Can Any Supplements Help Control Dandruff?

Dandruff symptoms include itching, irritation, redness and inflammation of the scalp, along with excessive shedding of flaky, dry skin. A common condition, dandruff can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing. You can try using supplements for dandruff control that may help alleviate some of the unpleasant symptoms of dandruff.

Vitamins and Minerals

While the direct cause of dandruff is undetermined, poor nutrition can be a contributing factor to its development. Adding some key nutrients to your diet can help control or eliminate dandruff symptoms. Vitamin A helps create sebum, or skin oil, helping to keep scalp and hair follicles lubricated. B vitamins support circulation and new cell growth, both essential to scalp health. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, and immune system weakness can trigger dandruff. Vitamin E promotes healthy blood circulation and proper healing, factors that can help in scalp health and dandruff control. Other nutrients important to scalp health include essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, and minerals such as iron, copper, selenium and zinc.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a popular supplement for dandruff control, and it does have some scientific proof behind it. According to a study published in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology," subjects using a shampoo that contained a 5 percent concentration of tea tree oil over a period of four weeks saw a 41 percent improvement in dandruff symptoms, as opposed to an 11 percent improvement in the placebo group.

Natural Oils for the Scalp

Natural oils are frequently used to supplement scalp health and control dandruff. Among these are olive, almond, sesame, coconut, rosemary and lavender oils. These are used to condition and nourish the scalp to alleviate dryness and soothe irritation. They can be used along with scalp massage techniques to stimulate circulation in the scalp and help slough away the flaky dead skin that appears with dandruff.

Honey

Another popular scalp supplement is honey, which has antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Apply honey diluted with warm water to your scalp and rub it in gently for two or three minutes. Once the honey solution is rubbed in thoroughly, it should be left on for two to three hours, then rinsed away with warm water. This treatment is said to reduce itching, flaking and irritation for some dandruff sufferers.