All the cold, hard facts on dandruff and how to control it

Dandruff is a common condition that affects over 50 million Americans today.  It is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, or a flaky skin condition that can affect other parts of the body. 

Dandruff is not just a cosmetic condition, but a true medical one as well. The most common symptoms are an itchy, inflamed, and sometimes oily scalp that produces dry, white flakes.

Normally, the scalp’s outer layer replaces itself continuously; cells are pushed outward and die, flaking off. This happens over a month on average, and said skin flakes are small and not visible. 

However, there are certain conditions and situations where this cell turnover is abnormally rapid. Dead skin cells may mature and shed in 2-8 days. In addition, these cells are large, flaky clumps, and appear white on the scalp, clothes and skin.

What contributes to this rapid shedding of skin cells on the scalp?

Researchers have theorized that dandruff is a result of several factors, such as:

·         Infection by fungus and yeasts, specifically the Malassezia family

·         Excess sebum, or oil being secreted by the scalp

·         Genetics, poor health, lack of specific nutrients, or certain medical conditions

There are other theories such as the sufferer’s immune system overreacting to the fungus, or stressful situations accelerating the flaking process.  Additionally, the Malassezia fungus lives on all scalps and doesn’t overreact on a healthy one, but something triggers it to cause dandruff on a select few.

Throughout all these assumptions and theories, no one cure has been developed. This is largely due to the uncertainty of the trigger, or what activates the fungus start shedding dead skin cells so quickly.

What different treatments are available to slow or control dandruff?

The most common treatments available on the market today involve shampoos that can kill or neutralize the Malassezia yeasts and fungus themselves, as well as ingredients that actually change the speed of when the scalp’s skin cells grow and shed.

Active ingredients such as zinc pyrithione (ZPT) help by normalizing the shedding of skin cells and sebum production. It is also an antifungal and antibacterial agent.  Ketoconazole is another, and serves as a broad spectrum antifungal agent that works against the Malassezia family of yeasts. These treatments are temporary, and it does not affect the sebum production which contributes to dandruff.

Another form of treatment has been recently introduced to the hair care industry with stopping or controlling dandruff. A compound called verbascoside, found in the active lilac leaf stem cell culture extract, has been shown to regulate and control scalp's oil production. Verbascoside is also proven to help prevent fungus regrowth and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

This innovative technology is included in our newest product, MD Scalp Essentials, coming soon to our website at MD Lash Factor. The verbascoside controls sebum production and simultaneously reacts against the Malassezia fungus, making this an all-in-one product to safely and naturally control dandruff. Verbasocide also contains antioxidants and can ease excessive itchiness. Implement this product with your usual flake controlling routine and see visible results in weeks. 

The Details and Facts on Hair Loss and 6 Various Ways to Treat It

Hair loss, or alopecia, comes in many forms and affects both men and women worldwide.  In 2010, more than 82 million individuals in the US suffered from hair loss - but only a small fraction of these afflicted individuals actively seek treatment.  Major reasons for their hesitance include high cost combined with non-coverage by insurance, potential side effects, and low effectiveness. 

For such a widespread epidemic, a straightforward solution has still not been found. As a result, companies continue to research and develop alternative treatments and solutions with the hope to entice this largely untapped market. The demand for hair growth and restoration solutions is expected to increase 4% per year and swell to a $350 million industry in 2015.

There are several commercially available hair loss treatments being sold on the market for hair regeneration and growth.

Finasteride, introduced in January of 1998, is currently the most commonly used solution. It works by blocking the DHT enzyme with the synthetic 4-azasteroid compound. The results are impressive, with 83 percent of subjects suffering from male pattern baldness maintaining their hair and 66 percent grew new hair. However, it is prescription only, restricted to men only, and can cause undesirable side effects such as loss of libido, erectile dysfunction and impotence.

Minoxidil, introduced in 1980, is technically the very first topical treatment for hair loss made available to the public. Minoxidil-based treatments are available over the counter (since 1995) and online, and marketed to both men and women. It’s only effective in about two-thirds of individuals suffering from hair loss, and cannot be used by those with heart conditions. The strict dosage requirements and schedules are also inconvenient to many individuals.

Herbs, oils, and natural ingredients such as wheat and soy proteins, peppermint, cysteine and kukui nut oil have been used in various scalp therapies and lotions to be used topically. There is no scientific evidence or research done regarding the effectiveness of these compounds, so the results are mainly based on hearsay and a placebo effect. They are marketed towards eco-conscious or green consumers looking for a natural solution.

Saw palmetto is a plant native to North America whose berries contain an active ingredient many believe to be effective against the hormonal causes of hair loss. It is understood that it may block the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, responsible for allowing testosterone to convert into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is the key factor contributing to androgenic alopecia.  Lab studies have shown it can inhibit the enzyme, but not necessarily make hair grow.

Ergothioneine is a still newer discovery within the hair loss industry. Ergothioneine is an amino acid that when ingested or applied topically, has been shown to possibly improve and maintain hair growth. More research needs to be conducted, but so far it’s proving to be a viable candidate in the hair growth improvement market.

Verbascoside is a compound found in the extracts of the lilac flower, and is also a newer discovery within the hair loss industry. Considered a safer, natural form of treatment, verbascoside acts as a powerful inhibitor of the 5-alpha-reductaseenzyme, and in turn slows and prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT.  Verbascoside also acts as an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, acting against the formation of fungus that can cause itchiness, excess sebum, and ease the feeling of extra oiliness. With its multiple functions, a product with verbascoside can prove to be highly beneficial for both genders.

