Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Studies show that up to 50 percent of the global population suffers from dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, a closely related condition. And while most of us reach for the nearest anti-dandruff shampoo when flakes start raining down on our shoulders, very few of us know how these shampoos work. So, how do they work?
Most anti-dandruff shampoos today contain one or more active ingredients – zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, coal tar, and salicylic acid. Zinc pyrithione is the most used anti-dandruff ingredient on the market today. It works by inhibiting the growth of fungus and bacteria on the scalp, both known triggers of seborrheic dermatitis.
Like zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide also works by inhibiting the growth of fungus and bacteria on the scalp. In addition, selenium sulfide also helps to control excess oil production. Coal tar is one of the oldest anti-dandruff ingredients in use today. It works by slowing down cell turnover on the scalp, which reduces inflammation and flaking. Salicylic acid is a safe and effective ingredient for treating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It works by exfoliating dead skin cells from the scalp, which helps to reduce flaking and itchiness.
