Aloe News

Our skin is in a constant state of renewal. Dead skin cells of the scalp are shed as new cells form beneath them, typically in a cycle of a month. For those with dandruff (pityriasis capitis) however, this renewal process is faster, sometimes as fast as 2-7 days, meaning more cells fall off more frequently. This results in the cells shedding in clumps which are visible to us as flakes – the typical tell tale sign of dandruff. Dandruff is one of the most common conditions that can affect our scalps, affecting people from all ages, though is most common in males. It is often itchy and can be embarrassing. Worry not though as Aloe Vera hair products can really help with the problem.

There are three main factors that are thought to affect dandruff:

• 1. Skin oil (sebum)
• 2. The metabolic by-products of skin micro-organisms of Malassezia yeasts
• 3. An individual susceptibility

Dandruff is most likely caused by a scalp infection. A fungus that is commonly found on our skin and scalp, called Malassezia, is thought to be associated with dandruff. This tiny yeast feeds on the natural grease on your skin, producing oleic acid. This oleic acid in turn produces an increased turnover of skin cells, causing dandruff. Therefore, reducing the presence of the fungus should treat the dandruff. It should be noted that dandruff sufferers don’t have more Malassezia than other people, nor is it caused by bad hygiene. Dandruff sufferers are just more sensitive to the fungus.

How You Can Control & Treat Dandruff

Many people assume that it is caused by the scalp being too dry and that they can resolve the problem by simply washing their hair less frequently or stop using shampoo. This however is a futile approach since dandruff is only caused by an increased turnover of skin cells in areas where the grease glands of the skin are at their most active. Dandruff is rarely caused by an allergic reaction or irritation to hair products, though it is best to avoid harsh cleansers as they can cause the sebaceous glands to overcompensate by producing more oil than is necessary. If you have dandruff, try to avoid colouring your hair as it will reduce the amount of good bacteria present on your scalp. You should also avoid wearing a hat as it prevents sweat evaporating, encouraging the growth of the fungus. Aloe Vera is naturally anti-fungal and so using Aloe Vera for skin conditions such as dandruff is ideal. Eliminating the fungus will result in the greatest improvement of dandruff, therefore it is important to use a hair treatment that has anti-fungal properties. Regular use of Aloe Vera for skin will not only treat dandruff, but also prevent a recurrence. Aloe Vera gel and Aloe Vera hair products contain anti-inflammatory compounds called glycoproteins, that work hard to soothe any dandruff associated itching. Aloe Vera hair products are also highly moisturising for the dry skin on the scalp, whilst Aloe Vera’s polysaccharides stimulate healthy skin growth and repair.

Forever Living Products recommends that you gently massage the Aloe Vera hair treatment into your scalp to loosen the flakes before rinsing off thoroughly. Do this daily as frequent shampooing with adequate rinsing has been shown to treat dandruff. When using an anti-dandruff Aloe Vera conditioner, leave it on for at least a minute for it to work before thoroughly rinsing off in tepid water. Though dandruff can at present not be completely treated, Aloe Vera hair products can effectively control the condition.