Dandruff is a scalp disease caused by yeast-like fungi (called yeasts) from the Malassezia family. It mainly manifests as white or pale yellow flakes of exfoliating epidermis, as well as irritation, redness and itching. In order to effectively deal with these diseases and the discomfort associated with them, it is worth reaching for the most effective solution in the form of a good anti-dandruff shampoo.
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Shampoo and dandruff type
before you choose shampoo Anti-dandruff product, pay attention, is intended for dry or oily dandruff. Some cosmetics can fight both types, provided they contain more than one active ingredient. This is a particularly useful solution for people who cannot clearly define what type of disease they are dealing with. Most products, both pharmaceutical and medicinal, are aimed at fighting one type of disease.
Dry dandruff is characterized by dry white flakes formed by the flaking of the diseased epidermis that falls on clothing when you move your head. It is often accompanied by severe itching and redness. The cause of its appearance can be contact with allergens, inappropriate shampoo, excessive use of hair styling products, stress or an improper diet with low zinc content.
For dry dandruff, it is best to use anti-dandruff shampoos that contain tar (used to fight seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis), zinc salt pyrithione, salicylic acid, or selenium sulfide. It is recommended to use these products every three days to effectively deal with excess oiliness and flaking of the epidermis.
On the other hand, dandruff is more common in people prone to seborrhea. It manifests as yellow, thin, flaky scars that stick to the scalp, and pale yellow scaly flaking. It is often accompanied by inflammation and severe itching. Yeast development is facilitated by excessive secretion of sebum, as well as previously untreated dandruff.
The first step in eliminating this type of disease is the best anti-dandruff shampoos with keratolytic properties that remove the keratinized epidermis. Over time, as the condition of the scalp improves, it is worth including cytostatic drugs in your daily care, which not only eliminate the existing dandruff, but also prevent its recurrence.
What ingredients should you look for in anti-dandruff shampoos?
Since dandruff is caused by yeasts of the Malassezia family, a good anti-dandruff shampoo should contain substances that destroy these fungi. This includes, among others:
- Ketoconazole – inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane. Thanks to this, it is damaged faster and the fungal cells die. This ingredient also has an anti-seborrheic effect, eliminates itching and peeling of the skin;
- Selenium sulfide – prevents the reproduction of fungi and the excessive division of epidermal cells and hair follicles, thereby reducing skin redness, itching and excessive peeling;
- Zinc pyrithione – disrupts the metabolism of the fungal cell membrane. It dissolves so well in the secretion of the sebaceous glands of the scalp that it remains on the scalp even after washing off with anti-dandruff shampoo;
- Piroctone Olamine – It has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and reduces the abnormal division of epidermal cells.
Anti-dandruff shampoos often contain cytostatic substances, which reduce the rate of renewal of epidermal cells and thus regulate their abnormal reproduction. This group includes, among others:
- tar – These products of dry distillation of wood or coal inhibit DNA synthesis, reduce epidermal cell proliferation, and also have antiseptic and bactericidal effects:
- Ichthyol – has a disinfectant, anti-inflammatory and anti-itch effect, soothes irritation and slows down peeling of the epidermis.
However, it should be remembered that the action of cytostatic substances is only symptomatic, so after the end of treatment with these drugs, dandruff will most likely return over time. Keratolytic ingredients have a much more intense and long-lasting effect, they soften and remove the scales of dandruff and soften the layers of the epidermis. These include salicylic acid at a concentration of more than 5%, sulfur at a concentration of up to 2% and urea at a concentration of more than 10%. However, it should be taken into account that very long-term use of anti-dandruff shampoos with these compounds can disrupt the physiological protective function of the scalp.
