The health of our scalps is something that is often forgotten or taken for granted. Many people seem to forget that there is skin on our heads and it needs just as much attention and care as the skin everywhere else. DCSI deals with many hair conditions including scalp-related problems. Some issues include the need to constantly scratch, which can be distracting and can cause dandruff flakes to fall. A healthy scalp can be defined as being free of itchiness, redness, flakiness, irritation, pain, acne, cysts, and sun damage. Our West Palm Beach dermatologist has put together healthy scalp tips to help our patients and readers achieve better skin on their scalps.
What to Use for a Healthy Scalp
One of the main ways to help your scalp is to avoid products that contain sulfates, alcohols, or fragrance. Sulfates can strip natural oils from the hair which can lead to the scalp feeling dry and often prone to irritation. Alcohols and fragrances can suck the moisture out of hair leaving the hair feeling frizzy, dry, and damaged. There are a few more ways to avoid damage and improve the state of the scalp and hair:
Gently Shampoo
Instead of scrubbing your scalp when shampooing, try gently massaging it. This will increase circulation and help avoid causing abrasions on the scalp.
Wash Less Often
It is easy to assume that in order to avoid oily or “dirty” looking hair, you should wash it more. This can unfortunately backfire though, shampooing too frequently can strip away the natural oils of the hair. This can, in turn, cause the scalp to over-produce oil to stay hydrated, leading to oily-looking hair.
Omega-3 Supplements
Some recent studies have led many to believe that taking a fish oil supplement can help promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. They have the ability to nourish the hair by stimulating circulation in the scalp and possibly reducing inflammation that could be associated with hair loss.
More Antioxidants
Eating more antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress which occurs when the damaging free radicals in the body overwhelm the beneficial antioxidants. This imbalance further leads to serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and more. It is said that oxidative stress can affect the health of the scalp and cause hair loss.
Scalp Scrub
Another product to work into your healthy scalp routine is scrub. Use this scrub much like you would on your face. This will help exfoliate the skin on your head, potentially boosting hair growth. Scrubs can be in physical or chemical form to help remove excess skin cells, oils, and dandruff. If you notice any itching, burning, bumps, extreme oiliness and dandruff, or hair loss then you should call your dermatologists as soon as possible!
Contact DCSI Today!
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or issues, contact DCSI today. Understanding our healthy scalp tips is crucial to the health of your skin. Our team will happily help you make an appointment and begin the steps to a happier and healthier scalp.
