7 Natural Remedies That Fight Dandruff
If winter brings a blizzard of flakes to your shoulders, rest assured that you aren't alone. Experts estimate that some 50 million Americans suffer from dandruff, which weather seems to exacerbate.
No one seems to know winter has this effect. Some experts believe it has to do with less exposure to ultraviolet light, which controls.
Others surmise it can be attributed to because of the cold, or people wearing tight-fitting hats more frequently. Others state the flakes just appear more on the clothes we tend to wear.
"The main point is that dandruff gets worse in the winter months for reasons we can not explain," admits dermatologist Dr. Patricia Farris, who practices in Metairie, La. "It is really an enigma."
That much we do know. An excess of oil, which is secreted by glands in the skin triggers most cases. The fungus malassezia feeds clump together to create the flakes that are telltale and causing skin cells to lose.
"The overactive or inflamed glands create a greasy scale, and the yeast grows in that," clarifies Farris, who's also a clinical associate professor at Tulane University in New Orleans. "In treating dandruff, you need to address both the yeast and the redness."
The easiest way to do that, she adds, would be to use a shampoo. The shampoos have anti-inflammatory ingredients like ketoconazole and coal tar.
"One of the biggest misconceptions is that individuals with dandruff believe their own scalp is dry, so they stop washing their hair," Farris tells Newsmax Health. "That allows the fatty scale to build up along with the yeast to overgrow. Washing your hair once a day is far better than more infrequent washing."
They contain substances that some practitioners say are better to avoid although Farris insists that shampoos -- equally over-the-counter and prescription -- are effective and safe. Coal tar, in particular, was a mainstay in dandruff shampoos for decades but is also a known carcinogen. Dandruff shampoos are also notorious for turning hair dry and frizzy.
"Medicated shampoos can work temporarily, but the dandruff generally returns," notes Trevor Cates, a naturopathic doctor based in Park City, Utah. "They aren't a long-term alternative."
Here are some ways that organic health experts say may help you control winter dandruff:
Salt exfoliation: Massage a handful of salt in your scalp before showering. The crystals will remove a lot of the dead skin cells and scales.
Apple cider vinegar: TV's Dr. Mehmet Oz is a lover of the treatment. The acidic nature of the vinegar inhibits development of the yeast. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water wet hair, in a spray bottle and let sit 15 minutes. Try it.
Tea tree oil: You'll discover this essential oil from natural dandruff shampoos due to its potent anti-microbial properties. It's possible to add a few drops to your regular shampoo or merely massage them into your scalp.
Baking soda: This all-purpose cleaner is also great at cleaning the yeast out onto your scalp, state experts. Massage a few of the powder then rinse in the shower.
Coconut oil: An ancient remedy, coconut oil is just another anti-fungal agent. Before showering, massage approximately four tablespoons into your scalp once a day and then leave it around for an hour.
Diet: Dandruff may be affected by what you eat. Sugar, processed foods and unhealthy fats are all known to contribute to oil excesses. Eating more whole foods will help keep the oils.
Lifestyle: Clearly, practicing good hygiene is vital. And dandruff was associated with stress, so doing anything you can to relax -- meditation, yoga, gardening, etc. -- may also enable you to avoid having an accumulation of winter snowflakes on your shoulders.
Read More: Women Who Undergo Cataract Surgery May Lengthen Their Lives 5 Essential Self Checkups That Could Extend Your Life Afternoon Scheduled Heart Surgeries Have Better Results
