For those of us with sensitive skin, we have to be extremely careful with what we put on it and take special precautions. We can’t use just any moisturizer or makeup, we can’t shower too much and, on a lazy day, too little and products that work great for most people, are tragic to us. Unfortunately, our scalp isn’t immune to our sensitivity problem, but what happens when we can’t use a typical over-the-counter dandruff shampoo, meaning prescription-strength shampoos are completely out of the question?
After getting fed up with flakes, I decided to try an over-the-counter shampoo that was designed specifically for “Sensitive Skin Dandruff Sufferers.” I should have known better. My scalp felt and looked like it had first-degree burns within a few hours of application. While ingredients like sulfur, selenium and salicylic acid are typical for dandruff treatment, not all of us can handle these chemicals. So, after weeks of trial and error, I found my own DIY dandruff treatment that worked well with my sensitive skin.
With my hair unwashed and having no trace of chemicals in it (hairspray, gel, mousse), I take an oil jar containing olive oil (baby oil will work great, too), with a fine-tipped cap dispenser and run it along my scalp at the root of my hair, starting a half-inch inside my hair-line – the same as you would to touch up your roots with hair color. Using only my finger tips, I firmly message the oil into my scalp only, being careful not to dispense it through the length of my hair. I loosely pile my hair on top of my head, then wrap it with plastic for 30 minutes. Next, I shampoo all over with a mild, moisturizing shampoo and condition only the length of my hair, keeping the conditioner away from my “crown.” I don’t want to be over oily. Note: Lightly condition your scalp on days that are not treated with oil and rinse thoroughly. Do not use hot water because this will wash away much-needed natural oil, not only from your hair and scalp but from your body, too. I always wash my face immediately after this treatment to help eliminate breakouts due to the oil. This treatment only needs to be used once a week, but for stubborn dandruff, first rule out a fungal infection, then repeat every three days.
For more sensitive skin information by Pamela GM Smith, visit,
“Sensitive Skin or Winter Skin”
http://voices.yahoo.com/sensitive-skin-winter-skin-10529615.html
“Winter Preparations for Sensitive Skin”
http://voices.yahoo.com/winter-preparations-sensitive-10293965.html
“Say Goodbye to Expensive Moisturizers”
http://voices.yahoo.com/say-goodbye-expensive-moisturizers-its-ingredients-10536251.html