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What causes dandruff?
Dandruff is a common skin condition that mainly shows up on the scalp. It can be contracted by adults as well as infants. It can result in itchiness, irritation, and peeling off the skin in the form of micro white particles.
You have an increased chance of having dandruff if you have dry skin. Cold and dry air can worsen the condition which is why dandruff is more common in winters. The absence of moisture in your scalp can alleviate dandruff.
People with dry skin are advised to use shampoo often which brings us to another cause of dandruff – not shampooing enough.
Not rinsing your hair properly with a shampoo that is right for your skin can increase dandruff. You should avoid hair products with harsh chemicals in them since they tend to build upon the skin.
You must absolutely avoid hair care products that contain bleach or alcohol in them; especially if you have sensitive skin.
A fungal condition called Malassezia can be a cause of dandruff too. It is a case of yeast overgrowth and makes it harder for the hair to grow around the affected area.
Dietary factors like zinc deficiency, vitamin B deficiency, and lack of gamma-linolenic acid in the system may increase the risk of dandruff as well.
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What chemicals in shampoo cause dandruff?
Sodium chloride
Sodium chloride, or salt as we know it, can be found in certain shampoo brands which can be hazardous for your scalp as well as cause dandruff. It is typically used as a thickening agent in shampoos but can ultimately dehydrate your scalp.
Sulfates
Sulfates are mainly detergents found in shampoos to create a lathering effect. Two common kinds of sulfates found in hair products are Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate to make the formula foamier. They can weaken your hair strands, cause skin irritation and dandruff.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs) can be found in hair care products and mainly shampoos that ensure “keratin treatment”. It is linked to skin allergies, dandruff, and even cancer.
Parabens
Parabens are powerful preservatives. They are normally found in shampoos to increase their shelf life. However, these chemicals are harmful in the long run and cause dandruff and scalp irritation.
Silicone
Silicone is a common ingredient in shampoos. It seals the hair by forming a layer around it for a shiny finish. But this seal itself can be damaging too.
Silicone prevents nutrients and moisture from entering the scalp. The silicone buildup from using shampoos with silicone can deteriorate the hair condition and cause dandruff.
Synthetic fragrances
Fragrances are used in hair products for aesthetic reasons. They are not added for health benefits. In fact, the artificial chemicals added under the name of “fragrances” can cause skin reactions after seeping into your skin. Synthetic fragrances are common allergens and drying agents which ultimately cause dandruff.
Does Pantene make dandruff shampoo?
Pantene has come up with a shampoo meant to tackle mainly dandruff. It is called Pantene Pro-V Anti-dandruff shampoo. Another product called Pantene Pro-V Anti-dandruff shampoo 2-in-1 works as a shampoo as well as a conditioner. These are for all hair types.
Pantene shampoo ingredients
Pro-Vitamin B5 – Panthenol
Panthenol is the signature ingredient of Pantene shampoos. It is extracted organically through plant and animal sources. In hair products, it delivers softness and strength and maintains shine.
Protective antioxidants
Protective antioxidants like Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate found in Pantene shampoos can be seen as a hair detox. It protects hair from UV radiation.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
SLS is one of the cleansing complexes in Pantene. It helps to make the shampoo foamier with more lather for easy rinsing.
Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a moisture-balancing ingredient that is nothing but lightweight silicone. It is water-soluble and does not stick to your hair.
Polyquaternium-10
Polyquaternium-10 is a restoring ingredient found in Pantene shampoos. It gets activated during rinsing to increase the hair’s volume. It enhances the appearance of your hair as well. It is considered safe to be present in cosmetic care, for the most part.
Sodium Chloride
Sodium Chloride is known as a “stay fresh ingredient” in Pantene. It is used as a thickening agent. It is said to protect the “Pantene formula” in its shampoos.
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl alcohol is another “stay fresh ingredient” which is added to Pantene shampoos. It preserves the product and increases its shelf life.
Does Pantene help with dandruff?
There is not a straight answer to this question but Pantene Anti Dandruff shampoo has proven to be successful if you don’t have sensitive skin.
However, a lot of Pantene products carry salts and silicones. They don’t do much for your hair as far as removing dandruff is concerned but they are added to preserve the product so it doesn’t expire quickly.
To people with sensitive skin, applying shampoos that contain these preservatives can prove to be harmful in the long run.
If you have ongoing skin issues then using Pantene as shampoo can be a product too strong for your scalp.
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Does Pantene give you dandruff?
Pantene shampoos do not cause dandruff directly. However, certain ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in the shampoo can lead to dandruff.
They form a silicone layer on your hair strands that keep it shiny but at the same time, block the natural nutrients from entering. When that layer comes off finally, it can cause white flakes on your scalp that can be seen as dandruff and looks unpleasant.
Pantene shampoos also contain Sodium Chloride which makes your scalp dry and leads to dandruff in the long run.
Shampooing your hair daily with Pantene is generally not advised because using certain chemicals every day on your hair can further prove to be detrimental to your hair.
Preservatives in Pantene are called ‘stay fresh ingredients’ which are added just to increase the product’s shelf life and create lather. They have no real use as far as improving your hair’s health is concerned.
If you do not possess an overly sensitive scalp and you do not need to shampoo every day, then Pantene can be fairly harmless as a shampoo for you.
Although, there’s no denying that Pantene is too strong, and over-washing your hair can result in split-ends and flaky dandruff.
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