SCALP CARE 101: BUILD A SCALP CARE ROUTINE WITH VICHY DERCOS

The scalp is part of your skin; treating it with equal thoroughness and care is crucial. The scalp is prone to dryness, flakiness, oiliness, and even pimples, just like your face. In the GCC, extreme heat, desert dust, high humidity in coastal cities, and the drying effects of air conditioning all add extra stress to the scalp, making a consistent care routine even more important. Conditions such as dandruff or excess oil accumulation can disrupt your style and, more significantly, disrupt your hair and scalp health.

Understanding Your Scalp and Scalp Conditions

Each person's scalp and scalp needs may differ. By understanding your scalp, you can select the right products to address its unique needs. Your genetics, hair care routine, diet, lifestyle, and environment all play a role in your scalp type.

Below are some common scalp conditions and their causes.

Oily Scalp

Hair might seem limp for those with oily scalps due to excessive sebum production from overactive sebaceous glands. This can be the result of hormonal changes common during puberty and menopause, but heat is also a well-known driver of increased sebum production, making oily scalp a particularly common concern in the GCC's hot climate. Many people have naturally oily scalps, leading to oily hair, regardless of hormones or external factors.

Taking care of oily hair and scalps requires a shampoo that can deeply cleanse without depriving the hair of vital moisture and nutrients. Clarifying shampoos are a good option but should not be used daily. Instead, alternate between a mild, sulphate-free shampoo and an exfoliating, clarifying shampoo during the week to reap the benefits of both without stripping your scalp of the oils it needs to remain protected and healthy.

Dry Scalp

A lack of oil and moisture can cause dry scalp skin to become irritated and flake off. Individuals with dry skin are also more likely to have a dry scalp, and the same factors, including genetic predisposition, dry air, frequent washing, and advanced age, usually contribute to both conditions. In the GCC, spending long hours in air-conditioned spaces reduces indoor humidity significantly and can dry out the scalp further, even for those who do not naturally have a dry scalp. Washing your hair with a mild shampoo containing hydrating ingredients followed by a moisturising conditioner is essential.

Sensitive Scalp

The scalp can become quite sensitive. Skin conditions including dermatitis, dandruff, folliculitis, lice infestations, stress, anxiety, and sun exposure can all result in a sensitive scalp. If you experience scalp sensitivity, check for symptoms such as burning, stinging, itching, rashes, peeling, scaling, and hair loss.

Understanding the underlying cause is essential to knowing how to manage a sensitive scalp. For dandruff, an anti-dandruff shampoo such as the Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a good starting point.

Dandruff and Flaky Scalp

Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting a large portion of the population, including people of pre-pubertal age. It occurs when dead skin cells from the scalp, commonly due to dandruff or dry skin, shed at an accelerated rate. The fungus Malassezia globosa ingests oil from your scalp and releases acids that irritate the scalp and damage its moisture barrier. This triggers a cycle that causes the skin on your scalp to flake off in the white to yellow flakes commonly associated with dandruff.

Fortunately, shampoos containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione can be used to treat dandruff at home. These substances, which have antifungal and antibacterial properties, can reduce the growth of the fungus that causes flake formation on the scalp.

Itchy Scalp

Several conditions, including lice, ringworm, psoriasis, allergic reactions to hair products, dermatitis, and stress can cause an itchy scalp. However, dandruff is among the most common causes.

If dandruff is causing your irritation, an anti-dandruff shampoo is your best option. You can also use a clarifying shampoo for oily scalps to remove any buildup.

Your scalp, like the rest of your skin, requires adequate care to reduce the potentially negative effects of the various factors that contribute to its health, including:

• Diet and Hydration: Diet is vital for scalp health and directly impacts several scalp conditions. Protein, omega-3 oils, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids are all necessary for good scalp health and hair growth. Incorporating these nutrients into your diet may nourish your scalp and encourage healthy hair production. Staying well hydrated is equally important for preserving scalp health and reducing dandruff, and especially so in the GCC's heat, where the body loses fluids more quickly.


• Hair Care Products: Hair care products can be instrumental in your scalp health but can also cause issues. Keep an eye on how your hair and scalp react to certain active ingredients. Avoid ingredients that dry your scalp or cause irritation.


• Environmental Factors: Environmental factors like air pollution, dust, pollen, and cigarette smoke may significantly influence scalp health. In the GCC, desert dust and sand particles are an additional environmental stressor, settling on the scalp and clogging follicles. Dandruff, high sebum production, irritation, itching, and sensitivity of the hair follicles are typical signs of environmental conditions harming the scalp.

Follow these tips to maintain a healthy scalp.

Gentle Brushing or Massaging

Regular brushing ensures your hair feels and looks good and plays a significant role in maintaining scalp health. Your scalp naturally produces the oils and sebum your hair needs for optimal health. Gently brushing your hair helps those oils spread from the roots to the ends of your hair shafts, acting as a natural conditioner while also boosting shine.

You can also use a brush to massage your shampoo into the scalp for additional exfoliating action. This is an effective method for releasing and lifting stubborn buildup from the scalp, while also helping to give your roots more lift and bounce.

Cleansing and Washing Your Hair

When washing your hair, avoid jumping straight into applying the shampoo. Allow your hair to get completely wet by letting the water run through for at least a minute before running your fingers through it. Apply your shampoo and go gently on your scalp while washing. Once you finish, rinse thoroughly and apply a conditioner.

Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Scalp and Hair Care Products

The Vichy Dercos line of globally trusted anti-dandruff hair and scalp care products is designed to deliver visible results that make your hair look and feel healthier.

• Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is formulated with micronised selenium sulfide and niacinamide to eliminate visible flakes, soothe an itchy scalp, and safeguard the scalp's skin barrier, effectively combating the fungus that causes dandruff.


• Vichy Dercos Hair and Scalp Moisturising Conditioner is the ideal complement to dandruff treatment, leaving the hair 66% shinier, 67% smoother, and with 10x less breakage.


• Vichy Dercos Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Serum is designed to treat dandruff and balance the scalp in between washes. It starts working from first use to address five key symptoms of dandruff: flakes, scales, itching, redness, and irritation. It also hydrates and soothes the scalp and is suitable for sensitive scalps.