The scalp is barely visible, but it can be very sensitive and requires care. We need strong and healthy skin, a well-functioning skin barrier, especially on our heads.

We have already written several times in our Personal Care pages about the various functions our skin performs. The scalp also performs these functions. It also protects us as an outer covering and regulates the body's temperature, among other things. Compared to the other skin surfaces, however, the scalp is the base and support for many more hairs. Perhaps that’s also why it’s sometimes a bit neglected in hair and skin care. It is simply unseen. Exceptions to this are, of course, those of us who are bald, who have lost their luscious hair, either willingly or unwillingly, trying to be trendy, having a genetic predisposition or maybe due to illness. 

Many people only start worrying about proper care when they start feeling their scalp beginning to burn, itch or if it’s flaking. Apart from the unpleasant feeling of an itchy scalp with the constant urge to scratch it, most people just find it unpleasant to have the small, often white bits of dandruff scattered over their clothes. On a dark blazer or shirt, something horrible you want to quickly get rid of. A healthy scalp is also important for the condition and appearance of our hair. Which brings us back once again to the significance and importance of hair: Hair plays a particularly important role in our sense of well-being and self-confidence. 

The scalp, even though in most cases it is hidden under the hair and all the fancy hairstyles, is one thing above all else: sensitive. And there are many factors that can adversely affect scalp health:

Microbiome plays a key role

Dandruff is definitely a complaint or unpleasantness associated with a sensitive scalp. However, we should mention that dandruff is not part of any type of disease, but a completely normal process of cell renewal. When the scalp is healthy, the tiny pieces of skin aren’t even noticeable. However, if something is not working properly, the volume increases dramatically and it becomes visible. It doesn't matter whether the scalp is dry or greasy — dandruff can occur in both cases. To take proper care of it, make sure you use products that are suitable for your scalp's skin type and the problem you're experiencing. 

Our microbiome plays a key role in maintaining a healthy scalp. This consists of millions of micro-organisms that live on our skin – a symbiosis from which we benefit greatly. For one thing, the microbiome turns the skin into a protective layer for the body. The human skin is so much more than just the outer covering of the body. Not only is it completely renewed every four weeks, it is also the interface between the organism and the external world. Most of us have seen how the outside world can affect our skin (e.g. sunburn, dry skin in winter), and it can also affect the composition of the micro-organisms that live on the skin. And the skin microbiome plays an important role in healing wounds, cell renewal and our skin's immune defense. Each person has their own, typical microbiome—it’s like an ID card or fingerprint. The composition of the microflora is constantly renewed, even if foreign microorganisms are added.

Psychological stress can be the cause