Scalp microbiota: role and benefits for hair health
Posted by Ivatherm
The totality of microorganisms living on the scalp forms the scalp microbiota. Although often underestimated in the context of general well-being, the scalp microbiota plays an important role in maintaining the beauty and health of the skin and hair. And, because the main mission of the skin is to protect the body, the scalp microbiota thus contributes to maintaining the body's health.
Contents
What is scalp microbiota?
The microbiota is made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that help maintain the balance of the body's vital systems. When this ecosystem is in balance, which means an optimal proportion between "good" and "bad" microorganisms, the microbiota helps all body systems function smoothly.
Scalp microbiota represents the community of bacteria, fungi, and other organisms living on the surface of the scalp. These organisms form a complex and balanced ecosystem that contributes to the overall health of the scalp. Like the skin microbiome, it is the first line of defense against pathogens.
A healthy microbiome can be thrown off by factors such as styling tools and products, pollution, stress, and an inadequate diet. When there is an imbalance in the scalp microbiota, hair can lose its vitality, strength, and beauty, and the scalp can become sensitive, irritated, and itchy.
The scalp microbiota is generally less diverse compared to other areas of the body in terms of existing microorganisms. It is dominated by two types of bacterial species, Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Both are bacteria found on healthy skin, but they can cause problems under certain conditions.
Also, Malassezia is a type of fungus that normally lives on the scalp without causing any problems. Malassezia is attracted to the scalp because sebaceous glands, which are found in high concentrations around hair follicles, produce high levels of lipids, which act as a food source for this microorganism. There are several different types of Malassezia fungi, with the most common on the scalp being Malassezia globosa, Malassezia restricta, and Malassezia furfur.
Malassezia restricta and Malassezia globosa are the most prevalent species in humans and have been associated with various skin conditions, including dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.
When the scalp microbiota is in a state of balance, these microorganisms do no harm. But once the number of certain microbes decreases or increases, this balance is disturbed, and problems arise.
The role of microbiota in scalp health and the importance of maintaining its balance were first recognized in the 1960s, following a study that investigated hair follicles in the scalp area. The research found that the scalp microbiota has a unique composition of bacteria and fungi, which are an integral part of its health and function.
In addition to providing the first line of defense against pathogens, these microorganisms that form the scalp microbiota play a defining role in maintaining skin health, as well as hair growth. When an imbalance occurs, also known as microbial dysbiosis, hair problems can arise.
Therefore, among the benefits of scalp microbiota in maintaining overall health and, implicitly, skin, are:
Protection against harmful factors. The scalp microbiota provides protection against the invasion of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, contributing to the maintenance of a natural protective barrier.
Sebum level regulation. Microbial organisms help regulate sebum production, the skin's natural oil. A healthy balance can prevent problems associated with oily or dry hair.
Immune system stimulation. The scalp microbiota interacts with the immune system, stimulating it to respond effectively to potential threats.
What are the signs of an imbalance in the scalp microbiota?
Signs of an imbalance in the scalp include skin flaking, itching, and irritation. When severe, microbial imbalances can also lead to scalp conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and tinea capitis (scalp fungus).
Ivadermaseb Intensive Anti-Dandruff Shampoo — regulates flaking, redness, excess sebum, and itching on the scalp, has a restorative, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, soothing, and moisturizing effect. Texture adapted for scalp and hair care.
Ivadermaseb Intensive Anti-Dandruff Serum for Irritated Scalp — restores the balance of the scalp microbiota, eliminates dandruff and flakes, reduces itching, deeply nourishes and moisturizes the scalp, has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and soothing action.
Alteration of the bacterial and fungal composition of the scalp can also lead to hair problems. Microbes reside in the hair follicle, and a disruption of this delicate environment can lead to dry hair, brittleness, and even hair loss.
Therefore, the signs of an imbalance in the scalp microbiota are:
Pruritus (excessive scalp itching). Persistent itching can be caused by irritation or conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis.
Flaking. Excessive flaking can indicate an abnormal proliferation of certain fungi and may be associated with various scalp conditions.
Oily or dry hair. An imbalance in the microbiota can influence sebum production, making hair oily or leading to excessive dryness.
Inflammation and redness. An unusual reaction to bacteria or fungi can lead to inflammation.
How can scalp microbiota be kept in balance?
An accumulation of impurities, cosmetic products, and dead cells can lead to blocked hair follicles and sebum retention, as well as irritation and a disruption of the scalp microbiota.
A healthy scalp microbiota requires symbiosis between healthy bacteria and fungi. Otherwise, a scalp imbalance can occur.
To prevent the proliferation of microorganisms and maintain scalp health, a few preventive measures are needed.
