WHY DO I HAVE MORE DANDRUFF IN WINTER?

Dandruff impacts half of the global population, and for some people, it tends to be more common during the winter season. In this article, we’ll dive into the causes and explore effective solutions to manage it. Dandruff and winter Dandruff is caused by a combination of factors: oily skin, dry skin, a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia, seborrheic dermatitis (SD), contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and others. A comprehensive review on seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff explains that oily secretions, Malassezia on the skin’s surface, and your individual susceptibility, all contribute to the development of SD and dandruff. This review revealed that seborrheic dermatitis does have a seasonal pattern, occurring more frequently during winter, and usually improving during summer. Dandruff is also aggravated with sleep deprivation, stress, and hormonal changes. A recent study coming out of Turkey also showed that certain climatic conditions lead to increased Malassezia growth, and hence increasing the likelihood of getting dandruff. During the winter months, dandruff can become even more prevalent due to changes in the environment due to: Dealing with dandruff in the winterTo help prevent dandruff during the winter months, consider implementing these helpful tips: References
Does dandruff cause hair loss?

The answer to this common question is: No, not directly. Dandruff may have several causes, all of which can lead to itching and inflammation. Most people with dandruff do not experience any hair loss at all. However, while this inflammation does not directly lead to hair loss, it can contribute to hair loss in some cases. Chronic inflammation in the hair follicles can cause damage and scarring, and can slow or stop hair growth. It can also result in weak or thinning hair. If the itching and scratching from the dandruff is severe or if you brush it aggressively, it can lead to hair breakage, making the hair itself appear thinner and more brittle. If dandruff is left untreated, it can lead to a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis can cause more severe inflammation and itching, which can lead to hair loss in some cases. It can also increase hair loss in people with androgenic alopecia, which causes male- and female-pattern baldness. The link between dandruff and hair loss Conditions that lead to skin flakiness can cause dandruff. The key to preventing hair loss due to dandruff, therefore, is to eliminate the itchiness on your scalp that occurs due to the scalp’s flakiness. If you are experiencing hair loss and dandruff, it is important to see a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss so that you can treat it more effectively. Common causes include: • Dry skin. This causes small flakes that usually aren’t accompanied by redness or inflammation. • Fungal infections. These include Malassezia or tinea capitis (ringworm). Malassezia, for instance, which is found on most people’s scalps, can irritate your scalp and cause the growth of extra skin cells; when these skin cells die, it can cause dandruff. • Seborrheic dermatitis. This forms a rash that often looks red, scaly, and oily causing the skin flakes to be either white or yellow. It can affect any part of the body. • Contact dermatitis. Sensitivity to certain ingredients, as found in products such as shampoo or hair dye, can cause red, flaky skin on the scalp. • Scalp psoriasis. Psoriasis is a type of autoimmune condition that causes dandruff-like symptoms and itchy, scaly patches that could cause bald spots. • Lichen planopilaris. Although more common in women, lichen planopilaris causes a dry, flaky rash and can cause the hair to fall out in clumps. • Folliculitis decalvans. This rare inflammatory condition destroys hair follicles and causes itchy red patches to develop. • Pityriasis amiantacea. When dandruff is left untreated for a long period of time, thick layers of scale can be stuck to the surface of the scalp and cause temporary hair loss. There are also other conditions that directly cause hair loss, including male pattern baldness (which affects both men and women), telogen effluvium (hair loss caused by infection, injury, or stress), alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition that causes patchy baldness) and other scalp infections. Dandruff can be treated with over-the-counter shampoos and doesn’t require medical treatment, but see your doctor if the following occurs: • your over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo or other treatments aren’t helping, • your scalp is very red or swollen, • your hair comes out in clumps, or • you’re experiencing hair loss. Although dandruff does not directly cause hair loss, treating it as soon as you notice it may minimize inflammation – and the itching which comes with it – and reduce the risk of damaging your hair follicles. Minimizing inflammation and damage to the hair follicles is key to promoting healthy regrowth. Read more: 5 Tips for Great Scalp Health. References
Dandruff myths debunked

