Table of contents:
- Choice of dandruff medicine from natural ingredients
- 1. Tea tree oil
- 2. Aloe vera
- 3. Apple cider vinegar
- 4. Coconut oil
- 5. Olive oil
- 6. Lemongrass oil
Dandruff is a scalp problem that almost happens to everyone. The white flakes that fall on this shoulder can certainly interfere with appearance. There are various ways to get rid of dandruff, one of which is a natural dandruff remedy.
Choice of dandruff medicine from natural ingredients
In addition to anti-dandruff shampoo and prescription creams from doctors, it turns out that there are various natural ingredients that can be used to treat dandruff. Even so, some of these natural ingredients are only used to support existing treatments.
That means you need to consult a doctor or test the material on the skin considering that everyone's scalp sensitivity is different. Below is a selection of drugs to treat dandruff naturally.
1. Tea tree oil
One of the natural ingredients that can be used as dandruff medicine is tea tree oil or tea tree oil. Oil of plant origin Melaleuca alternifolia It has been recognized as a natural ingredient for treating various conditions, such as acne and dermatitis.
This may be due to the terpinen-4-ol content in tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties. As a result, these active compounds are claimed to help reduce dandruff by eradicating the growth of fungi and bacteria on the scalp.
The claim is proven through research published on the websiteHindawi. The study reports that compounds in tea tree oil may help control bacteria S.epidermidis (causes dandruff).
Keep in mind that applying tea tree oil directly to the scalp can cause inflammation or a rash. To be safe, add a few drops tea tree oil into regular shampoo and massage your scalp.
You may also find dandruff shampoo products containing tea tree oil on the market.
2. Aloe vera
Apart from tea tree oil, another natural dandruff remedy is aloe vera, to be precise the gel in the green leaves. You see, aloe vera contains a variety of nutrients that can aid in tissue recovery.
This allows aloe vera to function to help relieve inflammation and accelerate the healing of small wounds. In fact, aloe vera gel also provides a cooling and moisturizing effect on the skin.
The cause of dandruff starts from the buildup of oil, dirt, and dry dead skin cells. When used on the scalp, this clear gel helps get rid of dandruff in the following ways.
- Moisturizes dry scalp.
- Reduces scalp inflammation due to the presence of anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Cleanses hair and scalp from excess oil.
- Maintain scalp cells with antioxidant content.
- Prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi that can worsen dandruff.
How to get rid of dandruff with aloe vera is quite easy. You can use this aloe vera gel as a hair mask and mix it with other natural ingredients, such as:
- eucalyptus oil, and
- olive oil.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Not only used as an acne medication, apple cider vinegar can actually be used as a natural dandruff remedy. How can?
Although there is no research that proves how to get rid of dandruff effectively with apple cider vinegar, the ingredients in it can help overcome this.
The reason is, apple cider vinegar requires bacteria and fungi to ferment the apple slices. This fermentation process for apples produces antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds that are also found in regular vinegar.
This means that apple cider vinegar may very well reduce the growth of fungi on the scalp and relieve itching due to this scalp disease. In addition, apple cider vinegar is also acidic, with a fairly low pH between 2 and 3.
Some experts recommend that the high pH content of this vinegar helps restore the pH balance of hair or skin.
How to use it:
- Mix ½ cup apple cider vinegar with 1 ½ cup cold water
- Wet your hair and wash your hair as usual with shampoo
- Rinse hair thoroughly
- Pour the water and apple cider vinegar mixture into your hair
- No need to rinse again
- Use conditioner if needed
4. Coconut oil
One of the factors that trigger dandruff is dry scalp. Well, coconut oil which is moisturizing can actually be used as a natural dandruff remedy.
According to research from International Journal of DermatologyIt turns out that coconut oil for hair tends to be effective in children suffering from eczema. This is compared to the use of mineral oil.
This is probably because coconut oil can penetrate the top layer of skin and become a barrier so that the skin does not experience inflammation and dryness. While not mentioning the problem of dandruff, you can get similar benefits from coconut oil.
On the other hand, coconut oil is also used as a natural medicine that contains antimicrobials. The lauric acid content in it is an active compound that is believed to help fight Malassezia which is the fungus that causes dandruff.
You can use coconut oil to get rid of dandruff by using it as a substitute for shampoo and hair conditioner. However, always discuss these folk remedies with your doctor before using them.
5. Olive oil
Known as natural oils as a way to treat hair, olive oil can also be used as a natural dandruff remedy. The effect is actually the same as coconut oil, which is to keep the scalp moist, especially those of dry scalp.
The compounds of oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene in olive oil are emollients. That is, the three chemicals are softening. This clear golden oil works by penetrating the hair shaft to keep moisture in it.
While it doesn't completely get rid of dandruff, olive oil for hair can help reduce the amount that falls on your clothes.
6. Lemongrass oil
Mild dandruff can indeed be overcome with regular shampooing. Well, to support this hair washing process, you can also use lemongrass oil to help reduce the amount of dandruff.
Research published in the journal Complementary Medicine Research reports that lemongrass is beneficial for dandruff hair. This natural oil shows antifungal activity in a tonic shampoo with a low content of lemongrass oil.
Not only that, researchers also found that lemongrass helps reduce the peeling process of the stratum corneum, the uppermost part of the skin. In fact, this natural dandruff remedy also helps reduce oil production and itching.
There are many natural ingredients as a dandruff remedy. However, each has benefits and side effects that may vary from person to person. Consult a dermatologist before using natural ingredients as a way to get rid of dandruff.