Dandruff Problems? Dermatologist Explains Its Root Cause + Recommended Products to Use

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In a viral TikTok, a dermatologist clarified the misconceptions about dandruff formation and then revealed approved products to address its root cause.

On the platform, the skincare & myth-busting account "Tea with MD" has been earning attention from beauty lovers around the globe for its informative videos about aesthetics and hygiene.

Currently, the account has over 14.5 million likes, and the person running it is said to be Dr. Joyce Park, MD FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington.

In her most recent viral video with 2.7 million views, Dr. Park addressed concerns about dandruff, clarifying that it wasn't formed due to a dry scalp but an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast.

@teawithmd
Think #dandruff is from dryness? ❌ It’s actually caused by Malassezia, a natural yeast on your scalp. Try salicylicacid, pyrithione zinc, or #ketoconazole to get flakes under control. #scalpcare #dermatologist #scalp #dermbypark #seborrheicdermatitis #dandruffremovel #dandruffsolution #dandruffscratching #teawithmd
♬ You might think Im crazy - •~💋grxnde💋~•

In particular, a human has a microorganism that normally lives in the skin, and this flora contains a yeast called Malassezia. However, due to various factors such as over-sweating and living in humid areas, this yeast grows which often leads to fungal infection.

Cleaveland Clinic added that some of its effects are forming tiny bumps on the skin, or having oily skin and dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis).

With this, Dr. Park explained that in order to stop dandruff from coming back, it is suggested to, "tackle the dead skin buildup and cut down on the yeast's food source."

Here are 3 recommended treatments to combat dandruff:

Salicylic Acid

While it is commonly used to treat acne, salicylic acid is also beneficial to break down thick and dead skin on the scalp. It then helps to boost moisture, preventing this yeast from overgrowing again.

Pyrithione Zinc

Another ingredient that an anti-dandruff shampoo or treatment should have is pyrithione zinc. According to DrugBank Online, it helps increase cellular levels of copper and break down the cluster of proteins that are being used by these fungi to boost their metabolism and growth.

Ketoconazole

Lastly, consider using a product with Ketoconazole, which is known for its anti-fungal properties. This alleviates flaking, itching, and scaling of the scalp and with proper use, it can control dandruff.

While it is advisable to consult the dermatologist if which treatment will suit you, some of the OTT (over-the-counter) products that can be bought include: