SCALP HEALTH IS THE NEW SKINCARE: Here’s why it matters.

Before you roll your eyes and think it’s just shampoo, right? Dermatologists want you to know that there’s so much more than that. New York-based dermatologist, Dr. Francesca Fusco, hair and scalp disorder specialist said that, “The scalp is an extension of our skin, with its own oil glands, microbiome and barrier functions.” Thus, it deserves the same level of care as our face.
Statistics have shown that almost 50% of adults struggle with dandruff at some point in their lives. The majority of the population experiences flakes, irritation and itching in their scalp. In extreme cases of seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition linked with the overgrowth of Malassezia, a yeast that is shown to affect 5% of the adults worldwide. This yeast spreads in oily areas like the sides of the nose and the eyebrows.
Shocking, right? That’s not it. People often consider these to be ‘cosmetic problems’. But, what they fail to understand is that these are the signals of inflammations and imbalances which directly affects their scalp health and hair growth.
The biggest lesson taught to us by skincare over all these years is that not all bacterias are bad or cause harm. Just like your gut and skin, your scalp also has a microbiome. Trying to figure out what a microbiome is? Don’t worry I got you! Microbiome is a community of fungi and bacteria that maintain balance. When this balance is disrupted by excess oil, pollution and the use of harsh products, that is when the yeast, Malassezia multiplies and causes dandruff, inflammation.
A study conducted by the British Journal of Dermatology in 2021 explains that our scalp is like a small ecosystem where the overgrowth of one species causes the entire environment to suffer. Scientists are now exploring probiotics and microbiome friendly shampoos for your scalp. Just like you buy yogurt for maintaining good gut health, soon you might be buying ‘scalp tonics’ that feed good microbes.
Let’s dive into the unique cocktail of challenges that Indian scalps face:

1. Pollution- The presence of dust particles and toxins in the air cause the hair follicles to clog which eventually makes the scalp dry and itchy.
2. Hard water- Usage of hard water dries out the hair and the scalp as it leaves behind mineral deposits.
3. Sweat and Humidity- Climate change causes the growth of bacteria and yeast, worsening itchiness and producing flakes.
4. Stress and Lifestyle- Times of India (TOI) health reports show that poor sleep and high cortisol triggers hair fall, while better sleep improves scalp health.

Dermatologists advocate an easy yet effective scalp routine which tends to improve the scalp health if followed consistently:

1. Cleanse smartly- Your scalp loves being clean, but stretched washes or excessive hair wash must be avoided. In case of flakes, rotate in a medicated shampoo but make sure you don’t turn every wash into a chemical experiment.
2. Treat the cause- Not all dandruffs should be treated equally. In mild cases of flakes, probably seborrheic dermatitis, anti fungal shampoos are the best rescues. But when such problems reoccur, you should consult a doctor.
3. Guard against the environment- Sweaty workouts or long commutes? A quick rinse or weekly chelating shampoo is all you need to stop the buildup that’s suffocating your roots.
4. Borrow from skincare- Skincare is not just for your face; Salicylic acid gently lifts the scalp buildup, Niacinamide calms the irritation and Hydrating serums quench dryness.
5. Fix lifestyle basics- During exams, you might experience increased flake production and itchiness in your scalp, because your scalp is undergoing the same level of pressure as you. Therefore, one must fix their basic lifestyle which includes proper sleep, diet and maintaining low stress levels to improve the scalp health.

Neglecting the skin beneath your hair is ten times worse than neglecting your facial skin. So the next time you see the signs for flakes, redness or itchiness, do not ignore them because that is your scalp’s way of seeking attention. And now that scalp health is finally a part of the skincare conversation, it is high time that we listen too.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is scalp health important for hair growth?
   A healthy scalp provides the right environment for stronger, faster, and healthier hair growth.
2. How do I know if my scalp is unhealthy?
   Signs like dandruff, itching, redness, or excessive oiliness indicate poor scalp health.
3. Can scalp care really prevent dandruff?
   Yes, consistent scalp care with the right shampoo and lifestyle habits can reduce and prevent dandruff.
4. What is the best routine for a healthy scalp?
   Cleanse regularly, avoid harsh products, protect from pollution, and nourish with scalp-friendly ingredients.
5. Does scalp microbiome affect hair health?
   Absolutely, an imbalanced scalp microbiome can trigger dandruff, irritation, and hair fall.