Dandruff affects about half of the adult population worldwide. Yet, despite its prevalence, there are numerous myths surrounding dandruff. In this blog post, we debunk some of the most popular myths surrounding dandruff so that you make better decisions to keep your scalp healthy and flake-free. Myth 1: Dandruff is caused by poor hygiene Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene. Dandruff has several possible causes, including oily skin, dry skin, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and most commonly, the overgrowth of a naturally-occurring yeast fungus, Malassezia, found on the scalp. However, while dirty hair itself doesn’t cause dandruff, the oily buildup from not washing your hair can cause flakes. Myth 2: You can get rid of dandruff by washing your hair frequently Frequent hair washing can help reduce the visible flakes on the scalp, but it does not address the underlying cause. If the cause of the dandruff is the Malassezia fungus, for instance, excessive washing can strip the scalp of its natural oils, causing the scalp to produce even more oil, exacerbating the problem. Washing your hair daily can also leave you with a dry, irritable scalp. Myth 3: Hot oil treatment cures dandruff A hot oil hair treatment can help with dandruff, but only if the dandruff is being caused by having a dry scalp. In this case, a hot oil hair treatment can help stimulate blood circulation and release flaky, dry skin sitting on top of the scalp. But, if your dandruff is caused by the yeast Malassezia, which feeds off the oil on your scalp, again, it can worsen your dandruff. Other causes of dandruff, such as seborrheic or contact dermatitis, require medicated dandruff treatment. Myth 4: Dandruff is contagious Dandruff is not contagious, not infectious, and cannot be spread from one person to another. Myth 5: Dandruff only gets worse Dandruff can be life-long – once you’ve had dandruff, the chances are that it will recur in the future – but it’s generally stable, and can be managed effectively and controlled with treatments such as anti-dandruff shampoos. If you don’t see any improvement with over-the-counter medicated shampoos, or the dandruff gets worse, see a dermatologist as you may have another skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis. Myth 6: Dandruff only affects adults Dandruff can affect people of any age: infants can be affected by cradle cap; children may get inflammatory conditions of the scalp such as eczema or psoriasis; and once puberty starts, sebum (oil) production increases, increasing susceptibility to dandruff. The severity of dandruff may vary from person to person and can be influenced by various factors such as hormonal changes, stress, and certain medical conditions. Read more: Are my hormones giving me dandruff? Myth 7: Dandruff causes hair loss Dandruff doesn’t directly cause hair loss, however, it can lead to itching and inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the hair follicles can cause damage and scarring and can slow or stop hair growth. Read more: Does dandruff cause hair loss? References
Are my hormones giving me dandruff?
Are my hormones giving me dandruff? Does your hair feel greasier on certain days of the month, and dryer on others? And you suspect that it might have something to do with your menstrual cycle? Well, you’re not imagining it – your hormones – and thus your menstrual cycle – do affect your hair, scalp and skin. In this blog, we explain how hormones control sebum production and affect the hair cycle, as well as why it’s important to understand these factors for maintaining a healthy scalp and promoting healthy hair growth. Hormones and sebum production Dandruff is caused by a type of yeast called Malassezia, which feeds on the oils produced by the sebaceous glands in your scalp. Your susceptibility to dandruff depends on how your body reacts to the fatty acids that the yeast releases. Sebum, the oil produced by the sebaceous glands, is controlled by hormones, which include androgens- in particular – and estrogen. When you’re born, your mother’s hormones control your sebum production. As you grow, your own hormones (androgens) take over, and during puberty, they activate the sebaceous glands. Sebum production increases during your teens and remains steady through your 20s and 30s, before decreasing with age. Men generally produce more sebum than women, and at a higher rate for longer – into their 50s and 60s. Women’s sebum production drops rapidly after menopause. Studies show that scalp flaking disorders, such as dandruff, are linked to sebaceous activity. Hormones and the hair cycle Similarly, the hair cycle, as well as the structure of the hair follicle, are highly influenced by various hormones. Androgens, like testosterone, increase during puberty particularly, while the female sex hormone, estrogen, fluctuates depending on where a woman is in her menstrual cycle and her stage in life. During the reproductive years, estrogen rises and falls with the menstrual cycle, peaking in the days leading up to ovulation. During pregnancy, high levels of estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin can lead to more hair growth and thicker hair fibres. After giving birth, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, which can cause hair loss for some women. During menopause, estrogen depletion can lead to hair loss and excessive facial hair growth. Your hormones play a big role in whether you develop dandruff or not, and at what stage of your life you can expect more dandruff. Understanding the underlying causes of dandruff and hair growth can help you better manage your scalp health and promote healthy hair growth. Read more: Tips for maintaining a healthy scalp. References