Of course, we must remember that the cleaning products that are used daily, in addition to fighting dandruff, should also irritate the scalp. Among others, they should contain vitamins A, E and PP, which regenerate the epidermis and stimulate collagen synthesis, microcirculation and the production of protective lipids. The effective anti-dandruff shampoo also contains vitamin B3, which reduces seborrhea, and panthenol, which has a nourishing and soothing effect. It is good if these cosmetics also contain moisturizing glycerin or natural clays that absorb excess skin oil.
After you know what kind of dandruff you have and what substances your cosmetics should contain, it is enough to choose the right preparation. Use our rating of anti-dandruff shampoos to make your choice easier. You can find each of these fantastic deals at MAKEUP Online Pharmacy at very affordable prices.
7 best anti-dandruff shampoos according to MAKEUP rating
1. Anti-dandruff shampoo with selenium disulfide for normal and oily hair Vichy Dercos Anti-Pelliculaire anti-dandruff shampoo
The product formula contains selenium disulfide, an ingredient with active antifungal properties, salicylic acid, which helps to remove dead epidermal cells, and ceramide R – a component that provides the necessary protection to the scalp. Thanks to the light formula, the cosmetics do not weigh down the hair. Its dermatologically proven properties make dandruff disappear from the hair and does not return even for six weeks after treatment.
2. La Roche-Posay Kerium DS Anti-Dandruff Intensive Treatment Shampoo
A good anti-dandruff shampoo that effectively cleanses the strands, leaving them feeling fresh and delicate. As a result, locks become smooth, soft and shiny. With each use, the product minimizes the amount of dandruff, normalizes the condition of the scalp, relieves itching and discomfort. It also fights the causes of unwanted white flakes to completely eliminate dandruff in just a few weeks. Its effectiveness is due, among others, to lipohydroxy acid (LHA) of micro-exfoliation, which removes the flaky epidermis, normalizes the condition of the scalp and prevents dandruff.
3. Uriage DS Hair Soft Balancing Shampoo
The product perfectly cares for hair and scalp and protects against dryness, split ends and itching. It also balances hydration levels and limits overactive sebaceous glands. This anti-dandruff shampoo is characterized not only by its effective action, but also by its pleasant fragrance and light consistency, which turns into a rich foam when washed, which thoroughly removes impurities. Active ingredients include glycerin and hibiscus flower extract with moisturizing, nourishing and restorative properties.
4. Anti-dandruff shampoo with exfoliating, anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties Bioderma Nodé K Keratore Reducing Shampoo
This cosmetic product, free of irritating detergents, gently and thoroughly cleans the strands and removes various impurities from the scalp. Its delicate, odorless formula does not disturb their hydrolipidic balance and the forskolin content has a soothing effect on the scalp. Yellowwood extract reduces the need for scratching. The shampoo is great for dry dandruff and psoriasis.
5. Insight Anti-Dandruff Cleansing Shampoo
Anti-dandruff therapeutic shampoo is primarily intended to remove scaly epidermis and restore the necessary balance. Its innovative formula combines the beneficial properties of natural extracts of rosemary, sage and thyme and does not contain irritating substances such as SLS, SLES, mineral oils, preservatives, parabens and allergens. Thanks to this, cosmetics are safe and suitable for daily use.
6. Eucerin DermoCapillaire anti-dandruff gel shampoo anti-dandruff shampoo-gel for oily hair
Among the best anti-dandruff shampoos, this innovative product from the German brand is unmatched. Effective active ingredients, such as climbazole and pirocton olamine, restore the balance in the skin, limit skin peeling and prevent the formation of new pathological conditions. The pleasant-to-use gel formula provides an instant feeling of comfort and renewal.
7. Depot Hair Cleansings 102 Anti-dandruff and anti-oily shampoo for oily hair
Cosmetics have a light consistency, which turns into a rich foam with a pleasant fragrance when washing. It effectively protects against inflammation, strengthens hair follicles and bulbs, closes cuticles and protects against dirt and static electricity. Paraben-free formula cleanses and renews strands, providing lightness and elasticity.
Ranking by sales from 2023.