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Scalp buildup could also be brought on by environmental factors or even excess oil in the scalp.
Whatever the contributing factor, rest assured that it can be remedied.
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Meet the Experts
What Causes Scalp Buildup?
What Is Scalp Buildup?
It’s also the first step in removing it.
Luckily, she adds that both forms of buildup are very treatablestarting with more frequent cleansing.
Shirazi recommends chemically exfoliating your scalp once to twice weekly.
“I recommend using a glycolic and salicylic acid spray to prevent or reduce buildup,” she explains.
HerAziMD Skincare The One Spraycontains both, which she says can help reduce scalp breakouts in addition to buildup.
Both Rubin and Shirazi recommend using aclarifying shampooto tackle buildup.
There are many kinds of formulations, with certain ingredients being better for curly or damaged hair.
No matter which one you select, Shirazi says to useclarifying shampooon wet hair focusing on the scalp.
Evaluate Your Current Products
Some ingredients are bad build-up culprits.
Take silicones for example.
Rubin explains that she took this into account when creating her brandSEEN, which is free of silicones.
“SEEN products are clinically proven to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic.”
Lay Off the Dry Shampoo
Another serious culprit of buildup?
Shirazi recommends theHydrafacial Keravive, saying its like a facial for your scalp.
The lifecycle of skin cells on the scalp is usually around a month.
A medicated shampoo may be the best course of treatment for conditions such as dandruff.
Your dermatologist may prescribe a specific one, typically withzinc pyrithione.
The scalp is skin, so it naturally sheds dead skin cells.
Oil produced by the scalp can build up as well.
Together, dead cells and oil create a natural buildup.
From there, hair care products can add to the buildup mix, explains Rubin.
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