A scalp that’s greasy, itchy, flaky, dry, or, worse nonetheless, some mixture of those may be annoying, if not downright distracting. However one of the best scalp remedies on the market, those with the appropriate energetic substances and formulations to fit your particular person scalp well being, can assist resolve these points. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for an exfoliating product to easy and soothe the pores and skin in your scalp or one thing extra hydrating, right here’s what you have to find out about scalp remedies earlier than you give one a attempt.
How do scalp remedies work?
These merchandise are available quite a lot of formulations, from salt scrubs to light-weight serums and toners. Some you may therapeutic massage into your scalp, let sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse out, whereas others are supposed to be left in your scalp, no rinsing required. The longer they’re left in your scalp, the simpler they’ll be, board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, tells SELF.
What energetic substances ought to folks search for in a scalp therapy?
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a scalp product to deal with itchiness and flaking associated to dandruff, search for merchandise containing antifungal substances, the commonest ones being ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulfide, Dr. Shirazi says. Some anti-dandruff merchandise can also include tea tree oil, which can assist curb the overgrowth of yeast that causes dandruff within the first place.
Dr. Shirazi explains that chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid and glycolic acid can assist cut back oiliness, bacterial progress, useless pores and skin cells, and basic scalp buildup. Additionally look out for lactic acid, which is able to serve a equally clarifying objective in different merchandise. Then, in fact, there are bodily exfoliants, like merchandise made with sea salt or massaging brushes, which can have a special really feel than chemical exfoliants however may also assist slough away pores and skin cells and residue, so more healthy, refreshed pores and skin can emerge.
Lastly, when you’re primarily coping with dryness (which might typically be the basis reason for flaking), search for hydrating substances like argan oil, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid (which draw moisture to the pores and skin), to call a couple of. If you happen to’re coping with a mix of those points, you’re in luck—many merchandise include some mixture of a moisturizer and exfoliant as a way to depart your scalp feeling clear and calm in equal measure.
Who ought to think about using a scalp therapy?
Dr. Shirazi says these merchandise may be immensely useful for folks coping with pores and skin situations, however when you have a comparatively wholesome scalp, you won’t want to fret: “If it’s not damaged don’t repair it!” She explains that, whereas exfoliating your scalp periodically (say, as soon as every week) may be useful, over-exfoliating may be disruptive to its general high quality. Additionally, when you have open sores or wounds, Dr. Shirazi says to keep away from scalp remedies to not make them worse.
That stated, when you’re coping with recurring flakiness, oiliness, or dryness, chances are you’ll wish to give a scalp-specific product a attempt as a part of your wellness routine. Your different choices embody clarifying shampoos and anti-dandruff shampoos, which can assist alleviate buildup and flakes, respectively. If you happen to aren’t positive what product is best for you, or what the basis reason for your scalp points is, get in contact together with your dermatologist, Dr. Shirazi says.
With all that in thoughts, hopefully, you’ve got a clearer thought of what sort of scalp product will serve you greatest. Whether or not you’re eyeing a nourishing scrub or clarifying serum, we’ve discovered one of the best scalp remedies out there proper now, from top-rated and trusted manufacturers like Briogeo, Philip Kingsley, Residing Proof, Sunday Riley, and extra.