Dandruff—itchy scalp and pale flakes of skin that find their way onto your shoulders. It’s a cause of discomfort and embarrassment for many people, and it can be hard to treat because there are many potential causes. 

• • Dry Skin: When your scalp lacks moisture, it becomes prone to flaking. Dry skin cells shed more readily, leading to dandruff.
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis: This inflammatory skin condition affects areas rich in oil glands, including the scalp. It results in red, scaly patches and stubborn dandruff.
  • Yeast-Like Fungus: Dandruff is linked to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast. This fungus thrives on excess sebum production.
  • Contact Dermatitis: Allergic reactions to hair products or specific ingredients can cause an itchy, red rash on the scalp.

• Imbalance of the Gut Microbiota: The gut contains trillions of bacteria that play a role in immunity, inflammation control, mood, digestion, and also the health of the skin. 

• Underlying Conditions: Metabolic problems, such as diabetes, or neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s, can contribute to dandruff development.
• Stress: Stress can cause the body to produce more sebum,

Internal Balance

If you’ve tried endless dandruff treatments and nothing seems to work, you may want to consider looking inward. There is a known gut/skin connection, so it helps to choose foods that lower inflammation and improve overall gut health.

• Prioritize Probiotic Food: Miso, kefir, yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and tempeh are all probiotic foods that can help restore the gut microbiome. 
• Include Prebiotic Foods: Some high-fiber vegetables and fruits fuel the prebiotics you eat, allowing them to proliferate and restore order in your digestive system.  Almonds, whole grains, onions, garlic, jicama, peas, asparagus, cabbage, leafy greens, and beans are great prebiotic fiber sources. 
• Limit Sugar: Excess sugar consumption can lead to inflammation in the body, exacerbating dandruff. Opt for a low-sugar, antioxidant-rich diet to keep those flakes at bay.
• Embrace Fruits and Veggies: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential nutrients and fiber. These help maintain good digestion, which is crucial for healthy skin and scalp. Raw and cooked veggies both contribute to overall well-being.
• Healthy Fats Matter: Omega-3 fatty acids in foods like salmon, avocado, and walnuts have anti-inflammatory properties. Including these healthy fats in your diet can help control dandruff flares.
• Reduce Processed Foods: Refined, processed foods and artificial additives increase the risk of microbial dysbiosis and inflammation.
• Hydrate: Proper hydration keeps your skin (and scalp) happy.
• Consider Zinc, Biotin, and Vitamin B6: All three affect skin health. Zinc and B6 help regulate oil production, while biotin supports overall hair and scalp health.
• Herbal Medicine: At Yinova, we give our patients an herbal formula to nourish blood and relieve inflammation. We make a unique formula for each patient based on their pattern of imbalance. 
• Stress Relief: Stress and physical tension can negatively impact the body’s ability to communicate internally, leading to hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and dandruff.

Topical Treatments

• • Shampoo Smartly: Dandruff-specific shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, coal tar, or zinc pyrithione can reduce dandruff flakes. However, they can also be drying to the skin, so I suggest using them to treat dandruff and then switching to a gentler treatment for maintenance. 
  • Restore the Scalp’s Natural pH: Natural Goat’s Milk Soap is an excellent pH balancer, and our patients find it keeps dandruff at bay by supporting the microbiota on the scalp.  

• Avoid Harsh Products: Hairspray, gels, and mousses can irritate the scalp and exacerbate dandruff.

• Moisturize: Consider using a scalp oil or serum if your scalp is dry. 

Remember, a holistic approach that considers internal (diet, gut health, stress relief) and external (topical treatments and shampoos) factors is key to banishing those flakes. So, let’s nourish our bodies and minds one flake-free day at a time!