Does Your Scalp Change as You Age?

Scalp well being isn't one thing we often take into consideration except we're coping with a pesky problem, like dandruff, itchiness, or extreme hair loss. However the high of your head performs an necessary function within the grand scheme of bodily wellness, so it's necessary to concentrate to it, particularly over time. "The scalp has varied features, together with being the supply of hair development and serving as a protecting barrier to stop an infection and trauma," explains Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Beauty Surgical procedure (MDCS) in New York Metropolis.

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Like the remainder of your pores and skin, your scalp adjustments with age; its pure oils fluctuate throughout totally different phases of life. Throughout puberty, for instance, which frequently comes with elevated sebum manufacturing, our scalps are oily, notes Dr. Garshick. Later in life, nevertheless, we expertise a lower in our scalps' pure oil manufacturing, which may result in elevated dryness and a slew of situations. "Moreover, as we age, we’re uncovered to elevated ranges of oxidative stress which can additionally influence the scalp as effectively, resulting in dryness, flaking, and itching," provides Dr. Garshick.

In the event you expertise any uncommon signs of the scalp, together with redness, flaking, itching, bumps, or sensitivity, Dr. Garshick recommends in search of assist from a board-certified dermatologist. "As a result of the scalp is tough to see, chances are you’ll not understand the extent of what’s occurring, so it is very important have somebody take a more in-depth look," she says. "Moreover, there are some prescription choices that could be useful." Right here, a few of the key scalp adjustments to trace because the years go.

Associated: Tips on how to Repair a Flaking Scalp, In response to the Consultants

Seborrheic Dermatitis

This frequent situation of the scalp can have an effect on these of any age (when it happens throughout the new child stage, it’s sometimes called cradle cap, notes Dr. Garshick). In the event you endure from itchy seborrheic dermatitis—which ends up in crimson, white, or yellow scales and flaky dandruff—she recommends utilizing medicated shampoos that comprise yeast-fighting elements like pyrithione zinc, similar to Dove DermaCare Reduction Dandruff Shampoo ($4.68, walmart.com).

Psoriasis

This ailment, which ends up in dry, crimson, raised scaly patches, can have an effect on the pores and skin overlying joints such because the elbows, knees, and scalp—although Dr. Garshick factors out that some people could expertise psoriasis right here solely. If that’s the case, she recommends utilizing salicylic acid-containing shampoos or topical therapies, similar to Neutrogena's T-Sal Shampoo ($10.49, goal.com).

Dryness

In case your pores and skin is vulnerable to dryness, your scalp may additionally expertise it. The most typical symptom? Itchiness. In the event you really feel a extra constant have to scratch, Dr. Garshick recommends switching over to mild shampoos, similar to Briogeo's "Be Light, Be Type" Aloe and Oat Milk Extremely Soothing Perfume-free Hypoallergenic Shampoo ($26, sephora.com) or SheaMoisture's Uncooked Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo ($9.97, amazon.com), that received't strip the scalp of its pure oils, however will nonetheless successfully take away any construct up.

Contact Dermatitis

"Some folks could expertise crimson, flaky pores and skin on the scalp on account of contact dermatitis, or sensitivity to one thing that got here into contact with the scalp, similar to hair dye." says Dr. Garshick. "For these people, utilizing a wash freed from many frequent allergens, similar to Vanicream's Free and Clear Shampoo ($9.99, amazon.com), could also be useful."

Solar Publicity

Though your scalp is roofed with hair, it may possibly nonetheless expertise mobile trauma from extra solar publicity. This may result in pores and skin cancers, precancerous darkish spots, and different indicators of solar harm. "Because of this, it is very important at all times bear in mind common solar safety, together with sunscreen and hats. Get evaluated by a dermatologist who can take a more in-depth look and decide if there are any regarding spots," says Dr. Garshick. "And whereas it could look like a tricky space to use sunscreen, there are some formulations that make utility simpler, similar to Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen ($69, dermstore.com) or Supergoop Poof Half Powder ($34, sephora.com)."