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Dandruff refers to small pieces of dead skin on your scalp that can flake onto your shoulders.
It can have several causes, including chronic inflammatory skin conditions, and it can be associated with redness, itching, scaly patches of skin, and flaking.
It’s quite common. In fact, about
It can occur in people of all races. It typically arises in people between
There are several different types of dandruff:
- oily skin dandruff
- dry skin dandruff
- fungus-related dandruff
- psoriasis-related dandruff
- seborrhoeic dermatitis
The flakiness associated with dandruff typically presents in one of two forms. It can look like white flakes that are loose and fall off or yellow flakes that stick to the scalp.
You might find dandruff embarrassing or frustrating, but take heart — there are effective ways to treat and manage all these varieties.
Targeted treatment products can be effective for many people. Neutrogena’s T/Gel® is a range of shampoos that have been clinically proven to treat and manage dandruff.
Dandruff can happen when the skin cells on your scalp shed more quickly than usual and then come off together in visible flakes.
The causes of this vary depending on the type of dandruff you have.
Major causes of dandruff include:
- seborrhoeic dermatitis
- scalp psoriasis
- a fungus that can be present on the scalp, called Malassezia
Other causes can include dry scalp (for example, in dry climates or seasons), certain medical conditions, and higher sebaceous gland activity, which may result in an oily scalp.
Environmental factors can also play a role and exacerbate dandruff symptoms.
If you’re feeling high levels of stress, you may experience a flare-up. This is because persistent anxiety can weaken the immune system and allow dandruff-causing fungi to flourish, according to research.
If you’re unsure about what might be causing your dandruff, speak with a doctor or dermatologist. They will help you pinpoint the issue and develop the right treatment plan for you.
While there’s no permanent cure for dandruff, there are key actions you can take to treat and manage it effectively.
When you’re treating and managing dandruff, regular shampoos won’t cut it. They can only wash flakes away temporarily.
Neutrogena’s T/Gel® Therapeutic Shampoo is an option to kick-start your dandruff treatment. This alcohol-free formulation is designed to help treat the scalp and care for hair.
It’s also the only scalp treatment formulated with Neutar™, a solubilised coal tar extract which is a purified alternative to coal tar.
In fact, coal tar has been used successfully to treat psoriasis for more than a century.
This shampoo fights flakes, soothes itching, and calms redness. It’s clinically proven to help slow down the growth of skin cells on the scalp and to treat the scalp conditions dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp, and scalp psoriasis.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid using products containing coal tar.
Consistent measures rather than one-off therapies can be the best approach for dandruff over the long term.
Here are a few key steps you can take to reduce the impact of several causes of dandruff.
De-stress
High levels of stress can allow dandruff-causing fungi to thrive.
Take steps to help keep yourself calm — whether this is engaging in a hobby you love, exercising regularly, taking up meditation, or scheduling time away from screens.
Opt for a specially formulated shampoo and conditioner
Special formulas designed to target dandruff are your best bet for managing the condition.
You can turn to the Neutrogena T/Gel® Daily line of shampoos to manage dandruff over the long term.
There are four products in the line, each designed for different hair and scalp needs. They have you covered whether you’re experiencing dryness, excess oil, or sensitivity, or you’re looking for a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner.
All types contain salicylic acid and piroctone olamine to help break down the build-up of the dead skin cells that cause visible flakiness. They get to work from the very first wash and help keep the scalp flake-free with daily use.
Avoid too many styling products
Styling products can sometimes make dandruff worse.
Residue from hair gels, wax, pomades, and sprays can build up on your scalp to cause irritation and influence sebum to accumulate.
Consider cutting one or two products out of your daily styling regime and ensure you wash your hair regularly to clean them away.
Dandruff doesn’t need to be a permanent resident on your scalp or a blight to your self-esteem. By following a regular regime, you can treat and manage dandruff to help your scalp and hair look and feel their best.
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo contains Neutar solubilised coal tar extract for the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp, scalp psoriasis and dandruff. Always read the label.