Distinctive Features
Although benign, dandruff conditions - which easily affect one third of the population - are
more than just an esthetic problem. It can also be a social embarrassment due to the unsightly presence of flakes on the scalp and clothing. It is also “uncomfortable” due to the accompanyment of frequent itching sensations.
While dandruff conditions do not usually involve inflammation symptoms visible to the naked
eye, dandruff is often paired with itching. Microscope examination and assessment in culture on specialized media reveal the presence of micro-organisms of fungal origin, and more
specifically a type of yeast: Pityrosporum ovale (or Malassezia furfur).
There are two major types of dandruff:
- Dry dandruff or PITYRIASIS SIMPLEX is characterized by dry, fine and gray flakes that "pollute" the hair and fall onto shirt collars and clothing.
- Oily dandruff or PITYRIASIS STEATOIDES, generally related to seborrhea or excess oil
secretion, is characterized by oily flakes that adhere to the scalp. When left untreated, a
seborrheic condition may become firmly established and may lead to thinning hair.
Causes
The Pityrosporum ovale fungus is lipophilic (has an affinity for sebum), which is why dandruff
conditions appear when sebum secretion tends to rise (i.e. starting with puberty).
Its development may be reinforced by various types of stress: fatigue, pollution, indigestion,
etc. Fungal proliferation activates a reaction in the epidermis of the scalp together with an
accelerated cellular turnover that goes from the normal 16-25 days to 7-10 days. This results
in excessive and persistent desquamation of the scalp. As a result, surface epidermal cells are
not fully differentiated and the intercellular cement does not have time to disappear. The cells
remain grouped and detach in clusters instead of individually. The dermis is characterized by
inflammation combined with redness and itching. Reactions to bacterial proliferation are
individual, meaning that some people will develop dandruff (or the skin's intolerance to its
own germs) while others will not.
The PHYTO Solution
In order to neutralize the vicious circle of dandruff formation, Phyto products work to
address three factors:
- Dandruff: Action on the epidermis intended to exfoliate dandruff flakes and slow down
cellular division using active ingredients such as Salicylic Acid.
- Irritation: Action on the dermis with calming plant decoctions.
- Yeasts: Antiseptic and anti-fungal action with essential oils.
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