Read on to understand the role of vitamins in maintaining a dry scalp and which vitamins best suit the purpose.
What Is Dry Scalp?
A dry scalp refers to a common condition where the skin on the scalp lacks moisture, leading to discomfort and sometimes visible flakiness. It can result from various factors, such as cold weather, low humidity, frequent use of harsh hair products, or underlying skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. It often causes itching, irritation, and small white or gray flakes. To manage a dry scalp, it’s important to maintain good scalp hygiene, use a mild, moisturizing shampoo, and avoid hot water during hair washing, as it can strip the scalp of its natural oils. Dry scalp in winter is a common issue and the flakiness that comes with it can be embarrassing. So, let’s understand if vitamins can help us improve dry scalp.
Does Vitamin E Improve Dry Scalp?
We often first reach out for vitamin E supplements whenever our scalp feels dry. But do they help? Topical vitamin E was found to improve skin hydration by enhancing the water-binding ability (1). Another study shows that vitamin E used in nano-emulsionsi Nano-sized non-toxic and non-irritant stable emulsions used in drug delivery and the cosmetic field due to its high permeability. can improve skin properties and hydration levels (2). Oxidative stressi Accumulation of excess free radicals due to the inability of the body to detoxify reactive molecules, thus causing damage to cells and tissues throughout the body. is one of the primary reasons for an unhealthy scalp and may cause dandruff (3). Vitamin E supplement is an antioxidant and helps reduce oxidative stress, minimize flaking and dandruff, aid healthy hair growth, and improve scalp health (4). If you have a dry scalp, you may use topical vitamin E to minimize it. You may also consume vitamin E-rich foods like seeds and nuts, avocados, and spinach. However, if you have vitamin E deficiency, you may have to take vitamin supplements after consulting your doctor. Other than vitamin E, the lack of other essential vitamins may cause a dry scalp. Scroll down to know more.
Other Best Vitamins For Improving Dry Scalp Conditions
1. Vitamin D
Topical and oral vitamin D is an effective way to manage psoriasis, an auto-immune condition that causes red patches and dandruff-like flakes (5), (6). Vitamin D helps minimize the redness, flaking, and discomfort associated with psoriasis. You may consume vitamin D-rich foods like salmon, eggs, and fortified foods, use topical solutions, or take supplements after consulting a doctor.
2. Vitamin B
Topical vitamin B12 was found to manage and minimize the symptoms of psoriasis, including flaking and dryness. Vitamin B12 has emollienti Moisturizing agents that can soothe and hydrate the skin and scalp by forming a protective coating and trapping in moisture. properties and may also help manage dry scalp issues. Systemic administration (oral) of vitamin B12 was shown to minimize cell proliferation and inflammation associated with psoriasis (7). Biotin or vitamin B7 is also said to improve scalp dryness. However, there is no scientific proof to back this claim. You can also consume foods rich in vitamin B-12 like eggs, sardines, tuna, salmon, and dairy products as part of your daily diet.
3. Vitamins A And C
Topical vitamin A or retinoids are widely used in skin care formulations. Retinoids help minimize acne and dryness and manage psoriasis and other hair and nail disorders (8). Vitamin C (oral and topical) supports your skin health and enhances the production of barrier lipids and natural moisturizing factors to prevent dryness (9). Foods like guava, broccoli, oranges, papaya, kiwi, sweet potato, strawberries, and blackberries are rich in vitamin C. Does zinc help dry scalp? Yes. Zinc pyrithione has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help in treating dry scalp issues like dandruff, psoriasis, acne, and yeast infections. Is dandruff a vitamin deficiency? Yes. Vitamin deficiency is one of the major causes of dandruff. Besides vitamin deficiency, dry skin, exposure to irritants, and yeast growth may cause dandruff. Does omega-3 help with dry scalp? Yes. Omega-3 fatty acids help nourish your dry, itchy scalp by regulating oil production, thus reducing inflammation and irritation on the scalp. Does zinc dry out your hair? Yes. Excess use of zinc can dry out your hair. To ensure good hair health, maintaining a balance in the amount of zinc you use is important.
Illustration: Best Vitamins For Dry Scalp
Discover the surprising link between vitamin deficiencies and your hair’s texture. Click on this video to understand how inadequate nutrient levels can lead to dry hair.
