Tired of dandruff? Learn about the causes and solutions for dandruff!

Dandruff is common, but the underlying causes are far more complex than the visible flakes. The following will explain what dandruff is, typical treatments, the true root causes, and ways to improve it.

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What is dandruff?
Dandruff is caused by the excessive shedding of the keratinocytes on the surface of the scalp. Normally, scalp cells require approximately [a certain number of cells to grow]. The scalp typically renews and sheds its skin monthly; however, with dandruff, this process may only take 7 days. This results in a large amount of fine flakes falling onto the shoulders or clothes.

Common typical treatments
The most common treatment method is to use [a substance containing...]. Zinc pyrithione ( ZPT ) Shampoos, such as well-known brands Head & Shoulders .
Mechanism: Antifungal and antibacterial, can temporarily suppress dandruff.
Problem: ZPT has been banned in Europe due to studies showing potential toxicity risks to the reproductive system.

The real root cause of dandruff
Studies have found that dandruff is related to a substance called... Malassezia It is related to fungi.
It is normally a resident bacterium on the skin, but it can proliferate abnormally when the environment is imbalanced, leading to immune responses and inflammation.

This fungus feeds on the fat in scalp sebum , with a particular preference for saturated fats and triglycerides, but dislikes Omega-6 fatty acids (which are themselves inflammatory fats). Therefore, dandruff is just the tip of the iceberg of an imbalance in the body's flora, which may be related to an imbalance in the gut microbiota, especially after the use of antibiotics, which disrupts the microecological balance of the gut and skin.

How to get rid of dandruff?

1. Rebuild scalp flora

You can try supplementing your diet with "good bacteria" naturally to inhibit excessive fungal growth:

Kimchi juice : Dilute 1 teaspoon of kimchi juice with water, apply to the scalp after shampooing, leave for 15 minutes , then rinse.
Olive oil + coconut oil: Apply to the scalp before bed and wash off the next day. The lauric acid in coconut oil has antifungal properties.

Other natural options include diluted tea tree oil, garlic oil, and oregano oil, all of which have antibacterial effects and fewer side effects.

2. Improve your diet

reduce Sugar and carbohydrates (yeast and fungi have a particular fondness for sugar).
avoid High- Omega-6 plant oils (such as soybean oil, canola oil, and corn oil) are known to promote inflammation.
Recommended A low-sugar diet, or even a healthy version of the ketogenic diet, can help. Many people experience a natural reduction or even disappearance of dandruff after improving their diet.
Eat more foods containing probiotics: kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir cheese.

3. Change to a non-irritating shampoo.
Many shampoos and conditioners contain antibacterial chemicals, which can disrupt the scalp's microbiome with long-term use.
Choose cleaning products with simple ingredients that do not contain harmful chemicals, and reduce the use of hairspray, hair dye, and high-temperature blow dryers.

4. Use a shower filter
Chlorine and fluoride in tap water can irritate the skin's surface microbiome.
Installing a shower filter can improve scalp and overall skin condition, and may even help improve acne and skin texture.

Conclusion
Dandruff is not just a problem of "dandruff," but a manifestation of an imbalance between the scalp and the gut microbiota.
To completely improve the condition, in addition to choosing natural local treatments, you should also start with dietary adjustments and lifestyle habits to solve the problem of dandruff in the long term.