If you have suddenly discovered that you have dry flaky skin in your eyebrows, don’t stress. There are several reasons for this and it’s actually pretty common. Luckily it’s probably just dry skin or an allergic reaction to harsh soaps or cosmetics.
If it happens to be a soap or cosmetic you should probably think about replacing it with something else to prevent your eyebrow dandruff from reappearing. The next step is to get rid of it! Below are the top ways you can rid yourself of those embarrassing flakes in no time at all. Learn exactly what is causing your dandruff HERE.
Moisturizer
Maintaining skin hydration is very important as it reduces itching, dryness, and flaking skin. Sometimes eyebrow dandruff is caused by dry skin flaking off. In this case, exfoliate the area at least once a week and moisturize 2 times a day. Exfoliating will remove the dead skin cells and eliminate the flaking. Moisturizing will hydrate the skin and prevent the dry flakes from reoccurring. For faster benefits switch to the oil cleansing method for washing your face. Try to keep a regular routine of exfoliating and moisturizing so that the skin is healthy and supple. Also, be sure to consume plenty of water every day as this also affects the skin’s moisture levels.
Sunlight / UV Therapy
Sunlight or UV light therapy slows skin cell growth which reduces inflammation and scaling skin. Psoriasis is one possible cause f eyebrow dandruff and is caused by genetics and an overproductive immune response. This overproduction causes skin flare-ups and the rapid growth of skin cells resulting in inflamed, scaly, flaky skin. UV exposure reduces this overproduction of the immune system and slows down cell growth so that inflammation can be reduced. Bear in mind that it is important to keep exposure limited as the extended sun and UV light can actually worsen symptoms and cause damage. 30 minutes a day is all you need to start seeing relief.
Fish Oil/ Omega-3
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help reduce inflammation and calm irritated skin. Take it as a daily supplement but do not go over the recommended daily dose indicated on the package label. Alternatively, you can add omega-3 fatty acids into your diet from foods like walnuts, cashews, chia seeds, hemp, flax seeds, basil, spinach, linseed oil, sardines, herring, salmon, and eggs.
Getting rid of dandruff takes a bit of time. You might see instant results but you will need to maintain treatment for at least 2 weeks to ensure the skin is fully healed and harmful bacteria are gone.
Oregon Grape/ Barberry
Oregon grape, also known as barberry, reduces inflammation. The stem and leaves of the Oregon grape plant are dried and made into powder. This plant has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can reduce the risk of infection caused by itching. Oregon grape also slows the overproduction of unhealthy skin cells associated with psoriasis flare-ups and general inflammation. It comes in a powder form or as an extract used in topical creams.
Aloe Vera
Pure aloe vera gel is anti-inflammatory which calms redness and irritated skin. It also helps regenerate healthy skin cells resulting in faster healing times. The gel hydrates dry skin which combats flaking and the appearance of dandruff. Apply fresh aloe vera to the affected area 2-3 times a day. Allow it to dry on the skin for 30 minutes before rinsing off with cool water. Do this every day until it clears or for up to 3 weeks.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This relieves inflammation and helps heal dry flaky skin. It can be taken in capsule form as a supplement, in tea form, added to cooking or salads, or applied directly to the area as a spot treatment. If taking in pill form take 500mg pill three times a day for 6 weeks. If taking as a tea or in food take 1 teaspoon a day for 10 weeks.
Turmeric Paste Recipe
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon turmeric
2 Tablespoons water
Directions:
Mix ingredients in a pan and simmer on low heat until it forms into a paste. Allow to cool and apply to the skin. Leave to dry for 30 minutes. Repeat 2 times a day until symptoms disappear.
Turmeric is a bright yellow color and may stain the skin for several hours. Test a small area first.
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV works by balancing pH levels of the skin and body. Sometimes skin gets dry and flaky from an improper pH balanced caused by soaps, shampoos, face washes, and other such products. By restoring the natural balance you allow the skin to ward off bacteria and calm irritation. You can apply it to the affected area 2-3 times a day. Additionally, skin rashes and flare-ups are sometimes caused by internal inflammation. It is best to also consume ACV once a day. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV in water and consume every day for 4-6 weeks.
ACV Topical Treatment
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoons ACV
2 Tablespoons olive oil or jojoba oil
Directions:
Mix everything together and apply it to the affected.
Repeat 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks.
ACV is very acidic so rinse your mouth with fresh water after drinking the ACV tonic.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
This essential oil is powerfully packed with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It quickly relieves itching and redness while deeply penetrating the skin’s layers. Tea tree tends to be strong and anyone with sensitive skin should dilute it before applying it to their skin. Try mixing it with a bit of olive oil or water. Apply it to the affected area and leave it to dry. You can rinse it off after several hours if you desire but you don’t really need to. You could also add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer and apply it to the affected area.
Tea tree oil should only be applied topically and never ingested orally.
Lavender Essential Oil
This essential oil is great for eyebrow dandruff because it is antibacterial and soothes inflammation. Calming and hydrating dry flaky skin while helping to regulate skin cell production make lavender oil an obvious choice. People with sensitive skin might react to this oil so test a small area first or dilute it using water, oil or your favorite moisturizer. Apply to the area 2 times a day for 4-8 weeks.
Probiotics
A weakened immune system is sometimes responsible for fungal infections that cause dry, irritated, flaky skin. The best way to ensure the optimal health of your body and skin is to support a strong immune system. Try adding a probiotic supplement to your daily routine or incorporate foods such as yogurt, coconut yogurt, kefir cottage cheese, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, olives, pickles, or miso. Probiotics will kill off harmful bacteria and fungus and replace them with healthy bacteria. Yes, there is such a thing as good bacteria and bad bacteria. Trust us, you need bacteria but you want the good guys, not the bad guys.
