Is exfoliating good or bad for dandruff?

Is exfoliating good or bad for dandruff?

You might have heard about the term exfoliating from several people or while reading articles. So, now here comes the question: is exfoliating good or bad for dandruff? If it is good then you should continue to do it and get rid of dandruff. But, what if it is not? And makes your dandruff even worse. So, today’s article is everything about it. Let us begin. 

About Scalp Exfoliating

Even though the body naturally repairs dead skin cells with new skin cells, it can sometimes benefit from exfoliation. This is also true for the scalp. Exfoliating the scalp with physical or chemical exfoliants removes dead skin cells, oil, and dandruff. Many hair experts believe that exfoliating the scalp regularly is the key to healthier, shinier hair from the roots to the tips.

Continue reading to find out more about the benefits of scalp exfoliation, and how to produce your own at home…

What are the upsides of exfoliating the scalp?

Scalp exfoliation can be a relaxing and stress-relieving method of revitalizing the scalp. Exfoliation can thus benefit practically anyone who wants to undertake it. Scalp exfoliation, on the other hand, maybe very effective for persons suffering from dandruff, dry skin, and oily hair. Although hair is made up of dead skin cells, which is why a haircut isn’t harmful, the scalp is a living component of your skin. It is like the rest of your body requires care or maintenance.

How to Exfoliate your scalp?

Scalp exfoliation is a combination/mixture of scalp massage and skin therapy. Although it is safe to massage your scalp every day, you should only exfoliate it once or twice a week. Exfoliating eliminates oil from the scalp, and exfoliation on a regular basis may cause the scalp to panic and overproduce oil.

Scalp exfoliation is normally done on wet, freshly shampooed hair. You can apply the scrub with your fingertips after combing and sectioning your hair. You might also use an exfoliating brush or glove. When using a physical exfoliant, rubbing in a gentle, circular motion can be beneficial.

Scalp exfoliation sometimes makes the scalp seem more sensitive. To guard against sun damage and prevent sensitivity, apply a protective spray-on sunscreen made for hair.

Natural exfoliants that you can create yourself at Home

You can often manufacture your own scalp exfoliator with common household items.

  1. Brown sugar and oatmeal scrub

To prepare a brown sugar and an oatmeal scrub, combine the following ingredients:

  • Two teaspoons of brown sugar
  • Two teaspoons of finely ground oatmeal
  • Two teaspoons of your preferred hair conditioner

The sugar-oatmeal combination acts as a physical exfoliator, assisting in the removal of dead skin cells. Start applying the mixture to your damp hair after shampooing. To reach the scalp, use gentle, circular strokes and thoroughly rinse afterward.

  1. Aspirin Scrub

To prepare an aspirin scrub, combine the following ingredients:

  • six to eight aspirin
  • 4 tbsp. warmed water

Salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliator, is found in aspirin. You can take things a step further by applying the mixture to your scalp with a toothbrush. Scrubbing lightly will assist in physically removing dead skin cells. When finished, rinse completely and apply your preferred conditioner.

Exfoliants applied physically (scrubs)

Physical exfoliants contain chemicals that cause friction against the scalp, allowing dead skin cells to be removed. Physical exfoliants work best when massaged against the scalp. Look for phrases like “scrub” to identify physical scalp exfoliants when buying.

Exfoliants made from chemicals (peels)

Chemical exfoliants are made up of active chemicals that exfoliate the scalp without the use of mechanical exfoliation. Always read the label to decide how long you should keep the product on and whether you can style it as usual after use.

Contraindications from Chemical Peels 

There are contraindications to using chemical peels. Some of them are mentioned below. They are as follows:

  • Radiation 
  • Allergy
  • Pregnancy
  • The presence of herpes leads to infection
  • Weakens immune system
  • Facial rashes
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease

Risks and potential adverse effects

If you have any of the following conditions, you should not exfoliate your scalp:

  • An active infection like ringworm
  • an open wound
  • lice infestation

Certain chemical or physical exfoliants may be too abrasive for those with sensitive skin in some situations. If you develop pain, edema, or irritation when exfoliating, stop using it. If the soreness persists, consult a doctor.

Summing Up 

Scalp exfoliants are a great method to see healthier hair from the roots up. Begin with a once-weekly scalp treatment and gradually increase to twice-weekly if desired. After exfoliating, avoid exposing your scalp to direct sunlight. If you must go outside, wear a hat or apply an SPF made for your scalp and hair.

About Author

Dr. Anish M Kurias

Dr. Anish M Kurias has more than 20 years of experience and is a gold medalist from Ashwini Ayurveda Medical College, Davanagere, hails from a 131 years old traditional ayurvedic toxicology family in Kerala.

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