While there’s no known cure for dandruff, glycolic acid-based hair care and scalp care products can help consumers control the flakes, tame the itching, and stop the irritating dandruff cycle once and for all.

Dandruff is a scalp condition, most easily identified by white flakes in the hair or on the shoulders, and an irritated, itchy scalp. Dandruff is linked to several potential causes, including:

• Dermatitis – irritated skin on the scalp, usually caused by negative or allergic reactions to personal care products
• Seborrheic dermatitis – very oily and irritated skin, this severe form of dandruff afflicts 1-3% of the adult population
• Malassezia – an overproduction of sebum feeds this yeastlike fungus, which then causes excessive skin cell growth and leads to flakes on the scalp
• Infrequency of shampooing – a lack of consistent shampooing can lead to skin cells building up on the scalp, and subsequent itchiness and flakes

Regardless of the particular cause, all dandruff cases can be helped by more frequent exfoliation of the scalp via the most gentle exfoliator of all, glycolic acid.

While over half of adults struggle with dandruff at some point in their lives, treating this common scalp condition can be tricky. Many assume that the telltale skin flakes of dandruff signify a scalp in need of more moisture. In fact, the opposite is true. Frequent exfoliation of the scalp helps to reduce the buildup of flakes on the scalp, while also preventing excess oil production.

However, many consumers often reach for manual scrubs for their scalp exfoliation needs, which can not only exacerbate sebum production – but ultimately lead to more dandruff.

“Unfortunately, when used too vigorously, [scalp scrubs] can break the hair follicle. I would recommend [them] no more than twice a week, if you have very oily hair with a lot of dandruff. Otherwise, it should only be once a week…they can strip the skin on the scalp of its natural oils and can aggravate an itchy scalp if used improperly,”  Jeanine Downie, owner of Image Dermatology, said in an interview with Allure.

Instead, the key to consistent, helpful exfoliation for dandruff control should come in the form of glycolic acid.

For dandruff sufferers, glycolic acid scalp and hair care products are the ultimate in reducing dandruff for one hyper effective reason: superior exfoliation.

“Exfoliation is essential for keeping the hair and scalp in top condition. Exfoliation removes scalp buildup, allowing our natural oils to keep the hair and scalp nourished and healthy. Our natural sebum keeps everything in check, preventing dry scalp. It also allows oils to nourish and protect our hair’s mid-lengths and ends. On the flip side, an overproduction or buildup of sebum on the scalp can feed the Malassezia furfur yeast that can lead to dandruff, hence exfoliation is key,” explained Lucy Vincent, founder of Sans Ceuticals, to Byrdie.

Glycolic acid is the best ingredient around for scalp exfoliation, because the Alpha Hydroxy Acid attacks the bonds that hold skin cells together and quickly dissolves them. After penetrating the skin cell, glycolic acid also works to quickly shed off the dead, built up skin cells from the scalp, and reduce the likeliness of flakes over time.

Plus, glycolic acid scalp and hair care products are vital for breaking the dandruff cycle, as glycolic acid spurs newer skin cells to the surface of the scalp. These new cells will produce sebum in a more regular, consistent way, thus reducing the chances for build-up, flakes, and itching over time.

Dandruff afflicts over half of the population, from the onset of puberty, up until the age of 50, for most men and women. Glycolic acid-based scalp care and hair care products are an excellent way for formulators to provide a gentle, weekly exfoliative product for consumers – and help end the dandruff cycle, once and for all. Or as one old TV commercial put it, these products “give dandruff the brush-off.”