Seborrheic Dermatitis: How to Tackle Itchy, Flaky Skin Naturally

Seborrheic Dermatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Peeling or flaking skin on your face or scalp can be a sign of a condition called seborrheic dermatitis (seb derm), a type of facial redness that is sometimes referred to as “facial dandruff.” This condition commonly causes redness, irritation, and greasy scales around areas like the nose, forehead, eyebrows, and scalp. Many people think it is eczema, but eczema has different causes.

If you are struggling with these redness and flaking in your central face, use this blog as a guide to help you better understand what seborrheic dermatitis is, what causes it, and how to treat it.

Seborrheic dermatitis causes itchy, flaky, and scaly patches in the central face and scalp

Caused by overactive immune response

May be caused by a specific type of yeast on the skin.

Antifungal medications, anti-inflammatory creams, and medicated shampoos and cleansers help to manage symptoms.

What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

While the prefix “sebo” means sebum (oil), seborrheic dermatitis actually has nothing to do with sebum or sebaceous glands. This name is a misnomer, as scientists originally thought seborrheic dermatitis was a disease of the sebaceous, or oil glands, but we now know that it is not. The latest research suggests that seb derm is more related to immune system responses, stress, and other factors.

Seborrheic dermatitis primarily appears as greasy, red, scaly patches around areas where there is hair, such as the forehead, eyebrows, and scalp. It is also commonly seen on the nose and behind the ears and can cause skin flaking that resembles dandruff. Unlike regular dry skin, seb derm produces scales that are often greasy in texture, giving the affected areas a shiny appearance. It can flare up at any time, especially during stress or changes in the weather, and tends to recur if left untreated.

Seb Derm and Oily Skin

Seborrheic dermatitis is not associated with increased sebum production (known as seborrhea). (6) You can have oily skin and seb derm, but the oiliness is not causing the seb derm. They are unrelated in spite of the name.

Seb Derm and Dry Skin

The peeling red scaling patches on the face characteristic of seborrheic dermatitis appear to be dry- so many people think seb derm is caused by dry skin. However, dehydration does not cause seb derm- inflammation does. Skin that is inflamed from seb derm does have a damaged barrier, but this damage is due to inflammation that affects the stratum corneum’s ability to hold onto water.

You can have dry skin and seborrheic dermatitis, but treating the dryness alone will not cure the problem. You need to treat the inflammation and its causes.

What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood, but there are a few factors that are known to trigger or worsen its symptoms:

Overgrowth of Malassezia yeast. A type of naturally occurring yeast called Malassezia lives on everyone’s skin, but in people with seborrheic dermatitis, it can grow out of control. This overgrowth is thought to irritate the skin and trigger the immune response that leads to the characteristic redness, flaking, and inflammation of seborrheic dermatitis.

Immune system response. Some research suggests that people with seborrheic dermatitis may have an abnormal immune reaction to the Malassezia yeast, leading to chronic inflammation (3).

Stress. Stress is a known trigger for many skin conditions related to inflammation, including seborrheic dermatitis. Periods of high stress can lead to symptom flare-ups.

Hormonal fluctuations. Hormones may also play a role in the development or worsening of seborrheic dermatitis, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or other times of hormonal imbalance.

Symptoms of Seb Derm

Seborrheic dermatitis has several key symptoms, which can vary in intensity from person to person:

Flaky skin. One of the most common symptoms is flaky skin that often appears in the central face, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), eyebrows, scalp, and around the ears. These flakes are often greasy and yellowish in color or may be white, dry flakes associated with dandruff.

Greasy scaling. The patches of flaky skin are usually greasy, shiny, or light grey or white in appearance

Redness and irritation. Affected areas are often red and inflamed.

Itching. Seborrheic dermatitis can be itchy. The itching often becomes worse when the skin is irritated or dry.

How Is Seborrheic Dermatitis Treated?

While seborrheic dermatitis can be cured with the right treatment plan, but it has a tendency to come back.

The key is to reduce inflammation, control yeast overgrowth, and soothe irritated skin. These are some of the most common treatment options for this condition:

Anti-yeast treatments. Since seborrheic dermatitis is often linked to an overgrowth of yeast, antifungal treatments can help to reduce inflammation and other symptoms. Products containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione are commonly used to reduce the yeast on the skin.

Topical steroids. In more severe cases, a mild topical steroid may be used to reduce inflammation and itching. These should be used for short periods to avoid potential side effects, such as skin thinning.

Anti-inflammatory creams. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams may be recommended for long-term control of redness and itching without the side effects of steroids.

Soothing oils- oil like Argan oil with soothing fatty acids are a natural way to treat dandruff on the face.

Medicated shampoos and cleansers. Medicated shampoos and face washes that contain ketoconazole, salicylic acid, or sulfur can help to reduce symptoms on the scalp and face.

Moisturizers. Keeping your skin moisturized is crucial for managing seborrheic dermatitis. Choose moisturizer with soothing anti-inflammatory ingredients. Match your moisturizer to your skin type- you need different types if you have underlying dry or oily skin.

Best Products for Seborrheic Dermatitis

The best products for seborrheic dermatitis are formulated with gentle yet effective ingredients that target yeast overgrowth, reduce inflammation, and keep your skin moisturized. Some of the top products that I recommend to my patients dealing with seborrheic dermatitis include shampoos, facial cleanser, anti-inflammatory serums, and soothing moisturizers. Which to choose depends on which of the 16 skin types you are.

Shampoos and Face Wash

Soothing Serums and Creams

Bottom Line

Itching, redness, and flaking caused by seborrheic dermatitis can be frustrating to deal with. However, with the right treatment regimen designed for your skin type, you can effectively manage these symptoms and enjoy calm, comfortable skin.

If you don’t know your skin type yet, be sure to take the quiz to find out so you and your dermatologist can customize your skin care regimen based on your skin’s unique needs.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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