We like to think of scalp care as the skinification of hair care. Consistent care is critical. Did you know your scalp ages just like your face? That’s why making scalp care a priority is as important as skin care. Exposed to the same oxidative stressors and environmental aggressors as your face, your scalp needs regular exfoliation, purification and protection to target signs of premature scalp aging.
Signs of scalp aging are actually 5 common scalp concerns:
With regular scalp care—proper exfoliation, cleansing, moisturization and protection—you can experience a scalp that is:
Get the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about scalp aging and scalp care with Director of the Center for Skin Sciences at the University of Bradford.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR SCALP AGES?
The skin on your scalp gets drier, flatter, and thinner, while the sebaceous glands become less effective. The scalp can also become more sensitive and stressed.
HOW DOES SCALP AGING IMPACT HAIR?
We believe that the scalp is the source of beautiful hair. The quality of the hair that grows is affected by a prematurely aging scalp. It can be seen when hair loses its luster and gloss.
WHAT CAUSES PREMATURE SCALP AGING?
Your scalp faces the same environment as the skin on your face. Think daily impacts of city living, including micro dust, as well as pollution, oxidative stressors and environmental aggressors.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF SCALP AGING?
Key signs of premature scalp aging include: Dry scalp, irritation, redness, oily scalp, a loss of scalp suppleness, build-up or scalp odor. See below for a closer look at what happens when the scalp goes from young and healthy to showing indications of premature scalp aging.
A. YOUNG, HEALTHY SCALP
1. Strong barrier helps protect scalp from stressors
2. Skin is hydrated, calm & clear (free of excess oil
and build-up)
3. Hair is strong, shiny and fully of vitality
4. Hair follicle is well supported and nourished
in the hypodermis
B. KEY STRESSORS CAN IMPAIR SCALP BARRIER FUNCTION
1. Build-up of excess oil and particulates
become oxidized
2. Oxidative stress impairs the scalp barrier.
C. SCALP AGING
1. Scalp skin gets thinner, flatter and drier and the
sebaceous glands that produce oil become less effective
2. Hair becomes dull, frizzy, damaged and thinner
3. Hair follicle becomes less supported and nourished as it
moves from the hypodermis to the dermis
4. Weakened barrier function leads to dryness
and irritation which makes the scalp more susceptible to
damage, which can lead to signs of premature scalp aging
