Our health is influenced by several factors—our diet, lifestyle, and the elements we are constantly exposed to. Maintaining a healthy body often revolves around changes in these aspects. But one crucial thing that is often overlooked when talking about health is our microbiome.
What is Microbiome?
Our body has trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living on and in it. This community of microorganisms is called microbiome. To simplify, it can be found on our skin, mouth, airways, and gut. Not all these microorganisms are harmful, though. In fact, some are essential in crucial body functions like breaking down nutrients, making sure our immune system works well and keeping harmful microbes from multiplying in our body.
How Important is a Healthy Microbiome?
Think of a well-balanced microbiome as a city where everyone lives in harmony, and everyone does what they’re supposed to do. Like other parts of the body, the scalp is home to a lot of microbes like Malassezia, a type of yeast that feeds on the oil produced by our scalp and different species of bacteria.
When our scalp microbiome is in a state of equilibrium, these microorganisms do not cause harm. But once a scarcity or overgrowth of certain microbes occurs, this balance is disrupted. Changes in the scalp and its microbiome can lead to several problems like irritation, itchy scalp, and dandruff.
Microbes also reside in the hair follicle, and a disruption in this delicate environment may link to hair loss. This is why maintaining a healthy and clean scalp microbiome is essential not just in preventing the appearance of annoying white flakes but also in hair quality when it grows.
How to Keep Your Scalp Microbiome Healthy
1. Wash your hair after exercising
When you work out, sweat, oil, and dirt may build up on your scalp and throw its microbiome out of balance. This can manifest in itchy scalp and unpleasant scalp odor caused by harmful bacteria. To prevent this, shower as soon as you can after working out. Not only will it cleanse and refresh your body, but it will also help restore microbiome balance to your scalp. Make sure to use sweat shampoo like CLEAR men menthol and CLEAR scalp care women shampoo that cleans your scalp and keeps you dandruff-free.
2. Use a shampoo with a gentle formula
Washing your hair might give you squeaky clean strands and scalp, but this isn’t always good. Over-washing—mainly when you use shampoo with harsh surfactants—can strip away essential hair oils and good bacteria, disturbing the scalp’s microbiome.
To soothe scalp and get clean scalp and hair while helping maintain microbiome balance, use shampoo with a mild formulation like CLEAR Complete Soft Care or CLEAR Cool Sport Menthol Shampoo.
These CLEAR haircare products help restore your scalp’s natural protective barrier to guard your scalp against potential irritants. They also have Triple Anti Dandruff Technology, as well as Vitamin B3 and Amino Acid that give you strong scalp defense against dandruff. You can include either of these shampoo products in your regular hair care regimen to keep your hair and scalp clean and help to restore scalp microbiome balance.
3. Minimize the use of hair styling products
While hair gels, pomades, and hairsprays help make you look neat and well-groomed, frequent use of these products may cause residue to build upon your scalp, clogging your pores and causing irritation. When you can, skip these products and opt for simple hairstyles that don’t require the help of these products.
Should you decide to use them, make sure to wash your hair at the end of the day to cleanse your scalp and remove product residue using a deep cleanse shampoo or an herbal anti dandruff shampoo. Check out the CLEAR Philippines official website to find anti dandruff treatment for men and women.
4. Clean Your Hands Before Touching Your Hair
This is not only a good personal hygiene practice, but it can also prevent harmful bacteria from transferring to your scalp and disturbing its microbiome. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your hair, and make sure that your combs and hairbrushes are clean.
5. Maintain a balanced diet
Certain studies suggest that what you eat affects your immune system, which in turn influences the scalp microbiome. And again, an imbalance in the scalp microbiome can lead to flaky scalp, itchy scalp, dry scalp, and other conditions. It is important to include food that are rich in Vitamin C and zinc in your diet to boost your immune system. Eat citrus fruits like orange, grapefruit, and lemon to get your daily dose of Vitamin C, along with oysters, red meat, and poultry that are rich in zinc.
A balanced scalp microbiome is your key to healthy hair and scalp. Start incorporating these tips in your hair and follow the CLEAR scalp care regimen now to prevent different scalp concerns.
