How Is Dandruff Formed?
The results won’t be shocking if I say that almost 60.1% of the total population in South Asia and 50% of the entire population of the world suffer from dandruff. It is a common condition that affects almost every individual.
It is also a common understanding that dandruff is composed of dead skin cells, as those are the ones that are shed from the scalp. But do you actually know how a skin cell dies before shedding? Do you know how dandruff has progressed? Do you know how the amount of dandruff increases?
If not, then this blog is for you! Later, we shall also walk through some ways of dandruff removal.
So let’s get started.
What is dandruff and how is it formed?
Dandruff is caused when little particles of dry skin are shed from the scalp. These flakes may be found in your hair or on your shoulders. Dandruff can also make your scalp itchy. It’s a common issue, but it’s not as straightforward as it appears. Dandruff is difficult to identify since it overlaps with seborrheic dermatitis (a chronic form of eczema) and other skin disorders that result in a scaly scalp.
Basically, what we can say is, dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells.
How do dead skin cells form?
The epidermis refers to the visible outermost layer of skin. It is largely made up of keratin-producing cells (keratinocytes). These cells are gradually forced to the skin’s surface by newer cells, where they harden and finally die. The hardened keratinocytes (corneocytes) are tightly packed together and shut off the skin from the outer environment.
The epidermis is continually renewing itself: new cells are formed in the epidermis’ lower layers. Within four weeks, these will reach the surface. This continuous regeneration replaces the cells that die and fall to the ground as little flakes of skin when the skin is massaged.
Pressure or rubbing causes the cells of the epidermis to develop more quickly. However, the quantity of skin flakes shed remains constant. As a result, the layer of toughened skin on the surface thickens, and a callus forms. The skin does this to protect itself, to make it more resistant to pressure and rubbing.
How does dandruff occur?
Dandruff is caused by the fungus Malassezia restricta. This causes an imbalance in the quantity of dead skin cells produced. During dandruff, the amount of Malassezia increases by 1.5 to 2 times the normal level. Due to this, the oleic acid penetrates the top layer of the epidermis, which evokes an inflammatory response and disrupts the homeostasis process. This increases the amount of dandruff on the scalp.
What are the methods of dandruff removal?
Now, if we have to treat dandruff, the basics are simple. All we have to focus on is reducing the colonization of dandruff fungus and slowing the rate of formation of dead skin cells. So here are some tips that can be used to treat dandruff (we shall specifically discuss home remedies to treat dandruff)
1. Use of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil includes terpinene-4-ol, a molecule with potent antibacterial activity. Tea tree oils with high terpinene-4-ol concentrations may help eliminate dandruff by inhibiting the growth of fungus and bacteria on the scalp.
2. Use of lemongrass oil
Lemongrass oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that may aid in the treatment of dandruff. You may also mix lemongrass oil with shampoo or conditioner to treat dandruff.
3. Use of aloe vera gel
It is known for its healing properties and has several bioactive components like antioxidants and amino acids that tend to reduce dandruff. It improves moisture retention in the skin, reduces inflammation, and directly treats symptoms of dandruff, like itchiness.
4. Use of Coconut oil
It improves hydration, reduces inflammation, and prevents the growth of dandruff fungus on the scalp. You may apply coconut oil before shampooing or find a shampoo that contains coconut oil.
To read further on ways to treat dandruff, click here.
Wrapping Up
The progression of dandruff is simply explained by the mechanism of decay of a skin cell. When the normal balance is vitiated due to colonization of the dandruff fungus – Malassezia, dandruff increases.
We hope that this blog was informative. If you want to read more about dandruff, continue reading here.