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Scalp
5 Tips for Great Scalp Health When we buy shampoo, we often think of the benefits to our hair, rather than the effects on our scalp – but did you know that a healthy scalp equals healthy hair? What is a Healthy Scalp? Basically, your scalp is healthy if there are no bumps, scabs, acne, itchiness, redness, flakiness, irritation, pain, cysts, sun damage, or excessive hair loss. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, our scalp contains about 100,000 follicles, each containing a single hair. The follicles produce an oil substance (sebum) that helps moisturise the scalp and protects it from infection. It helps maintain the pH balance and supports the good bacteria on the scalp’s microbiome. An imbalance of the scalp microbiome has been linked to conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) and atopic dermatitis (eczema). These and other scalp issues, such as psoriasis, are linked to hair breakage and rough hair and may even lead to premature hair loss, so any scalp inflammation can be harmful to your hair. 1. Use gentle hair products Harsh chemicals in hair care products can affect your scalp and hair, so the next time you buy a hair care product, stay clear of the following ingredients: 2. Wash your hair regularly If you don’t wash your hair regularly, the combination of product, dirt, and sebum can cause build-up on the scalp, leading to scalp problems. If it’s left for too long, this excess debris can clog the follicles and cause itching, flaking, or worse, lead to infections. But how often should you wash your hair? Everyone’s hair is different, and there are several factors that affect how you should shampoo your hair, including your age, ethnic background, hair length and hair type. For those with extremely dry hair, long hair, older women, or those who have coarse hair, increase the time between washes to balance out the oil production. Even those with oily hair, don’t need to shampoo every day as it strips away the natural oils, which may cause the scalp to produce more oil. Three to four times a week should be sufficient. Signs you’re washing too often, however, include dry, brittle hair, hair breakage and a dry, irritated scalp. If you’re washing your hair too few times, it can lead to dandruff, and in this case, you may need a medicated shampoo to get rid of it. 3. Don’t keep your hair wet for long periods of time If you’re in the habit of keeping your hair wrapped up in a bun or your leave-in conditioner keeps your hair (and scalp) wet for long, you may be creating a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria on the scalp. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist areas, so allow your hair to dry properly after a wash. 4. Try scalp exfoliation Scalp exfoliation helps clean out anything that might clog or block the follicles, and so helps to remove build- up caused by products and helps with oiliness, dryness, or flaky scalp issues. You can exfoliate by using an exfoliation tool or scrub with granules to help buff away any dead surface skin cells. 5. Eat more antioxidants Free radicals – the unstable molecules that form naturally or when you’re exposed to environmental pollutants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and sunlight – can cause oxidative stress, a process that can trigger cell damage. They are responsible for breaking down the skin’s collagen, resulting in wrinkling, dark spots, fine lines, saggy skin and can also affect the health of your scalp. Antioxidant molecules, on the other hand, counteracts oxidative stress. Types of antioxidants include vitamin C vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids. The best way to get those antioxidants in is by eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only is it good for your skin, but for the rest of the body as well! What about oiling? When it comes to putting oil on your scalp, there are pros and cons. Massaging oil on your scalp helps to stimulate blood circulation. It’s also a good way of moisturising the scalp – special oils also contain useful vitamins and minerals which can nourish your scalp and encourage hair growth. What you need to watch out for, though, is using too much oil! Too much oil can cause build-up, which can cause dandruff, and make your hair look greasy. But, as long as you are washing your hair regularly, you can avoid excess oil in your hair. While these tips will help you maintain a healthy scalp, if you do develop a chronic scalp condition, speak to a dermatologist or health care professional to get the right treatment for you. References
What is Malassezia?

Formerly known as Pityrosporum, Malassezia is yeasts, which form part of the normal skin microbiome – the complex community of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and viruses that live on the skin. Malassezia comprises 17 species and is the most prevalent fungus on healthy skin. It colonises the human skin after birth and is usually tolerated by the human immune system. However, it can cause skin-related diseases such as head and neck dermatitis, an eczematous/inflammatory reaction as in seborrheic dermatitis, pityriasis Versicolor or Malassezia folliculitis.