Why Did the Earlier Generation Never Have Dandruff Issues?

We all have said a dialogue at least once to our elders, “How are your hairs so healthy without shampooing?” This is what I used to ask my Amma. Earlier, people used to head baths with natural herbs and oil extracts that did not affect them with scalp conditions like dandruff. Though there were many cases, not as much as 50% of the human population with dandruff, which is seen today. 

What is the reason behind this? Why is today’s generation suffering from dandruff? This is what we shall be reviewing in this article.

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is a skin disorder that primarily affects the scalp. Flaking and slight itching are common symptoms. It can lead to social or self-esteem issues. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a more severe type of illness that causes skin inflammation. 

As the skin layers regenerate, cells are pushed outward, where they die and peel off. Most people cannot see these skin flakes because they are too little. Certain diseases, however, produce abnormally high cell turnover, particularly in the scalp. 

It is theorized that skin cells mature and shed in 2-7 days in people with dandruff, compared to roughly a month in people without dandruff. As a result, dead skin cells are shed in big, greasy clumps, resulting in white or gray flakes on the scalp, skin, and clothing.

Why is today’s generation suffering from dandruff?

The previous generation had the advantage of living a natural life. They were fortunate that they did not suffer from any hair and scalp-related difficulties as they consumed natural food and used natural home remedies such as shikakai powder, eggs, and curry leaves to wash their hair, which is why many ladies, particularly in India, have long hair without dandruff or hair fall.

But today’s generation is exposed to bad eating habits and chemicals that start from pollution to hair care products. Hence, today’s generation suffers from dandruff. The reasons are elaborated in the further section.

The reasons for this are

1. Stress

Immune system deterioration is one of the main effects of stress. You may become vulnerable to yeast and bacterial development when this is coupled with a disturbance in your blood circulation. Your body is more vulnerable to injury since the normal bodily processes that would normally control this growth are operating at a lowered level.

2. Pollution 

Similar to how it affects our skin, pollution also has an impact on our scalp. Damage-causing pollutants including dirt, dust, and everyday grime increase scalp build-up, obstruct hair follicles, and trigger excessive sebum production. As a result, the scalp may experience itching, flaking, dandruff, and even pimples. 

The entire condition of our hair health suffers since it alters the pH of the hair, which results in poor growth, breakage, split ends, and dull-looking strands. The damaging UV rays that are a result of pollution also injure the scalp and hair.

3. Lack of adequate sunlight exposure

The fungus that causes seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff is suppressed by sunlight. If the exposure to sunlight is least due to busy schedules, the colonization of dandruff fungus increases, leading to excessive dandruff issues. 

4. Hereditary factors

Dandruff may develop as a result of an adverse reaction to epidermis microorganisms. Microbes exist on your scalp just like they do in your digestive tract. These microorganisms may, in some people, set off immunological responses that cause the skin cells to divide quickly and flake off, leading to dandruff. Genetics may be a factor, but scientists don’t know why some people are sensitive to these germs while others aren’t.

5. Unhealthy eating habits

High-sugar, processed food, and “bad”-fat diets cause insulin spikes, which then stimulate hormone surges that may cause the production of oil. An imbalance in hormone levels leads to excessive secretion of sebum on the scalp. This sebum provides an adequate environment for Malassezia fungus to colonize, thus leading to dandruff.

6. Excessive use of chemicals and hair products

Some hair care products have the potential to itch the scalp and perhaps result in dandruff. A person should consider switching to a mild, non-medicated shampoo if they discover that a product is irritating them. Some claim that not shampooing frequently enough might result in an accumulation of oil and dead skin cells, which causes dandruff.

Final Thoughts

The change in way of living over the past years and the use of chemicals has led to the increasing problem of dandruff. Earlier due to a lack of modernization and research, people relied completely on natural products for their scalp health. As and when the modern era flourished, there is a continuous rise in scalp issues due to the above-listed reasons. Hence, it is advised to take a herbal path for complete scalp treatment.

To keep reading more about dandruff, click here.