What causes dandruff?

 

Difference between oily and dry dandruff

 

The sebaceous glands on the scalp produce sebum.

This is all-important for the balance of the scalp and hair and protects against the loss of moisture and environmental factors.

The surface skin cells continuously renew themselves, as does the scalp. The flaking off of the old skin cells cannot normally be seen with the naked eye.

If the scalp loses its natural balance, this renewal process is disturbed and, consequently, dandruff becomes visible. Dry and oily dandruff are among the most common forms of dandruff.

 

 

Dry dandruff

 

Fine, dry dandruff is caused by a dry scalp.

The sebaceous glands do not produce enough sebum which compromises the scalp's natural balance. If the scalp is on the dry side, fine, white dandruff is frequently seen.

This dry dandruff falls from the head and hair. In this case, use of shampoos for sensitive and dry scalps is recommended.


Dr. Wolff's Product Recommendation:
Alpecin Dry / Itchy Scalp Kit
Moisturising and gentle to the scalp


 

Oily dandruff

 

With oily scalps, the sebaceous glands produce far too much sebum. This excessive sebum production can be caused both by personal (e.g. hormones, genetic disposition, skin type) and by external factors (environmental influences, climate etc.).

As such, there can be an increase in growth of the germs and microorganisms which naturally occur on the skin, thus disturbing the scalp's inherent balance.

The consequence: The degradation products of sebum irritate the skin, make it itch and accelerate the release of skin cells.

The excess sebum sticks these cells together to form large, visible, oily and yellow flakes which adhere to the scalp or hair.

With oily dandruff, the severity of the scalp problem is all-important for determining the right shampoo.

In addition, or as an alternative, a hair tonic can be used to alleviate the scalp problem. The combined prevention of hereditary hair loss is also possible.


Dr. Wolff's Product Recommendation:

Alpecin Medicinal Anti-Dandruff Kit
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Scalp Tonic

Alpecin Double-Effect Caffeine Shampoo
Prevents Oily Dandruff and Hair Loss


 

Sensitive scalps – what can be done?

 

Mild cleansing for itchy & red scalps Itching, dryness, redness or feeling of tightness – the scalp reacts particularly sensitively to environmental influences or certain substances depending on one's personal disposition.

Particularly mild substances are used for cleansing in shampoo designed for sensitive scalps. Instead of further weakening the skin barrier, the active ingredients specifically help the scalp to regenerate and tangibly alleviate the associated symptoms.

For very sensitive scalp with dry dandruff, we recommend shampoos with additional active ingredients that have a positive effect on the skin's moisture levels.


Dr. Wolff's Product Recommendation:

Alpecin Hypo-Sensitive Shampoo
Suitable for Dry, Sensitive Scalps

Alpecin Sensitive Shampoo S1
Suitable for Dry or Itchy Scalps