Shampoos for dry dandruff

Scalp problems are common: for some people, they are associated with excessive oiliness and greasiness, while for others, they are associated with excessive dryness. At the same time, the dry form of seborrheic dermatitis is more common, when dandruff appears in the form of small flakes. How to combat this problem? Are there effective shampoos for dry dandruff? Yes, there are, and now we will tell you about them. [ 1 ]

Indications dry dandruff shampoos

Dry dandruff is small flakes of a whitish or slightly grayish hue that easily fall off the surface of the skin. The formation of such flakes occurs for various reasons:

• painful conditions in which there is a weakening of the immune system, immunodeficiency (including HIV);
• changes in hormonal levels – for example, as a result of illness, pregnancy and lactation, age-related factors (puberty, menopause, etc.);
• genetic features (for example, hereditary seborrheic dermatitis);
• frequent or prolonged stress;
• digestive disorders, metabolic disorders, immune system failure.

One of the basic factors in the appearance of dry dandruff is considered to be the yeast-like opportunistic fungus Malassezia furfur, which is normally present on the skin, but under certain conditions begins to actively grow and develop, causing symptoms such as dry dandruff, itching, dry skin and flaking. [ 2 ]

In the above cases, special shampoos for dry dandruff help to suppress unpleasant symptoms, producing a pronounced therapeutic effect. [ 3 ]

Release form

Without exaggeration, a wide range of shampoos for dry dandruff provides an opportunity to choose the best option for yourself. This is much easier to do if you familiarize yourself with the most popular medical and hygienic products in advance, compare them using separate evaluation criteria. Choose a product for yourself that is not only suitable for your hair type: it is desirable that the shampoo is of high quality, is not contraindicated for a specific situation, does not contain parabens and other potentially dangerous components.

Of course, you don't always need to immediately pay attention to the most expensive product line. However, in some cases, the price really reflects the quality of medical and hygienic products - and this applies especially to the cheapest products, since in most situations their quality is questionable. Focus on customer reviews, consult with sellers and pharmacists, carefully read the composition - and do not forget about intuition. Sometimes it is possible to find a fairly effective drug for relatively little money.

The most popular anti-dandruff shampoos for dry hair are:

• Squanorm, Squanorm is a shampoo from Ducray, contains zinc pyrithione, glycerin and guanidine glycolate. The basic action of the product is to destroy the pathogen that causes dry dandruff. Users say that the problem disappears after the first use of the product. However, despite such a quick effect, the course of shampoo therapy should continue for 4 weeks. Ducray shampoo cannot be used to wash hair in children under 3 years of age.
• Klorane shampoo with nasturtium from the manufacturer Pierre Fabre Dermo cosmetique, in addition to the plant extract, contains B vitamins and salicylic acid. The product perfectly heals, eliminates microdamage on the skin, eliminates dry dandruff. As a pleasant addition - noticeable relief of combing, moisturizing and easier styling of hair. The use of such shampoo is possible both for treatment and for prevention of dry dandruff. For therapeutic purposes, the product is used twice a week, and for prophylactic purposes - once every seven days.
• Vichy shampoo from the manufacturer Dercos contains tocopherol and ceramide P, as well as salicylic acid. In addition to eliminating dry dandruff, the product significantly improves the condition of the hair, accelerates tissue regeneration processes, and eliminates pathogenic microorganisms. The course of use of such shampoo is designed for four weeks: after each application, the product should be left on the scalp for about 2-3 minutes, and only then rinsed with warm water. There are practically no contraindications to the use of the product: the exception is individual intolerance to the composition.
• Sulsena shampoo contains selenium disulfide. It has a multifaceted effect: it stabilizes the function of the sebaceous glandular system and accelerates the renewal of the epidermis, inhibits the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microflora, changing the conditions of existence, under which the development of bacteria and fungi becomes impossible. Sulsena has a pleasant smell, after use there is a pleasant feeling of freshness and cleanliness. By the way, the positive result from use comes quite quickly: itching and peeling disappear for a long time, and the hair itself is strengthened and softened. Among some of the "minuses" of the product can be called the likelihood of relapse of dry dandruff after a course of therapy, not very economical consumption of shampoo, as well as its ability to bleach dyed hair.

