hyaluronic acid for dandruff
Hyaluronic acid has received its share of press in the beauty world lately. This ingredient has been popping up in the formulas of many beauty products, particularly skincare, since it is well known for its moisture-binding properties. When Living Proof introduced its Restore Dry Scalp Treatment for relief of dryness, itching, and irritation, I was intrigued. It uses hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3 to treat the scalp. I’ve had great results with other Living Proof products and since my scalp has been dry and itchy lately, I decided to give the treatment a try.
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What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance that occurs naturally in your body. It helps with water retention by sustaining moisture levels in your tissues. In fact, a hyaluronic acid molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Talk about hydration!
Unfortunately, as we age, and due to other effects such as environmental pollution, levels of hyaluronic acid in our bodies decline, thus the popularity of supplementation from external sources.
Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare
Topical treatments of hyaluronic acid are very popular in skincare. Hyaluronic acid increases moisture levels in the skin and provides a plumping effect. It can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and supports skin elasticity. Hyaluronic acid may even be injected into the skin to smooth and plump the skin.
Other uses of hyaluronic acid include relieving joint pain, acid reflux, and dry eye, and even can help with wound healing. A bonus is that it has very few side effects. It is no wonder that hyaluronic acid has found its way into the formulas of haircare products. Our scalp is no different than other areas of our body in that it needs moisture to retain good health. But how can hyaluronic acid help your scalp?
Hyaluronic Acid and Your Scalp
Hyaluronic acid is present in the dermal layer of the scalp, supporting the hair follicle as it grows. Using hyaluronic acid on your scalp helps to seal water into the hair shaft and increases hydration while reducing irritation. It can also provide nourishment to thin or damaged hair. Enter Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment.
Related: The Best Conditioners for Frizzy Hair
Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment is a leave-in scalp treatment that contains a hyaluronic acid-based Molecular Patch for sustained hydration to the scalp. This treatment is formulated to provide instant hydration, soothe the scalp and help reduce itching, flaking, and irritation.
Another stand-out ingredient in the formula is niacinamide. I’ve discussed the use of niacinamide in skincare in this post: The Benefits of Adding Niacinamide To Your Skincare Routine. Niacinamide has a wealth of benefits that can help the skin on your scalp as well as your face. A few of these benefits include its anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair properties. It is also a humectant that helps retain moisture and improve hydration.
The Scalp’s Microbiome
As part of the human body’s microbiome, the scalp has its own microorganism environment on its surface containing good and bad bacteria. Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment contains a Vitamin B3-based microbiome balancing complex. This formula helps to balance the scalp’s microbiome, leading to a healthier scalp.
Rather than treating the symptoms of irritation on your scalp or using medicated ingredients on your scalp which can remove the good bacteria in addition to the bad bacteria in the scalp’s microbiome, Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment addresses the root of the problem.
Related: Drunk Elephant Haircare Review: Shampoo, Conditioner and Tangle Spray
How to Use Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment
Be sure that your hair is clean, damp, detangled, and sectioned. (Living Proof recommends 6 sections in the front and 4 in the back.) I section my hair around areas that are particularly dry on my scalp. For me, it is at the top back of my scalp, the base of my scalp, and the hairline around my face.
You apply the treatment directly to your scalp and massage it in. The formula is a thin gel and the thin tip applicator makes application easy. That’s it. You just leave it on your hair, and then style your hair as usual. Full results can be expected after 4 weeks of use with 3 applications per week.
Related Post: Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Anti-Frizz Haircare Review
My Experience with Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp Treatment
I just finished my fourth week of treatment and I love the results that I’ve experienced. For the last few months, my scalp has been extremely itchy and irritated in certain areas. After using this treatment for a month, my scalp feels much better. The treatment is so lightweight and soothing. It leaves no residue or stickiness. My scalp is no longer dry in the problem areas and the itchiness is gone. It did exactly what it was designed to do.
I expect that during the cold winter months, this treatment will come in very handy when my scalp is extra dry, just like the skin on the rest of my body. This treatment is formulated for all types of hair. It is safe for chemically treated hair, color-safe, paraben-free, phthalate-free, silicone-free and PETA-certified cruelty-free.
Thanks for reading!