Need to control dandruff and dry flaky scalp? No one likes seeing flakes of skin on their favorite shirt. Better yet, no one really likes to see flakes of skin anywhere! Dandruff can be like the unwelcome guest that doesn’t want to leave.
Not only can dandruff be a persistent nuisance for you, many of you don’t know what causes it. There have been many myths surrounding the cause of dandruff. For one thing, many people think that dandruff is caused by dry scalp. True for some of you but not true for everyone.
Indeed, it is possible to experience a lot of flaking due to dry scalp or eczema. Yet, the flaking associated with dandruff, is much more pronounced. Dry flaking scalp can be caused by a number of conditions. However, the extreme flaking of dandruff is caused by a yeast-like fungus called malassezia.
According to Mayo Clinic Staff, malassezia resides in the scalp of most adults. The fungus generally presents no problems. Yet, there are instances, as is the case with dandruff, where the fungus grows out of control. This irritates the skin cells in your scalp, causing the cell turnover that results, to be dry and flaky skin. Factors such as age, sex, oily hair/oily scalp, and illness are all factors that make individuals more susceptible to dandruff.
How to Control Dandruff and Dry Flaky Scalp Using Essential Oils
Fortunately, there are convenient ways to control your dandruff and dry flaky scalp. Choosing a good dandruff shampoo is highly recommended. A natural way to help fight dandruff and fungus is to use products that have Peppermint and Tea Tree essential oils in them. Using essential oils can help tackle dandruff associated with bacteria and infection. They’ve been known to help treat the condition at the root and prevent it from returning.
Peppermint and Tea Tree oils are natural astringents that help kill the fungus that causes flaking and dandruff.
Peppermint essential oil has anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic properties. It’s been known to soothe an itchy scalp and absorb any excess oil in your scalp.
Tea tree essential oil is an antibacterial and anti fungal oil. When mixed with olive or coconut oil, you can create an oil blend and massage your scalp before you shampoo. Leave it in for about 30 minutes and then shampoo out.
More Essential Oils for Your Dandruff and Dry Scalp Challenges
Peppermint and tea tree aren’t the only essential oils that are known to help with dandruff and dry scalp. Did you know that bergamot can help rid your scalp of buildup and reduce the growth of bacteria?
Rosemary is known to help restrict overactive fungal activity in your scalp. Rosemary has similar effects on your scalp as peppermint essential oil.
Regular use in your shampoo, a massage oil or hair serum can help reduce excess oil, product buildup, flakes and dandruff from your scalp.
Remember … There’s one main rule to keep in mind when using essential oils.
Essential oils are volatile in nature, yet very potent. Therefore, the main rule to keep in mind, is that, you never want to use them without diluting them. Your scalp is skin. Applying undiluted essential oils can be traumatizing, to say the least. You could ultimately end up burning your scalp. Yes, they’re that powerful.
You don’t want to cause an existing dandruff problem to become enhanced with scalp burns. A basic course in essential oils and blending will help you understand what an essential oil is and how to use it. No time to study these oils right now? We can help you with product choices.
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That’s it for this week. As always…
Dedicated to Your Beauty,
Juliette Samuel,
Esthetician/Author/Publisher
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