What Causes Dandruff?
As with most skin conditions, there are various triggers that can cause dandruff to flare up.
• A yeastlike fungus (malassezia globosa) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults. During this process it produces oleic acid which can irritate the skin and set off an immune response that causes a rapid skin cell turnover and, you guessed it, dandruff flakes.
• If you are susceptible to skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis then you will probably have noticed dandruff too.
• Dermatitis (a general term for skin irritation) that is sometimes caused by products can also lead to dandruff.
• Stress can cause dandruff to worsen.
• Cold weather can trigger a dandruff flare-up.
• Whilst dandruff isn’t caused by poor hygiene, if you don’t shampoo your hair enough the flakes can build-up.
It’s also thought that external aggressors like pollution can also exacerbate dandruff.