Pharmacodynamics

As a rule, shampoos for dry dandruff have a rich composition, since in combination many substances have the most beneficial effect. The user should not be alarmed by a large number of chemical components in the shampoo: this is often necessary for the full effectiveness of the remedy.

To choose the best product for yourself, you need to make sure that the composition contains at least one of the following substances:

• antifungal agent (ketoconazole, clotrimazole, etc.);
• zinc pyrithione;
• selenium sulfide;
• salicylic acid;
• birch tar;
• ciclopirox;
• ichthyol, etc.

The basic action of the above substances is antifungal, antiseptic, soothing, moisturizing. The listed properties are well complemented by full-fledged vitamin complexes, plant extracts, natural oils, glycerin.

Shampoos for dry dandruff stop the activity of pathogenic bacteria, stabilize the sebaceous function, eliminate the consequences of increased fungal growth, strengthen and improve the appearance of the scalp.

Pharmacokinetics

Many people know firsthand what dry dandruff is. It is also known that it is quite difficult to fight such a problem, so a quality shampoo can be a real salvation. How do such products work, and is there a chance to get rid of the scourge forever?

It rarely happens that one reason is “to blame” for the appearance of dry dandruff. Often, both external and internal factors are “to blame” – for example, prolonged exposure to frosty air due to genetic predisposition, or decreased immunity due to hormonal changes in the body.

In any case, the emergence of the problem is closely associated with a change in the production of sebum, which, in turn, consists of several components - these are triglycerides and squalenes, as well as wax and cholesterol esters. These substances can become food for various microorganisms that are normally present on the skin. And the danger appears when the human immune defense loses control over their growth and reproduction. As a result, the bacterial balance is disturbed, and the opportunistic flora becomes simply pathogenic - that is, one that can cause disease (for example, dry dandruff).

Dry dandruff shampoos have an exclusively external effect, without any systemic effect. For this reason, there is no need to study the kinetic properties of such external agents.

Dosing and administration

As a rule, one full course of treatment shampoo is enough to eliminate dry dandruff. However, each case of dandruff is individual, so it is necessary to choose the product wisely and, if necessary, promptly replace it with a more suitable one.

Dry dandruff shampoo is used externally only. Apply the product in a quantity sufficient for good foaming, distribute evenly over dry hair (treat the entire length of hair from tips to roots, as well as the skin). Massage the skin, not forgetting the areas behind the ears and on the back of the head, for three to five minutes. Rinse the hair thoroughly, dry with a towel and comb.

It is advisable to repeat the procedure every three or four days until dry dandruff disappears completely. Some shampoo manufacturers recommend washing your hair about 2-3 times a week during the first month, then once a week for six weeks.

If you experience any unpleasant sensations during washing, you should not use this shampoo: you need to think about replacing it.

It is also important to understand that each specific manufacturer may provide its own recommendations for the use of medicinal products, so it is important to carefully study the annotation. In particular, some shampoos for dry dandruff should be washed off immediately, while others should be left on the scalp to enhance their effect. Do not expect an immediate effect: most shampoos require more than one week to improve the health of the scalp. However, excessive efforts are also not approved: there is no need to wash your hair more often than indicated in the instructions for the product, or keep the shampoo on your hair longer than recommended. These mistakes can lead to skin irritation and even worsening of the condition.

Experts do not recommend using medicated shampoo constantly. It is best to complete the recommended course of therapy, and then change the product from medicated to preventive.

And one more practical piece of advice: if the chosen shampoo for dry dandruff does not produce sufficient effect, then it can be alternated with another medicated shampoo with a different composition.