Proven, realistic solutions to hair loss

MD Lash Factor has recognized that natural ingredients such as saw palmetto, ergothioneine, and verbascoside can be combined to provide a very safe solution to hair loss and promote its growth, as well as healthier looking strands. 

• The certified organic MD NutriHair supplements contain Verbascoside and Stem Cell Technology for extracts free from pesticide, heavy metals and toxins. 

• MD Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner contain Glutathionate, Sacha Extract, and Saw Palmetto among others to promote fuller, thicker, looking hair, decrease inflammation to relieve itchy scalp, strengthens hair follicles, fights premature hair loss, and block excess scalp oil production for less frequent shampooing.

• Clinically tested MD Hair Restoration System is physician formulated and designed to improve your hair's appearance of thickness, fullness and length in as little as 4 weeks. This unique two step leave-in system energizes your hair follicles with Cytokines, Peptides, Active Plant Marine Extracts, and Ergothioneine, and boasts improved hair density by over 70%, as well as results as early as 30 days.

Ease hair loss in women with concentrated lilac extract Verbascoside

Our hair defines us as individuals, and is often one of the first things the general public notices. It’s not just about female vanity, either - both men and women use their hair to show the world who they are. So if hair loss strikes, it’s not only troublesome, but devastating.

Hair loss, or alopecia, can be caused by a number of reasons. Stress, change in diet, wearing tight hairstyles (think ballet dancers) and age can all act as contributors. One little known reason, however, involves your hormones – more specifically, testosterone. Your body naturally produces an enzyme called Type II 5-alpha-reductase from the reproductive system such as the testes and ovaries, and can even produce from your skin. This enzyme is responsible for turning normal testosterone into dihydroxytestosterone, or DHT for short. While that alone doesn’t seem like much, DHT can attach to your scalp’s hair follicles. This suffocates and shrinks their size, and results in hair loss. Hair loss caused by DHT is called andogenetic alopecia.

We mentioned the power of lilac stem cell extracts and a compound it contains called verbascoside in a previous post. This compound acts as a powerful inhibitor of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, and in turn slows and prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT.  Verbascoside also acts as an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, acting against the formation of fungus that can cause itchiness, excess sebum, and ease the feeling of extra oiliness.

MD Nutri Hair supplement tablets are tailor-made to deal directly with hair loss caused by andogenetic alopecia, and as well as thinning hair, reducing the feeling of a greasy scalp, and deal with the discomfort of a sensitive scalp. MD Nutri Hair supplement tablets also include biotin, niacin, Vitamin E and omega rich flaxseed meal, all of which promote hair growth and a fuller, thicker looking mane.

The verbascoside found in our supplements are extracted using advanced biotechnology that produces a highly active strain of the molecule, one up to 1,000 times more potent than one from a standard extraction method. In addition, the plant stem cells are grown in a certified organic environment, so your supplements are pollutant and toxin free.

Deal with hair loss today safely with MD Nutri Hair supplements, as well as other products in the MD Lash Factor Hair Restoration line.

Relieve your oily, itchy scalp with the help of lilac stem cell technology

Most people believe that dryness is the primary cause for an itchy and possibly flaky scalp. However, it's quite the opposite - excessive oil is often the reason for an itchy scalp condition, which can contribute to an overgrowth of fungus. That in turn creates dandruff, flakes and inflamed scalp skin.

While maintaining good hygiene and washing your hair more often can help prevent an itchy, oily scalp, it won't deal with the issue if you're already afflicted. Shampooing just isn't enough. There are now highly effective ways in dealing with an itchy scalp and its causes, and we have found the answer with the new, revolutionary MD Scalp Essentials, available in April 2012.

The sweetly scented and beautiful lilac originates from Southereastern Europe. This flower has been used throughout history to provide relief to sensitive, itchy scalps and hailed for its medicinal properties.

Based on the leaf cell culture extract of the lilac flower (Syringa vulgaris), this serum can reduce the feeling of excessive oiliness and the appearance of flakes, fight fungus and defeat scalp itchiness. Simply massage a dropper full of solution to the scalp. You’ll feel near instant relief within days of consistent usage. Once symptoms are resolved, use weekly to maintain your clear, itch-free scalp. 

Using highly sustainable, advanced, and eco-friendly processing technology, the stem cell cultures of the lilac plant can be safely cultivated to generate a pure botanical product with a concentration 1000 times more efficient than normal.

The result of this active, potent lilac leaf stem cell culture extract can swiftly re-balance your scalp by dealing directly with excess oil and in turn, fungus to relieve irritation.

Lilac leaf also contains a powerful antioxidant and defense molecule called verbascoside. This compound has been shown to regulate and control your scalp's oil production better than traditional saw palmetto. Your scalp will feel less itchy almost immediately. Verbascoside is also proven to help prevent fungus from re-growth and keep your scalp clear with its anti-inflammatory and bacteria inhibiting nature.

This new specialized technology is eco-friendly and exceeds Certified Organic and Bio-Eco Cosmesi guidelines. As a result, there are zero pesticides or harmful chemicals in the final product. It is 100% eco responsible and does not involve or include GMOs. This greener extraction method consistently provides higher purity products to provide maximum benefits with no harm to the plant itself. 

Plant cell culturing procedures offer the highest in purity, quality, sustainability and efficiency of the final product. Try MD Scalp Essentials with eco-friendly lilac leaf stem cell culture extract and relieve your oily, itchy scalp for good. Or visit MD Lash Factor for revolutionary products to help with thinning hair, eyelash conditioning, and acne solutions.


Picture: njj4 at Flickr