50% of the people on this planet suffer from itchy scalp and dandruff! Symptoms include greasy patches or tingling skin on the head. Seborrhea dermatitis or the red, dry, itchy, flaky condition on the scalp could be the primary cause of dandruff. Dryness or coldness concerning a place further aggravates the scalp area to become more dandruff prone. Lubricating oils manufactured for the skin could be a silent skin irritator. Continue to read on to naturally get rid of dandruff.
Dandruff can be embarrassing, but there are plenty of dandruff treatments; home remedies. You can get rid of it in nine simple ways. Here are nine different dandruff home remedies!Â
Tea Tree Oil to naturally get rid of dandruff
Tree tea oil has been the first line of treatment for acne and psoriasis for a long time. The potency of this oil has been proven against the fungus causing seborrheic dermatitides and dandruff. According to one review, tea tree oil got rid of similar fungal infections faster than other drugs.Â
A four-week study was conducted, on 126 people, suffering from dandruff. The dandruff shampoo given to them contained 5% tea tree oil, or a placebo, on a random basis. At the end of the study, people who received tea tree oil in their shampoo experienced tangible relief. Their itchiness of the scalp and severity of dandruff reduced by 41% compared with those who did not receive tea tree oil in their shampoo. This finding drives home the possibility of treating irritable skin with tea tree oil as medical viability. Washing the affected area on the scalp with tea tree oil can prevent further dandruff breakouts.Â
Coconut oil
Coconut oil may improve skin hydration and prevent dryness. The quality of coconut oil can alleviate symptoms like itchy skin and dandruff flakes. There is improved blood circulation within hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth and repair. In a scientific experiment, 34 people who applied mineral oils every day for three weeks experienced similar improvements in their scalps. The others who used plain water did not show any marked improvement.
Coconut oil and its compounds have proven potent as an antimicrobial in some lab controlled experiments. In research settings, coconut oil was found effective; for treating eczema, a condition that may later cause dandruff. One thing remains to be seen, though; the effect of coconut oil on the fungal strain that causes dandruff.
Aloe veraÂ
The naturally occurring aloe vera gel, or paste, in aloe vera plants is proven; for treating skin conditions like burns, psoriasis and cold sores. Dandruff treatment using aloe vera is hence highly likely. The evidence in one review states that aloe vera is highly antifungal and antibacterial. This find is encouraging enough to explore aloe vera as a potential find for treating dandruff. There was a test-tube study around aloe vera. Dandruff causing fungal strains got eliminated to a great extent. The test-tube experiment was a notable success.
Reduce stress levels
Stress affects our overall health and well-being in a negative sense. Many chronic conditions and even mental health anomalies are stress attributed. To be stressful is to incite aggravation of dryness and itching of the skin and scalp, cumulative factors for dandruff. Have you been in stressed out situations for long? Use a stress ball to de-stress. Snap out before your immune system gets compromised.Â
In one study, 82 people with seborrheic dermatitis; were studied to understand the causes of dandruff. After watching and studying them closely, the undeniable link between dandruff and stress became very apparent.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has always been a people’s favourite; for several health reasons. Apple cider vinegar for weight loss is a given. Managing insulin sensitivity is within its forte of health benefits too. Apple cider vinegar for hair is also good; as a natural remedy for dandruff. The acidic nature of Apple cider vinegar is perhaps what stimulates the natural shedding of dead skin cells on the scalp.
Aspirin
Salicylic acid is one of the primary compounds found in aspirin. It has anti-inflammatory properties. An active ingredient in many anti-dandruff shampoos, Salicylic acid helps rid loose flakes and scaly skin.
In a study, two different shampoos were assigned randomly to 19 people. One type of shampoo contained piroctone olamine combined with salicylic acid. While the other had zinc pyrithione in it. At the end of four weeks, both shampoos managed to reduce dandruff. The severity of scaling was reduced more though by the shampoo containing salicylic acid.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Make your body youthful through omega-3 fatty acids foods. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential because they enable the membrane building of cells and the functioning of vital organs like the heart, lungs and overall immune system. Vitally important for oil production and hydration of the skin, a deficiency of Omega-3 fatty acids can lead to dry skin and hair fall, eventually even dandruff. It further promotes wound healing and premature ageing. Include Flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts and fish such as trout, salmon and mackerel in your diet. They are rich omega-3 fatty acid sources.Â
Probiotics
Probiotics are a class of beneficial bacteria that do good for your health. The probiotic foods benefits include protection against allergic attacks, accelerating weight loss, reducing cholesterol, boosting immunity, keeping fungal infections in check that cause dandruff.
Probiotics supplements will go a long way in reversing symptoms of eczema and dermatitis in infants and children.
Probiotics can be availed measuredly in supplement forms for the sake of convenience. If you are looking for probiotics, then look out for fermented foods like kombucha, kimchi, tempeh, sauerkraut and natto.
Baking soda
Every kitchen under the sun has it. A readily available substance with anti-dandruff properties, baking soda is good for exfoliating dead skin cells. There is a great relief experienced from scaling and itching, as baking soda is antifungal too.
Baking soda is an antifungal; its efficacy is scientific. Baking soda eliminated 79% of the fungal elements at the end of a test that lasted seven days.
Treatment for atopic dermatitis also reinforces the observation; that baking soda relieves itchy skin! In yet another test thirty-one, people affected with psoriasis; were studied. They had to undergo baking soda baths that significantly reduced their skin irritation and itchiness in a little after three weeks.
Summary
Dandruff treatment has no standard approach. The itchy scales are a real spoilsport. It can be frustrating to try and fix, but there are plenty of natural remedies out there. See what works best for you symptomatically. Have some patience to streamline yours. Good luck.