Additional benefits may come from consulting an immunologist, adjusting physical and emotional stress, reviewing your diet, and adjusting your sleep and rest routine. Often, excessive dry dandruff appears when the body is extremely weakened and its immune defenses lose their ability to suppress the growth of microorganisms. And a deficiency of certain nutrients can cause not only dandruff, but also deterioration of the health of the skin and hair in general.

Application for children

You should not use "adult" shampoos for dry dandruff to wash children's hair, otherwise you can only add to and worsen the existing problem. First of all, the washing and medicinal product should be suitable for the child's age category. Of course, there are universal products that are approved for use at any age. But there are relatively few of them, so it is important to pay attention to this nuance and carefully read the annotation (or use the seller's advice).

If the child is prone to allergies, then shampoos containing fragrances and dyes should be excluded from consideration. In addition, the packaging should have a special mark "hypoallergenic product".

The following ingredients are welcome in baby shampoo for dry dandruff:

• glycerin – soothes sensitive skin, moisturizes;
• ichthyol – promotes healing of damaged epidermis;
• zinc – has antifungal effect;
• plant extracts, oils – improve the structure of hair and skin;
• vitamins and minerals – nourish and optimize metabolic processes at the local level;
• salicylic acid – acts as a disinfectant, but is not recommended for use in children under 1 year of age.

Children's shampoos for dry dandruff usually completely eliminate the problem after just a few weeks of use, and the first positive effects can be seen after 3-4 treatments: itching decreases, and dandruff gradually disappears.

The most famous shampoos for dry dandruff for children are Friederm Zinc, Sulsena, Sebopyrox, Sebozol, Nizoral, La-Cree, Mustella, Chicco.

Use dry dandruff shampoos during pregnancy

Problems such as dry dandruff or seborrhea are best addressed before pregnancy. However, problems often arise as a result of powerful hormonal changes, and in such a situation, a medicinal shampoo should be selected only after consultation with a doctor, and used only according to a clearly established schedule.

What you need to pay attention to when choosing a remedy for dry dandruff during pregnancy:

• The composition of the surfactant should contain soft representatives of them, for example, TEA-lauryl. The presence of ammonium lauryl and laureth sulfate is undesirable.
• It’s good if the shampoo has a hypoallergenic composition.
• The choice of organic cosmetics is encouraged, which will be indicated in the annotation.
• The presence of propylene glycol, phthalates, formaldehyde, diethanolamine in the composition is undesirable. These components can cause deterioration of the scalp condition, and even cause hormonal imbalances.

Consulting a doctor regarding the choice of shampoo for dry dandruff is a must.

Contraindications

Shampoos for dry dandruff are definitely contraindicated if there are open lesions, wounds, scratches, rashes, etc. on the scalp.

In addition, you cannot use the shampoo if itching, redness of the skin, rash, or burning sensation appear after its use. Such symptoms may indicate increased sensitivity of the body to any component of the medicinal product.

It should be noted that some washing products are not allowed for use by pregnant and nursing women. To avoid misunderstandings, it is important to always carefully read the instructions for shampoos - and this should be done even before purchasing the product.

Side effects dry dandruff shampoos

As with any other therapeutic and hygienic washing agent, treatment with shampoos for dry dandruff may cause signs of local irritation, itching or contact dermatitis (as a result of irritation or an allergic process). Hair may change its oiliness, although this phenomenon is quite rare.

Some users (mostly those with grey or chemically altered hair) may experience a change in hair colour.

Even more rare are the following manifestations:

• development of hypersensitivity, urticaria-type rashes;
• hair loss, the appearance of areas of skin irritation and increased dryness.

In most cases, no side effects are detected, but you should be aware of all possible scenarios in order to take timely measures.

Overdose

Standard use of shampoos for dry dandruff does not imply overdose, since such products are intended for external application only. If the shampoo was accidentally swallowed, then no special emergency measures are required here either. In order to prevent aspiration of the product, it is prohibited to provoke a gag reflex or wash the stomach. It is optimal to drink a sorbent and a laxative in sequence.

Interactions with other drugs

When applying and foaming the shampoo for dry dandruff, it is necessary to avoid its contact with the mucous membrane of the eyes. If the product does get into the eyes, they should be thoroughly rinsed with running water.

Taking medications internally goes well with external use of shampoos. If you plan to apply other external products to the scalp, it is better not to use two products at the same time: alternate products after consulting a specialist.

Storage conditions

Dry dandruff shampoos are usually stored in rooms with a temperature of +8 to +25°C, away from open fire and direct ultraviolet rays, in dry places. The bottle should be carefully closed, keeping children away from places where detergents are stored.

Shelf life

Most dry dandruff shampoos are good for use for 2-3 years from the date of production. However, you should not rely on general figures: you should pay attention to the expiration date indicated on a specific medicinal product, as there may be exceptions. For example, organic detergent medicinal products may have a shorter shelf life, and shampoos with a predominantly chemical composition - a longer shelf life.

Analogues

In case of relatively severe manifestations of dry dandruff, it is advisable not to immediately start using special shampoos, but first carry out treatment with similar, but more effective medications - for example, 10% sulfur ointment. The treatment course is carried out as follows:

• every evening for a week, rub sulfur ointment into the scalp (divide the hair into strands and rub the product into each parting for at least 4-5 minutes);
• on the 8th day you need to give your hair a rest (including from detergents);
• on the 9th day, wash your head thoroughly with shampoo for dry dandruff;
• then, for 4-5 days, the scalp is treated with water with the addition of boric acid (150 g of warm water and 2 teaspoons of the preparation) - the treatment is carried out in the evenings, after which the hair is wrapped in a scarf and one goes to bed;
• After such a course, after about a week, they switch to a course of treatment with a medicinal shampoo, but the indicated treatment can be repeated again (it can be repeated no more than three times with an interval of one week).

If we consider mild cases of dry dandruff, then it is possible to improve the condition of the scalp without using special products. Stabilization of the sebaceous glands occurs after revising your lifestyle and diet. For example, it is often enough to limit the consumption of fatty, floury and sweet dishes, walk more often in the fresh air, allow your hair and skin to "breathe" without weighing them down with hats and thick scarves.

In addition to shampoos, essential oils also help get rid of dry dandruff - for example, it can be cedar, eucalyptus, cypress oil. One selected product or their mixture is rubbed in immediately after washing, or the oil is added to your favorite shampoo.

• Burdock oil has a good effect: it is used in the form of masks, rubbing into the root area daily for three weeks. The mask is kept on the head for about half an hour, after which it is washed off with warm water.
• Tea tree oil helps against dry dandruff: it is heated, mixed with any shampoo and distributed over the hair and skin. Then the mass should not be washed off for 20 minutes, you can even wrap your head in film or put on a rubber (oilcloth) cap. The procedures should be repeated regularly until the condition noticeably improves.
• Instead of shampoo for dry dandruff, many people use regular olive oil. For a therapeutic effect, take a little oil, treat the curls and hair follicle area with it, leave for 20 minutes, then wash off with warm water and any shampoo. Instead of olive oil, some users successfully use castor or linseed oil.

Reviews of shampoos for dry dandruff

Many users have identified the obvious “advantages” of using special shampoos for dry dandruff:

• they relieve itching;
• remove flaking;
• stabilize the function of the sebaceous glands;
• eliminate dandruff;
• inhibit the development of fungal flora;
• eliminate specific plaques on the skin;
• can sometimes be used as a shower aid;
• improve hair structure, being an excellent care product;
• economical to use;
• accessible, as they can be presented in different price categories, ranging from budget to more expensive ones.

Some users still note certain disadvantages of shampoos for dry dandruff. The fact is that some such products can cause the development of allergic processes, or are not suitable, for example, for pregnant and lactating women, or for children. In addition, many reviews of specific types of shampoos are quite contradictory. Usually this is due to the mass production of counterfeits, or the presence of an individual hypersensitive reaction in the user. Therefore, it is advisable to select shampoos for dry dandruff exclusively by trial and error, not forgetting to consult with professionals.