Dandruff

Dandruff

Dandruff is a very common scalp condition that occurs when dead skin sheds off the scalp, producing white flakes. It is usually a condition of oily skin rather than dry skin. It occurs as the skin cells renew themselves and the old skin cells shedd off. Many people tend to generate and discard skin cells at a faster rate than others. some research shows that very severe cases of flaking scalp may be caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Pityrosporum ovale, which lives naturally on the skin.

Dandruff can be caused by many things such as trauma to the skin, illness, hormonal imbalances, improper carbohydrate consumption, and the consumption of too much sugar.

Dandruff may also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, such as deficiencies in vitamin B-complex, essential fatty acids (omega-3's, DHA, and EPA), and selenium.

Since the shedding of skin cells is a normal process, it can not be stopped. This means that there is no "cure" for dandruff, it can only be minimized or controlled in a normal range.

Nutrients

Essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil, primrose oil, fish oils)- use as directed on the label. Helps to relieve itching and inflammation and is essential for healthy skin and scalp.

Kelp- 1,000 to 1,500 mg per day. It provides needed minerals (iodine) for better hair growth and healing of the skin on the scalp.

Selenium- 200 mcg daily. It is an antioxidant that aids in controlling dry scalp.

Vitamin B Complex- 100 mg of each of the major B vitamins daily. B vitamins are necessary for healthy skin and hair. Use a high stress form and get it in sublingual (under the tongue) form if you can find it.

Vitamin E- 400 IU and up. Use only d-alpha-tocopherol form. The DL-alpha tocopherol form is synthetic and is not a good form to use.

Zinc- Do not exceed 100 mg daily of this supplement. Protein metabolism depends on zinc. The skin is composed primarily of protein.

Recommendations

Coconut oil -Virgin unrefined coconut oil is the best. Rub some pure coconut oil in your hair daily. The dandruff should clear up in a few days.

Apple cider vinegar -Apple cider vinegar will help restore the proper acid/alkaline balance of the scalp and kill a bacteria that clogs the pores that release oil to the scalp. The clogged pores result in scales and crusts being formed. Apply apple cider vinegar diluted 50% with water to the scalp and let dry. There is no need to rinse. Another similar remedy suggests pouring two tablespoons into a cup, applying the straight vinegar to the scalp, and leaving it on from 15 minutes to three hours before shampooing. Lemon juice may also be used. It is the acid in these remedies that helps bring the scalp back into chemical balance.

Listerine - For mild cases of dandruff, use the mouthwash Listerine. It has antiseptic properties. Do not use on cases where the skin is broken as the Listerine can be irritating.

Ginger - Combine olive oil and ginger root and apply to your scalp before shampooing. If your dandruff is really bad, put the mixture on 10-15 minutes before shampooing.

Eat a diet consisting of 50% to 75 % raw foods. Eat natural yogurts.

Avoid fried foods, diary products, refined sugars, refined (white) flour, chocolate, nuts, and seafood.

Before washing your hair, add about 8 tablespoons of pure cold pressed olive oil to the juice and half a lemon and rub the mixture into your scalp. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes, then shampoo.

Try rinsing your hair or scalp with vinegar and water instead of plain water after shampooing. Use 1/4 cup vinegar to 1 quart of water.

Do NOT use a shampoo containing selenium on a DAILY basis, even if it aids in controlling the dandruff. Use as directed for very short periods of time.

Some people have found that sun exposure helps clear up dandruff, but others find that it seems to make it worse.

It is best not to use over-the-counter ointments for dandruff. They can do more HARM that good.