Dandruff shampoos: overview

Conventionally, dandruff shampoos can be divided into cosmetic and medicinal. The former are usually used for prevention and restoration of the skin, the latter - for the radical elimination of unpleasant "snow" caused by mycosis, seborrhea, eczema or other skin pathologies. The choice of drugs is rich, what to choose depends on the problem, financial capabilities, taste priorities.

Indications dandruff shampoos

Dandruff is dead cells of the stratum corneum. Normally, they die in small quantities, remain unnoticeable and do not cause discomfort. In pathological conditions, abundant accumulations are formed, looking like flakes and causing itching of the head. Anti-dandruff shampoos are designed to restore the normal functions of the sebaceous glands and eliminate unpleasant symptoms.

• In addition to dandruff and excessive flaking, indications for use arise in the presence of dermatological diseases: seborrhea, eczema, mycosis, pityriasis versicolor.

The treatments are used as prescribed by a doctor and in courses, if necessary - repeated with breaks. Prevention of skin and hair lesions is also included in the indications for the use of these shampoos.

Anti-dandruff shampoos eliminate various types of fungal diseases, eliminate hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands, improve nutrition of the hair follicles, and protect against infections. The choice is made based on the composition, the specifics of the problem, and aesthetic and financial considerations.

Release form

Most anti-dandruff shampoos are bottled in plastic bottles of various sizes: from 5 to 200 ml; some products are additionally packed in a cardboard box. Another form of release is sachets ("portioned" bags).

Shampoos for oily dandruff

There are many universal anti-dandruff shampoos on the cosmetic market that combat both types of seborrhea. There is also another category: only for dry or oily dandruff. You should pay attention to these subtleties when buying: read the information on the packaging or ask the seller if he or she seems competent and knowledgeable.

An effective shampoo for oily dandruff should contain one or more of the following components:

• ketoconazole;
• salicylic acid;
• zinc;
• selenium sulfide;
• ichthyol;
• essential oils of lavender, grapefruit, tea tree;
• extracts of medicinal herbs;
• tar;
• vitamin combinations.

With regular washing of hair with special products, the discomfort caused by oily dandruff disappears, the hair structure improves, inflammation and the intensity of sebum secretion decrease. After 2-3 applications, dandruff disappears, hair becomes clean and soft, and you can wash it less often than before.

It is important to understand that this method of combating dandruff produces an effect if it is a consequence of improper care or poor-quality cosmetics. If the cause is problems with the skin or the body as a whole, then, in addition to special shampoos, treatment measures and medications recommended by a doctor are required.

Shampoos for dry dandruff

In the dry form, white flakes easily fall out of the hair and fall on the skin and clothes. At the same time, the skin itches and becomes irritated. If these symptoms appeared due to stress or improper care, then the problem can be solved with the help of an effective shampoo for dry dandruff.

Manufacturers include mandatory active ingredients in the recipes and optional additional ones - for gentle care, vitaminization, better foaming, strengthening, and healthier hair and skin. In particular, the composition of anti-dandruff shampoos of this category includes, in various combinations, the following components:

• thermal water;
• piroctone olamine;
• pantothenic acid;
• extracts of nettle, nasturtium, melaleuca leaves;
• salicylic acid;
• ceramide;
• vitamins B5, E;
• zinc pyrithione;
• glycerol;
• lecithin;
• guanidine glycolate;
• oils of pine, maple, and other plants;
• essential oils of orange, thyme, tea tree, and others.

Sometimes cosmetics do not cope with dandruff. Then you cannot do without consulting a specialist to choose an effective pharmacy drug. Products Bioderma, Sebozol, Mirrolla sulsen, Tsinovit, Logona, Neobio, Klimbazol with aloe, Tar 911, Psorilom, Derkos, Wellreal, Cystifan work effectively against dry dandruff.

Pharmacodynamics

Shampoos relieve itching and irritation, stop the formation of scales and flakes. The pharmacodynamics of medicinal preparations has been studied mainly; it depends on the properties of the main active substance. [ 1 ]

Ketoconazole, an active ingredient in many anti-dandruff shampoos, has a detrimental effect on dermatophytes and yeast fungi. [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Pharmacokinetics

When dandruff shampoos are applied locally, most active substances are not detected in the blood. A local allergic reaction may occur.

In the instructions for medicated shampoos, in the section “Pharmacokinetics”, it is noted that ketoconazole and other popular ingredients do not have a systemic effect.