Proper hair and scalp washing. Excessive hair washing can disrupt the balance of the scalp microbiota. Also, using aggressive scalp washing techniques can cause hair problems. It is recommended to wash hair a maximum of twice a week, unless there are other indications from a specialist doctor.
Using gentle cosmetic products. Hair care products that do not contain harsh chemicals and respect the natural balance of the scalp can contribute to maintaining hair health. Harsh ingredients, which remove the natural oils of the scalp, prevent skin hydration of the scalp. Scalp dehydration can lead to overproduction of sebum and an imbalance in the scalp microbiota.
Avoiding stress. Increased stress levels can affect the balance of the scalp microbiota. With the help of stress management techniques, such as meditation, sports, reading, walks in nature, we can maintain the health of the entire body by reducing cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
Adopting a healthy diet. A balanced diet, rich in nutrients, can support the health of the scalp microbiota.
The scalp microbiota is a very important ecosystem for the health of hair and scalp. Therefore, it needs careful care, both with the help of cosmetic products and through a balanced lifestyle.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
Scalp microbiota: role and benefits for hair health
The totality of microorganisms living on the scalp forms the scalp microbiota. Although often underestimated in the context of general well-being, the scalp microbiota plays an important role in maintaining the beauty and health of the skin and hair. And, because the main mission of the skin is to protect the body, the scalp microbiota thus contributes to maintaining the body's health.
Contents
What is scalp microbiota?
The microbiota is made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that help maintain the balance of the body's vital systems. When this ecosystem is in balance, which means an optimal proportion between "good" and "bad" microorganisms, the microbiota helps all body systems function smoothly.
Scalp microbiota represents the community of bacteria, fungi, and other organisms living on the surface of the scalp. These organisms form a complex and balanced ecosystem that contributes to the overall health of the scalp. Like the skin microbiome, it is the first line of defense against pathogens.
A healthy microbiome can be thrown off by factors such as styling tools and products, pollution, stress, and an inadequate diet. When there is an imbalance in the scalp microbiota, hair can lose its vitality, strength, and beauty, and the scalp can become sensitive, irritated, and itchy.
The scalp microbiota is generally less diverse compared to other areas of the body in terms of existing microorganisms. It is dominated by two types of bacterial species, Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Both are bacteria found on healthy skin, but they can cause problems under certain conditions.
Also, Malassezia is a type of fungus that normally lives on the scalp without causing any problems. Malassezia is attracted to the scalp because sebaceous glands, which are found in high concentrations around hair follicles, produce high levels of lipids, which act as a food source for this microorganism. There are several different types of Malassezia fungi, with the most common on the scalp being Malassezia globosa, Malassezia restricta, and Malassezia furfur.
Malassezia restricta and Malassezia globosa are the most prevalent species in humans and have been associated with various skin conditions, including dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.
When the scalp microbiota is in a state of balance, these microorganisms do no harm. But once the number of certain microbes decreases or increases, this balance is disturbed, and problems arise.
➡️ Read also: Get rid of dandruff and enjoy a healthy scalp with Ivadermaseb Serum, a new Ivatherm product!
What is the role of scalp microbiota?
The role of microbiota in scalp health and the importance of maintaining its balance were first recognized in the 1960s, following a study that investigated hair follicles in the scalp area. The research found that the scalp microbiota has a unique composition of bacteria and fungi, which are an integral part of its health and function.
In addition to providing the first line of defense against pathogens, these microorganisms that form the scalp microbiota play a defining role in maintaining skin health, as well as hair growth. When an imbalance occurs, also known as microbial dysbiosis, hair problems can arise.
Therefore, among the benefits of scalp microbiota in maintaining overall health and, implicitly, skin, are:
What are the signs of an imbalance in the scalp microbiota?
Signs of an imbalance in the scalp include skin flaking, itching, and irritation. When severe, microbial imbalances can also lead to scalp conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and tinea capitis (scalp fungus).
Alteration of the bacterial and fungal composition of the scalp can also lead to hair problems. Microbes reside in the hair follicle, and a disruption of this delicate environment can lead to dry hair, brittleness, and even hair loss.
Therefore, the signs of an imbalance in the scalp microbiota are:
How can scalp microbiota be kept in balance?
An accumulation of impurities, cosmetic products, and dead cells can lead to blocked hair follicles and sebum retention, as well as irritation and a disruption of the scalp microbiota.
A healthy scalp microbiota requires symbiosis between healthy bacteria and fungi. Otherwise, a scalp imbalance can occur.
To prevent the proliferation of microorganisms and maintain scalp health, a few preventive measures are needed.
The scalp microbiota is a very important ecosystem for the health of hair and scalp. Therefore, it needs careful care, both with the help of cosmetic products and through a balanced lifestyle.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.