Dandruff is a common and annoying scalp condition that affects people of all ages. It is characterized by flakes of dead skin cells that shed from the scalp, leading to itching, redness, and dryness.
While there are many shampoos and treatments available to tackle dandruff, some cases can be more persistent and require an oral remedy to alleviate the symptoms.
What causes dandruff?
Dandruff can be caused by various factors, including:.
- Malassezia, a type of fungus that lives on the scalp
- Dry skin
- Sensitivity to hair care products
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Genetics
How can an oral remedy help to eliminate dandruff?
An oral remedy can help to combat dandruff by targeting the root cause of the condition. It can work to soothe the scalp, reduce inflammation, and regulate the production of sebum, which can contribute to the growth of Malassezia.
As such, incorporating an oral remedy into your dandruff treatment regimen can be an effective way to improve the health of your scalp and eliminate flakes.
1. Probiotics
Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria that can help to support the immune system and maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body.
Some studies have suggested that consuming probiotics in supplement form can help to alleviate dandruff by reducing inflammation and supporting the health of the skin.
One study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that participants who took a probiotic supplement containing lactobacilli for 12 weeks experienced a significant improvement in their dandruff symptoms.
Another study published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology showed that women who consumed a lactobacillus-based probiotic drink for 12 weeks saw a reduction in the severity of their dandruff.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that are found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to be beneficial for various skin conditions, including dandruff.
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that participants who consumed omega-3 supplements for 10 weeks experienced a significant improvement in their dandruff symptoms, as well as a reduction in skin redness and scaling.
Another study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology showed that applying a topical solution containing omega-3s to the scalp can also be effective in treating dandruff.
3. B Vitamins
B vitamins, particularly biotin (B7) and pyridoxine (B6), are essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair.
They can help to regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system, all of which can contribute to the development of dandruff.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that participants who took a biotin supplement for 90 days experienced a significant reduction in their dandruff symptoms.
Another study published in the International Journal of Trichology showed that participants who took a pyridoxine supplement for 30 days saw an improvement in their seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that is closely related to dandruff.
4. Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for the health of the skin and hair. It can help to regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system, making it a valuable nutrient for combating dandruff.
A study published in the Annals of Dermatology found that participants with dandruff who consumed a zinc supplement for 12 weeks saw a significant reduction in their symptoms.
Another study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology showed that applying a shampoo containing zinc pyrithione to the scalp was effective in treating dandruff and reducing inflammation.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It can help to regulate the growth and differentiation of skin cells, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system.
A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that participants with dandruff who were deficient in vitamin D experienced an improvement in their symptoms after taking a vitamin D supplement for 12 weeks.
Another study published in the British Journal of Dermatology showed that applying a solution containing vitamin D to the scalp was effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that is closely related to dandruff.
6. Iron
Iron is a mineral that is essential for the production of healthy blood cells and the delivery of oxygen to the body’s tissues.
It is also important for the health of the skin and hair, as it can help to regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation.
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that participants with dandruff who were deficient in iron experienced a reduction in their symptoms after taking an iron supplement for 12 weeks.
Another study published in the Journal of Dermatology showed that applying a topical solution containing iron to the scalp was effective in reducing the severity of seborrheic dermatitis.
7. Selenium
Selenium is a mineral that is essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It can help to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and regulate the production of sebum, making it a valuable nutrient for combating dandruff.
A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that participants with dandruff who took a selenium supplement for 8 weeks experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms.
Another study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology showed that applying a shampoo containing selenium sulfide to the scalp was effective in reducing the severity of dandruff.
8. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a nutrient that is essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It can help to regulate the growth and differentiation of skin cells, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system.
A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that participants with dandruff who took a vitamin A supplement for 12 weeks experienced an improvement in their symptoms.
Another study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology showed that applying a shampoo containing vitamin A to the scalp was effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that is closely related to dandruff.
9. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a nutrient that is essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It can help to regulate the growth and differentiation of skin cells, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system.
A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that participants with dandruff who took a vitamin E supplement for 12 weeks experienced an improvement in their symptoms.
Another study published in the International Journal of Trichology showed that applying a solution containing vitamin E to the scalp was effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis.
10. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a nutrient that is essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It can help to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production, making it a valuable nutrient for combating dandruff.
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that participants with dandruff who took a vitamin C supplement for 8 weeks experienced a reduction in their symptoms.
Another study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology showed that applying a topical solution containing vitamin C to the scalp was effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis.
Conclusion
Dandruff can be a frustrating and persistent scalp condition, but incorporating an oral remedy into your treatment regimen can help to alleviate the symptoms and improve the overall health of your scalp.
By incorporating nutrients like probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, zinc, vitamin D, iron, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C into your diet or supplement routine, you can support your immune system, reduce inflammation, and regulate the production of sebum, all of which can contribute to the development of dandruff.