6 Surprising Causes of Dandruff (Including Stress You Didn’t Expect!), Many people think dandruff is just caused by having a dry scalp, but there are actually several surprising reasons why dandruff happens. One of those reasons is stress, but there are other unexpected causes, too.
Here’s a look at how stress and other factors can lead to dandruff:
1. Stress
Stress doesn’t just affect your mind; it can also impact your skin and scalp. When you’re stressed, your body produces more of the hormone cortisol, which can throw off the balance of oils in your skin. This can lead to an overproduction of oil on the scalp, creating a breeding ground for dandruff.
Stress can also weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off the yeast that contributes to dandruff. While stress might not directly cause dandruff, it can definitely make it worse. That’s why people notice their dandruff flares up during particularly stressful times.
You might think that skipping hair washing is harmless, but it can actually lead to dandruff. When you don’t wash your hair regularly, oils and dead skin cells build up on your scalp. This buildup can irritate the skin, leading to dandruff flakes. Plus, not washing enough allows yeast and other microorganisms to thrive on your scalp, which can worsen dandruff.
It’s important to wash your hair regularly to keep your scalp clean and free from excessive oil. However, make sure to use a mild shampoo, as harsh shampoos can dry out your scalp and cause more irritation.