Dosing and administration

Most anti-dandruff shampoos are applied to damp hair, evenly distributed and massaged. The foaming liquid is kept for 3-5 minutes so that the active components have time to act on the skin and hair roots. If indicated in the instructions, repeat the washing once more, without leaving it on the hair, but rinsing it off immediately after foaming.

The method of application and dosage depend on the purpose – prevention or treatment, and are specified in the instructions. The frequency and duration of procedures are also indicated there.

Application for children

The causes of dandruff in children can be metabolic disorders, weak immunity, diseases of internal organs, improper care. But experts say the main reason is the imbalance of sebum production.

• Dandruff can be dry or oily, and both types force parents to get rid of it competently and comprehensively.

The first step is to eliminate the cause of the unpleasant scales, paying attention to the child's diet. Perhaps the diet should be fortified with vitamins or adjusted in the right direction.

If the reasons are clear, then the drug - cream, paste, masks or shampoo for dandruff - should be prescribed by a doctor. Pharmacists offer special children's products that relieve annoying itching, "scattering" of white flakes and irritation. The use of the drugs "Nizoral", "Sulsen", Dermazol, Perhotal, Kenazol, Ebersept, "Friderm zinc" for children is indicated. To prevent possible complications, you must first do an allergy test and follow the instructions.

To prevent children's dandruff, parents need to monitor their child's nutrition and behavior, provide each with individual hygiene products and age-appropriate shampoos, and prevent overwork and stressful situations. Wash your hair with preventive shampoos twice a month.

Use dandruff shampoos during pregnancy

The effects of medicated anti-dandruff shampoos (such as Nizoral) on pregnant women have not been studied. Due to the lack of information on risks, use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not contraindicated.

It is not recommended to use Sebozol for these categories of women.

The right decision is to carefully read the instructions or consult a doctor about each specific drug.

Contraindications

No dandruff shampoo should be used if there are open wounds or sores on the scalp. Most manufacturers warn about the possibility of individual reactions to certain substances.

Contraindications depend on the composition of the product and the patient's condition. Thus, pregnancy and lactation, childhood are contraindications for use if the formula contains potent compounds. For adults in this category, as well as for children under 12, shampoos should be selected that correspond to their age and health condition.

Side effects dandruff shampoos

To avoid side effects, the product should be used according to the instructions. Avoid contact with eyes, if this happens, rinse them with clean water.

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo may cause erythema, irritation at the site of application, contact dermatitis, dryness and rashes. Increased flaking, pustules, skin changes are possible. People with gray or chemically damaged hair may experience changes in their color.

What to do if you have dandruff from shampoo?

Surely many have encountered a situation when dandruff appeared on washed hair from a shampoo used for the first time. Cosmetologists believe that there may be several reasons for this:

• the product is not suitable for your skin type;
• use of men's shampoo by women or vice versa;
• failure to perceive some component;
• stress from using an unfamiliar or low-quality product.

Although the same experts advise changing shampoos every 4-6 months. How to protect yourself from unpleasant surprises and what, besides anti-dandruff shampoo, gets rid of unexpected "flakes"?

• The risk factor is cheap products. Their features are liquid, lack of foam, insufficient rinsing of hair.

Dandruff can also be caused by an expensive new product, as a result of a stress reaction to a change in pH. Increased dandruff production can be caused by a baby or professional shampoo of any brand. Perhaps the skin reacted to some allergen in the composition.

The use of the product should be stopped immediately, and when choosing the right one, take into account the indicators of the skin and hair type. You may have to visit a doctor to find out the cause. And in hair care, follow simple rules:

• don't wash them too often;
• use warm, but not hot water;
• thoroughly wash off any remaining foam;
• comb with a massage brush to stimulate blood circulation and remove calluses;
• do not dry your hair with a hair dryer;
• apply a moisturizing mask.

Overdose

Due to the exclusively external use, overdose is not provided. In case of accidental ingestion of dandruff shampoo, symptomatic measures should be taken if any threatening symptoms are detected. Vomiting or gastric lavage should not be induced; enterosorbents should be prescribed to reduce the risks of intoxication.

Local reactions are possible - swelling, redness, burning sensation, which disappear after stopping treatment.

Interactions with other drugs

The instructions for medicated dandruff shampoos describe interactions with other drugs. Cosmetic products are not tested for this.

Storage conditions

Nizoral and most anti-dandruff shampoos are stored at a temperature of 5 and no higher than 25 degrees. No special storage conditions are required. A dry, clean place, inaccessible to children and pets, where other cosmetics are kept, is sufficient.

Shelf life

Average shelf life is 18 months - 3 years. Information about this is indicated on the packaging. The use of expired anti-dandruff shampoos is unacceptable.

Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

It is impossible to determine the best anti-dandruff shampoo for all occasions. Much depends not only on the manufacturer, composition, class, but also on individual characteristics and the body's perception of the product. That is, hair and scalp. Still, a certain concept of properties and quality can be gleaned from the ratings of anti-dandruff shampoos published by reviewers and experts in this field.

• The 15 best, according to the results of the new rating this year, will help each consumer choose “their” shampoo, optimal for solving existing problems.

1. Professional Otium unigue, ESTEL. Sold in salons, specialized online stores.
2. Dercos, VICHY – sulfate-free, based on thermal water.
3. Kelual DS, DUCRAY – against recurrent seborrhea.
4. Dandruff relief, JASON NATURAL – sold online.
5. Sebozol, "DIONYSUS" - against seborrhea, psoriasis, versicolor lichen.
6. Healing Secret, KEY MAYU – with horse fat, plant extracts.
7. Markell Professional with extracts of medicinal plants.
8. Mikanisal, GRINDEX with ketoconazole and chemical impurities.
9. Tar, TWINS TEK – an inexpensive but effective product with tar.
10. Instant Clear Pure, LOREAL – for the whole family.
11. Nizoral - medicinal with ketoconazole.
12. Algopix, MEDICA – with green algae extract and juniper tar.
13. Sulsena - with selenium disulfide.
14. Mirrolla SULSEN FORTE – with selenium, ketoconazole and natural ingredients.
15. NODE DS, BIODERMA – with algae extract, antifungal elements.

What to do if anti-dandruff shampoo doesn't help?

Anyone who has problems with dandruff sooner or later comes to the conclusion that dandruff shampoos eventually cause hair and skin to become accustomed to them. And the favorite, time-tested remedy suddenly stops working! At first, this causes surprise, and then a reasonable question: why? And what to do if the dandruff shampoo does not help?

To avoid addiction, the main thing is not to wash your hair with anti-dandruff shampoo constantly. If you take breaks in time (when dandruff disappears), the effectiveness of the product does not decrease.

• If this does not help, look for the causes within yourself. That is, make an appointment with a doctor to determine the cause of dandruff. Perhaps the state of health has changed and treatment is required not only for hair, but also for other organs.

Shampoo may be powerless after hair dyeing. Usually, dandruff that suddenly appears stops in about two weeks, but for prevention purposes, it is better not to apply such dye in the future. Dixidox DeLuxe shampoo and lotion help relieve symptoms. They write that these products can get rid of white lumps and flakes forever.

Studying materials devoted to the fight against dandruff, one can conclude that it is almost impossible to get rid of it once and for all. Sooner or later, for various reasons, it reappears on the skin and hair. Shampoos are not a panacea, but they can get rid of the problem for a more or less long time. Efficiency is ensured by proven active substances: zinc pyrithione, tar, sulfur compounds, salicylic acid, ketoconazole.

Analogues

Elite anti-dandruff shampoos do not always justify their high cost. Perhaps because the effect on the skin is an individual factor. And the cost includes not only the cost price, but also the fee for the same elite, for the brand's fame. Hence the high prices, often unjustified.

• A reasonable solution is to look for affordable analogues of expensive products. For example, instead of Mikozoral, use Sebozol, Keto Plus, Ketoconazole. Instead of Nizoral - Mikanisal, Nezo-pharm.

However, it should be taken into account that analogues may not cope with the problem or provoke negative consequences. Therefore, you should choose wisely, taking into account the balance of price and quality. The following information will help you understand the abundance of shampoos.

In general, products are divided into groups:

• antifungals (with ketoconazole, ciclopirox);
• antibacterial (with octopirox, zinc pyrithione);
• exfoliating (with sulfur, salicylic acid);
• organic (with plant ingredients).

Zinc compound can be included in an antifungal agent, tar – in an organic and antifungal agent. Effective formulas also include ichthyol, sulfide and selenium disulfate.

Reviews

Contradictory reviews are written about tar shampoos. Many do not like the smell, the reaction of the hair to the use of this product.

Experience with other dandruff shampoos also varies, but most reviews are positive. Sometimes people search for a long time, by trial and error, to find their own shampoo. And this is understandable: each person has specific skin, hair, and perception of a particular substance.

In search of the ideal anti-dandruff shampoo, consumers, especially women, are ready to experiment. And this is right, because we change, our tastes change, our financial capabilities, and, ultimately, the condition of our hair and skin. And the cosmetic industry presents new products, and advertising tempts... High-quality information, expert advice, and reviews from fellow sufferers are three pillars that will definitely help in finding an effective remedy.