Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. It occurs when small bits of dry skin flake off the scalp. Dandruff isn’t contagious, nor is it typically a symptom of a serious health issue. However, having dandruff can be embarrassing. Like many other skin conditions, it can knock down a person’s self-confidence and lead to low self-esteem.
Although dandruff can’t be cured, it can be controlled. There are various anti-dandruff shampoos and products available in the market that can help rehydrate the scalp and reduce irritation. These scalp treatments use different natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, or apple cider vinegar. Another popular anti-dandruff ingredient is aloe vera.
Aloe vera is traditionally used for treating burns and minor wounds. If you’re wondering whether aloe vera can also remove dandruff, read on.
Can Aloe Vera Treat Dandruff?
As mentioned above, dandruff can’t be completely cured and may recur at some point. However, its signs and symptoms can be prevented and managed. Although further studies still need to be conducted on the effects of aloe vera and how exactly it works to treat dandruff, current scientific evidence looks promising.
- A dated study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment showed that patients suffering from seborrheic dermatitis reported a significant reduction in scaliness and pruritus—the medical term for itchy skin—after applying aloe vera emulsion.
- A more recent study also found that after aloe vera was applied topically on patients with seborrheic dermatitis, nearly half of them saw an 80% reduction in their symptoms.
How Does Aloe Vera Treat Dandruff?
Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat wounds, burns, and skin irritation. Studies show that the plant’s gel contains vitamins and nutrients that can help reduce inflammation, prevent itching, and stop further the spread of dandruff. Here are some of the healing properties of aloe vera that are beneficial in treating dandruff:
- Anti-Inflammatory: Aloe vera gel inhibits the cyclooxygenase enzyme system, the pathway responsible for forming prostaglandins—the lipids controlling blood flow, inflammation, and blood clot formation. The gel also contains C-glucosyl chromone, an anti-inflammatory compound.
- Antiseptic: Aloe vera gel contains six antiseptic agents: sulfur, phenols, cinnamic acid, lupeol, salicylic acid, and urea nitrogen. These agents help stop or slow down the growth of microorganisms and prevent infection.
- Anti-fungal: Studies show that aloe vera has effectively prevented opportunistic fungal infections. This is attributed to anthraquinones, which are compounds that inhibit the cyclooxygenase enzyme system.
- Antioxidant: Aloe vera gel contains vitamins A, C, and E. These antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals that damage healthy cells. Free radicals are also linked to serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Stimulates Cell Growth: Aloe vera gel contains pectin, a compound that can help stimulate the growth of new, healthy cells.
Aloe vera also has moisturizing effects to soothe dry skin and help relieve skin irritation.
How Do You Use Aloe Vera to Treat Dandruff?
Here are some ways to use aloe vera treatment for dandruff:
- Aloe vera gel: Directly apply raw aloe vera gel to your scalp and hair. Work it in carefully for a few minutes. Add a few drops of castor oil and massage your scalp to seal in the moisture. After leaving the gel on for at least half an hour, wash it off.
- Mix with coconut oil: You can also combine two tablespoons of aloe vera gel with a cup of coconut oil. Coconut oil won’t just help nourish your hair, it also has antimicrobial properties that will help protect the scalp from infection.
- Mix with lemon juice: Like aloe vera, lemon juice can help treat dandruff as citric acid is a natural pH adjuster. Create a hair mask by mixing half a cup of aloe vera gel with two tablespoons of lemon juice.
Why Choose Us
Aloe Laboratories is the leading source of high-quality organic aloe vera. We adhere to strict food safety and quality standards, so our customers can rest assured that they’re getting the most value for their dollar. We offer a variety of bulk aloe products, including juices, concentrates, powders, gels, and oils.
If you’re interested in building your own brand of aloe products, contact us now to see how we can help turn your plans into reality.