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Focus on dandruff

Your scalp : Dandruff

Focus on...

Dandruff, a dual phenomenon: inflammatory and bacterial.

Dandruff is a sign of a bacterial inflammation of the scalp, which accelerates the cell renewal process. The dead cells accumulate, forming unattractive clusters called dandruff. Thanks to well-adapted treatments and a healthy lifestyle, you can once again have a healthy scalp.

Symptoms

The cell renewal process speeds up

Dandruff is caused by the excessive scaling of the scalp. Every two weeks, the skin cells on the scalp are naturally renewed and eliminated in the form of tiny, invisible scales. However, due to certain factors, the cell renewal process may accelerate. Clusters of dead cells form, called dandruff. This is a very common disorder, which is rarely serious, yet unattractive. There are two types of dandruff:  

  • Dry dandruff: small, fine white flakes that fall onto the shoulders.
  • Oily dandruff: larger and thicker yellowish flakes that stick to the hair and scalp.
Dandruff is sometimes associated with itchiness and irritation.

Origins

Dandruff is caused by microscopic yeast

Dandruff is caused by microscopic yeast. When it proliferates, it triggers inflammation in the scalp. This results in the excessive scaling of the scalp as a means of countering this inflammation.  

Several factors may promote the proliferation of  Malassezia:  

  • External factors: humidity, frequently styling and blow drying hair, harsh products, hard water…
  • Internal factors: stress, hormonal imbalance, poor diet …  
A genuine vicious circle, the itchiness and irritation lead to greater desquamation and the proliferation of Malassezia.  

Moreover, certain disorders, such as psoriasis, may lead to desquamation.

Treatments

How can we treat dandruff?

Anti-dandruffshampoos are an effective solution for fighting against dandruff. They are formulated to inhibit the proliferation of the microorganisms that cause dandruff. They also eliminate dandruff from the scalp, thanks to exfoliating agents.  

To prevent dandruff from recurring, we recommend that you:  

  • use non-abrasive, well-adapted treatments, which are gentle on the scalp

  • avoid harsh products and styling routines that can weaken the hair

  • enjoy a healthy lifestyle, with a well-balanced diet


If your dandruff does not improve, please contact your dermatologist.

To go one step further ...

Please ask your dermatologist for further information.
3 questions to an expert

Dr L.,
Dermatologist, Paris, France

An anti-dandruff treatment must be adapted to the specific type of dandruff

Interview with a dermatologist, who speaks about treating dandruff.

Testimonies

Séverine, 32, English teacher in France

“I have finally succeeded in getting rid of my dandruff”

After years of mistreating her hair, Séverine developed a severe case of dandruff. She has finally succeeded in getting rid of it.

Thermal spring water

by La Roche-Posay

The main active ingredient in our products

La Roche-Posay thermal spring water is a precious and fragile resource.

All products for Dandruff
All products in the range Kerium
See Kerium Dry Dandruff

Kerium Dry Dandruff

Anti-Dandruff Cream Shampoo. Micro-Exfoliant. Frequent use.
All products in the range Kerium
See Kerium Oily Dandruff

Kerium Oily Dandruff

Anti-Dandruff Gel Shampoo. Micro-Exfoliant. Frequent use.
All products in the range Thermal spring water
See Thermal Spring Water by La Roche-Posay

Thermal Spring Water by La Roche-Posay

Soothing, Softening Thermal Spring Water
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Photos (c) Getty Images / (c) La Roche-Posay / (c) Centre Thermal de La Roche-Posay, 2004

 

 

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