Doc Health Tips – Get health tips here!
Acne isn’t the only thing you have to deal with during your teens. There’s this other dreaded skin condition that is annoying and makes you extremely uncomfortable — dandruff.
You are too engrossed in resisting the temptation to scratch your scalp or are constantly keeping an eye on your shoulders to see if the flakes have taken over.
So, how does it go away? Before we delve deeper into dandruff treatment at home, you need to get to the bottom of what’s causing this skin condition.
So, here’s a quick science lesson for you on what causes dandruff:
- The human scalp has a microbe called Malassezia globose that feeds on the sebum that your scalp produces. Usually, this microbe is harmless, but the by-product, oleic acid that is produced when the sebum breaks down, is what triggers dandruff.
- Around half the population is allergic to this oleic acid. As an allergic reaction, the skin produces new cells at an alarming rate, causing excess dead skin cells to accumulate on the scalp and hair as flakes, that fall on your shoulder.
- Teenagers are more prone to dandruff since they experience hormonal fluctuations. These hormones are responsible for changes that your body goes through. During your teens, these hormones trigger excess oil production, which sets the entire dandruff-producing cycle in motion.
How to treat dandruff at home?
You can always browse the Internet for “best dandruff remedies” and it will throw up a volume of results. But it gets tedious rummaging through the slew of treatments to find the ones that work. So, without much ado, let’s look at the best dandruff treatments at home that not just help you keep dandruff at bay, but also gives you beautiful, clean hair.
- Tea tree oil
You might have come across how incredible tea tree oil is for your skin. But, did you know that tea tree oil also works for treating dandruff? This incredible home remedy is antifungal and antibacterial in nature and has the power to keep fungal and bacterial infections at bay. You can add a drop or two of this oil to your shampoo and wash your hair like you usually do.
- Neem oil
Neem has been used as a home remedy for a variety of conditions owing to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Since dandruff is caused by the fungus Malassezia globose, neem is the perfect antidote to dandruff. It even offers relief from the incessant itching that can cause serious damage to your scalp. However, ensure that you dilute the neem oil with some other carrier oil since the concentrated version would only irritate your skin further.
- Coconut oil
Coconut oil is an incredible moisturizer and has been used for ages to keep your skin and hair hydrated. Coconut oil and its compounds have antimicrobial properties that can keep dandruff in control. It also helps relieve the itchiness and inflammation that accompanies dandruff. Apply the oil to your scalp and leave it on for some time before washing it off completely.
- Aloe vera
This tiny succulent is known to possess incredible hydrating properties and has been widely used in skincare. It is mostly used to treat skin conditions like sores, psoriasis, and burns. It possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help protect against dandruff. Aloe vera can reduce inflammation, which tends to reduce the symptoms of dandruff, such as itching, inflammation, and flaking.
- Use an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner
The right anti-dandruff shampoo can help you keep dandruff in control, and prevent it from recurring. You can try Head and Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo that’s formulated with zinc pyrithione, which is known to fight dandruff. Pair it with an effective Head and Shoulders anti-dandruff conditioner, which nourishes your hair and adds to the anti-dandruff shampoo’s dandruff-fighting power.
Though the changes your body goes through during your teenage years cannot be controlled, you can keep dandruff in check. Stick to these home remedies and watch your scalp and hair transform into a healthier version of themselves.
