HAIR CARE
Scalp wellness is always in style The healthier the scalp, the healthier the hair – this idea has been the springboard for the latest product launches in the global hair care industry. Shani Vermeulen of Cosmetic Ingredients shares insight into the attributes of beautiful hair, of which scalp care is paramount.
I
n a world where overall wellness is a key
Associated with
concept, consumers are homing in on
dandruff, Malassezia
scalp care because the scalp is not just
helps maintain the
any skin tissue. It is highly specialised
acid balance on the
because of the various functions it
scalp by breaking down the
performs, such as being a physical barrier,
triglycerides in sebum, with oleic acid as
an immunological protector, a thermal
one of a few by-products.
regulator and a sebum producer. It contains a high number of blood vessels,
The causes of dandruff
sebaceous glands and sweat glands to
When the microflora balance is
perform these functions. The sebaceous
disturbed by external factors, such
glands lubricate and waterproof the scalp
as chemicals, UV exposure,
and hair and the sweat glands regulate
sunburn, or mechanical stress,
the body temperature by perspiring.
it affects the condition of
We all have lipophilic microflora,
the scalp or traumatises the
including Malassezia species, on
hair follicle. The result is an
the surface of our scalps which live
increase in internal factors,
symbiotically with their human hosts.
including sebum production,
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| AUGUST 2019 | P C Review
