What causes dandruff, and how do you get rid of it? - Thomas L. Dawson

Summary by Krater

This video explains the biological mechanism of how Malassezia yeast and scalp sebum interact to cause dandruff and skin inflammation, and discusses ongoing scientific research into potential treatments.

From the video

Answers: Why does dandruff happen and how can it be treated?

• Malassezia yeast
• dandruff causes
• sebum and skin lipids
• scalp barrier function
• antifungal treatments for dandruff

What it concludes

• Malassezia yeast consumes saturated fatty acids from sebum, leaving unsaturated fatty acids behind that soak into the skin and disrupt its barrier.
• The body responds to the compromised skin barrier with inflammation and increased skin cell proliferation, forming large greasy clumps shed as visible dandruff flakes.
• Antifungal shampoos applied directly to the scalp are currently the most effective way to kill Malassezia and get rid of dandruff.