A scalp that’s greasy, itchy, flaky, dry, or, worse nonetheless, some mixture of those might be annoying, if not downright distracting. However the very best scalp remedies on the market, those with the correct lively components and formulations to fit your particular person scalp well being, may help 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 it’s good to find out about scalp remedies earlier than you give one a strive.
How do scalp remedies work?
These merchandise are available in 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 lively components ought to individuals search for in a scalp remedy?
When you’re on the lookout for a scalp product to handle itchiness and flaking associated to dandruff, search for merchandise containing antifungal components, the most typical ones being ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulfide, Dr. Shirazi says. Some anti-dandruff merchandise can also comprise tea tree oil, which may help curb the overgrowth of yeast that causes dandruff within the first place.
Dr. Shirazi explains that chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid and glycolic acid may help cut back oiliness, bacterial development, useless pores and skin cells, and normal scalp buildup. Additionally look out for lactic acid, which can serve a equally clarifying objective in different merchandise. Then, after all, there are bodily exfoliants, like merchandise made with sea salt or massaging brushes, which can have a unique really feel than chemical exfoliants however can even assist slough away pores and skin cells and residue, so more healthy, refreshed pores and skin can emerge.
Lastly, should you’re primarily coping with dryness (which might generally be the foundation reason for flaking), search for hydrating components like argan oil, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid (which draw moisture to the pores and skin), to call just a few. When you’re coping with a mix of those points, you’re in luck—many merchandise comprise some mixture of a moisturizer and exfoliant with the intention to depart your scalp feeling clear and calm in equal measure.
Who ought to think about using a scalp remedy?
Dr. Shirazi says these merchandise might be immensely useful for individuals coping with pores and skin circumstances, however if in case you have a comparatively wholesome scalp, you may not 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) might be useful, over-exfoliating might be disruptive to its general high quality. Additionally, if in case you have open sores or wounds, Dr. Shirazi says to keep away from scalp remedies to not make them worse.
That mentioned, should you’re coping with recurring flakiness, oiliness, or dryness, you might wish to give a scalp-specific product a strive as a part of your wellness routine. Your different choices embrace clarifying shampoos and anti-dandruff shampoos, which may help alleviate buildup and flakes, respectively. When you aren’t positive what product is best for you, or what the foundation reason for your scalp points is, get in contact along with your dermatologist, Dr. Shirazi says.
With all that in thoughts, hopefully, you’ve a clearer concept of what sort of scalp product will serve you finest. Whether or not you’re eyeing a nourishing scrub or clarifying serum, we’ve discovered the very best scalp remedies accessible proper now, from top-rated and trusted manufacturers like Briogeo, Philip Kingsley, Residing Proof, Sunday Riley, and extra.