Luteana™: Revolutionizes scalp care for dry dandruff

May 2, 2024

Today’s beauty aesthetic calls for perfection on every level. From flawless skin to a glowing complexion there’s never been so much emphasis placed on the way we look. And our hair is no exception. Whether you wear your locks long and flowing or short and sleek, more of us than ever are actively seeking out ways to keep our hair looking and feeling its best. And in the pursuit of this crowning glory, there’s simply no room for beauty bugbears like dandruff.

Studies have found that dandruff affects up to 50% of the world’s population at some point in their lives1, yet it is still a widely misunderstood condition. For consumers dandruff is associated with symptoms such as a greasy scalp or unsightly yellowish flakes but there are in fact two distinct types of this scalp condition, which require two very different approaches to treat.

So what’s the difference?

Oily dandruff, as the name suggests, is characterised by an over production of sebum on the scalp. This imbalance creates excessive amounts lipophilic Malassezia yeast, which is responsible for the stubborn flakes that we see on the scalp2. There are numerous products on the market to address the symptoms of oily dandruff and it remains the most recognised of the two conditions.

Dry dandruff meanwhile is the result of structural and biochemical imbalances which alter the scalp’s barrier function, leaving it dry and sensitive. In this dehydrated and inflammatory state, the scalp becomes itchy and uncomfortable and produces tiny white flakes. These flakes shed easily, scattering onto the shoulders and are highly visible on clothing.

Several factors including stress, weather conditions, excessive exfoliation through shampooing and the use of irritating products can cause the scalp sensitivity that leads to dry dandruff and it is estimated to affect almost half the population3 4. There are very few solutions currently available on the market to combat dry dandruff, which requires a completely different treatment from oily dandruff.

So what is the answer?

Research by Microphyt has unlocked a greater understanding into the origin of dry dandruff which has led to the development of Luteana™ scalp, a groundbreaking solution to address the intricate challenges of the condition, helping to leave the scalp healthier, soothed and revitalised.

The bioactive works on three levels to restore scalp health:

  • Rebalancing the structure of the skin for stronger barrier function;
  • Soothing chronic inflammation and scalp sensitivity, and
  • Reducing aggressive and chronic flaking to regulate dry dandruff.

This multifaceted approach result is powered by a potent combination of DHA and fucoxanthin, found in Luteana™ scalp’s precious oil-based bioactive. These molecules are derived from a Tahitian microalgae species: DHA, a microalgae fatty acid, nourishes the skin and fucoxanthin, a marine carotenoid, offers relief from itchiness and discomfort, together reducing the spread of dry dandruff. By targeting both the structural and biochemical imbalances that contribute to dry dandruff Luteana™ delivers relief from the discomfort and embarrassment of dry dandruff, ensuring every day is a good hair day.

Bibliography

1 Ranganathan et al. Dandruff: the most commercially exploited skin disease. Indian J Dermatol. 2010

2 Yoon et al. Biophysical characteristics of dandruff-affected scalp categorized on the basis of sebum levels. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2020

3 Ma et al. Sensitive scalp is associated with excessive sebum and perturbed microbiome. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018.4 Misery et al. Sensitive scalp: does this condition exist? An epidemiological study. Contact Dermatitis. 2008.