Winter Dandruff: Why the Flakes Increase and If Scalp Serums Are the Answer, Expert Shares

It is sweater-and-warm-beverage season again. However, while winter brings in all things cosy, for some people it can also be the time of itchy, flaky scalp. Do you also deal with dandruff issues as soon as it becomes chilly outside? Well, you aren’t alone. According to experts, winter is the perfect season for dandruff flare-ups for people who have dry skin conditions and allergies. What comes next is that people turn to hair serums to give their hair the due nourishment.

But, is scalp serums the breakthrough a person is looking for as a result of rising dandruff problems among people today? Read ahead to find out.

Why Winter Makes Dandruff Worse

According to Dr Arti Sharma, Senior Consultant Doctor, Dermatologist, Derma Puritys Aesthetic Clinic, Delhi, even if your hair cooperates all year round, winter can make the scalp flaky. “It is because of low air moisture and heating systems that reduce the moisture level on your scalp. As a result of an extremely dry scalp, your natural skin barrier becomes weaker,” she said.

However, dryness isn’t the only reason. “For many people, dandruff is caused by a fungus-like yeast species called Malassezia, which feeds on the oil on your scalp,” she added. During winter months, people normally reduce washing their hair as it dries. As a result, oil accumulates on the scalp, creating an optimal breeding ground for fungus.

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Add to that the regular wear of beanies, hoodies, and scarves that trap your sweat and heat that further leads to an imbalanced scalps.

Can Scalp Serum Help Better Dandruff?

Scalp serums are winter’s most talked-about hair product and according to Dr Sharma, “It works, yes. But with some reserve. All serums may not be equal. A hydrating serum would be useful if you have flaky skin due to dryness. But fungal dandruff needs an anti-fungal product.” Therefore, in simpler terms it depends on your type of dandruff.

When Do Hydrating Serums Help Better Dandruff?

Serums containing hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe vera, and ceramides can be very soothing for dry skin, improve the barrier function on the scalp, and even reduce itching. These products have a light texture and won’t leave your skin greasy, and they will help with hydration,

When Are Anti-Fungal Serums Needed For Dandruff?

“If your flakes have a yellowish tinge and appear greasy with accompanying redness, hydrating sera would not improve your issue because fungal overgrowth will still be present. You would have to turn to sera and lotion products with ingredients such as ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or salicylic acids,” she highlighted.

It is recommended that active ingredients should not be mixed together. According to Dr Sharma, “Scalp needs special care. It can get irritated if it’s exposed to too many products at once.”

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How to Treat Dandruff During Winters Naturally

In addition to special serums, these are some changes that one can make in their daily life to improve scalp health:

• Use a gentle anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week to control scaling.
• Try not to have very hot showers. These will make it even worse.
• Apply oil on your hair moderately. Once a week will be enough. Otherwise, it will make your fungal dandruff worse.
• It should be your practice to maintain your scalp cleanliness irrespective of the weather conditions that might be making you want to overlook washing your hair.
• Stay hydrated with enough water because hydration begins from within.

Bottomline

Just because winter dandruff is common doesn’t mean it should be something you have to live with. By incorporating the right ingredients into your daily routine, you can return your scalp and skin to a healthy, dandruff-free state.