Organic Solutions for Dandruff

Condition overview

• Formally known as seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff is a very common scalp ailment that causes excessive flaking and itching of the skin.
• The chronic condition, more common in men than women, is rarely serious but can be annoying and cause self-esteem issues.
• Known as "cradle cap" in infants, seborrheic dermatitis can also affect other parts of the body.
• The fungus malassezia is a known cause of dandruff. A small amount of malassezia is normally present on the skin, but it can cause problems in high concentrations.
• Eczema or psoriasis may also cause dandruff.

Key ingredient to look for

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  Tea Tree oil

  Taken from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, this antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal oil has been used for centuries to calm the scalp and reduce dandruff.

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  Rosemary

  Invigorating, warming and stimulating, rosemary increases circulation, improves blood flow, while regenerating and nurturing the scalp.

Alternative recommendations

• Avoid overusing styling products, including sprays, gels and mousses, that create build up on the scalp.
• A nutritious diet rich in zinc, B vitamins and healthy fats may help prevent dandruff.
• Small, controlled amounts of sunlight have been known to reduce dandruff. Just be careful with the amount of exposure and avoid getting a sunburn.