thicker and very likely to be yellowish or greasy.
- Scalp Feel: Your roots are oily and greasy, even a little after the shower.
- The Itch: Itchiness may be intermittent and severe.
- The Cause: This can be usually associated with a microbe known as Malassezia. This fungus feeds on the surplus oil, disintegrating it into an irritant which causes the skin cells to shed faster, resulting in those sticky flakes.
Signs of a Dry, Flaky Scalp:
- Flake Appearance: Flakes are tiny, white, dry, and powder-like.
- Scalp Examination: Your scalp is tight, dry and can be tender.
- The Itch: Itchiness is caused by dryness and tightness.
- The Cause: Not usually fungal. It is normally triggered by outside factors such as cold weather, vicious sulphates in your shampoo, hot water or sensitive skin.
Your Targeted Treatment Plan
You are now able to implement the appropriate solution since you can identify the problem.
For an Oily, Flaky Scalp:
- Attack the Fungus: Shampoos with active ingredients such as Zinc Pyrithione or Ketoconazole should be used. These have direct control over the Malassezia population.
- Exfoliate: Check on Salicylic Acid to aid in the disintegration and removal of the clumpy flakes and unclog follicles.
- Wash Frequently: There is no need to be afraid of washing regularly to keep oil accumulation under control.
For a Dry, Flaky Scalp:
- Soothe and Hydrate: You want to be moist. Select Aloe Vera, ceramide or niacinamide products to restore a natural barrier on the scalp.
- Go Soft: Do not use harsh sulphates (SLS), which take away natural oils. Use sulphate-free and mild cleansers.
- Use lukewarm water: Do not use hot water to avoid additional drying.
Conclusion
Scalp care is not a game of guesses. Knowing the key distinctions between an oily head and dry dandruff, you will be able to leave the general-purpose options and select a specific approach that will lead to a permanent solution.
This is our philosophy of focused, science-based solutions. Be it the creation of formulas in large-scale government contracts or in the case of partners in the private label, it is always about finding the root of the issue and using high-integrity ingredients to deal with it. Visit Kosmiqua’s website today!