Have you ever observed dry, flaky skin on your eyebrows and thought that your skin lacks hydration? Well you may be missing something, and this could be eyebrow dandruff. Yes you heard it right, your brows can be affected by dandruff too, just like your hair and scalp.
If you feel stressed out by this persistent condition, we are here to help. This article will guide you through the causes of eyebrow dandruff, how to treat it and tips to prevent it altogether.
What Is Eyebrow Dandruff?
Dandruff that appears in our eyebrows is the exact condition that can appear on the scalp. Medically known as seborrheic dermatitis, it can show up in all areas of the body that have a greater concentration of oil glands. The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is still unknown, but those who are prone to oily skin have a higher likelihood of extra flakes and scales.
Symptoms of Eyebrow Dandruff
The symptoms of eyebrow dandruff may include:
- Light, white to yellowish flakes of skin that shed
- Mild erythema (redness in lighter or medium skin tones and discoloration on darker skin tones) and irritated patches of skin on the eyebrows
- Mild itching (or in some cases, there is no itching)
- A rash in some types of eyebrow dandruff (such as when contact dermatitis is the underlying cause)
- A scaly appearance of the eyebrows
- An increased amount of sebum (oil) in the eyebrows
Note, when eyebrow dandruff is caused by environmental factors—such as cold weather or harsh skin products—the symptoms do not include inflammation. But when seborrheic dermatitis or contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction) are the underlying cause of eyebrow dandruff, inflammation is a cardinal symptom.
Additionally, seborrheic dermatitis can cause a similar rash to form on other parts of the body where there are many oil glands, such as the back of the neck, the upper chest, and the face, eyebrows included. These rashes may come and go, sometimes over the course of years.
What Causes Dandruff On Eyebrows?
The exact cause of eyebrow dandruff is not yet known. However, a few common reasons for the dry, flaky skin on and around your eyebrows are given below.
1. Seborrheic Dermatitis
This is a non-infectious skin condition that can be caused by a yeast called Malassezzia which is a resident flora of our skin. However, in people with excessively oily skin, this yeast can overgrow and lead to this skin condition.
This form of dermatitis is a chronic condition in adults and can show episodes of flare-ups and remission. Seborrheic dermatitis in infants is also known as cradle cap that usually subsides between 6 months to 1 year of age.
2. Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, this inflammatory skin condition is more common in children than adults. Apart from your limbs and neck region, eczema also affects the region around your eyes and may be responsible for the dry, flaky skin on your brows. This condition is usually hereditary and is often accompanied by asthma and allergies (atopic march).
3. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is caused by the malfunctioning of your immune system leading to inflammation. The hyperactivity of the immune system leads to an excessive overproduction of skin cells which form plaques or scales on the surface of your skin. Psoriasis can affect almost any part of your body, and may be the reason behind the dry flakes of skin near your eyebrows.
4. Contact Dermatitis
As the name suggests, this condition occurs when your skin comes in contact with allergens or irritants such as harsh chemicals. Contact dermatitis is characterised by rashes, inflammation, itchiness or dry and cracked skin.
The symptoms usually subside by themselves upon withdrawal of the irritant or allergen, but in case of more severe irritation you may need to use medications. Mostly, the itching due to contact dermatitis leads to the dry skin flakes on your eyebrows.
How to Treat Eyebrow Dandruff
Here are a few treatment options that can help you stay free of eyebrow dandruff for a long time.
Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
According to the experts, using the same types of dandruff shampoos that are formulated for your scalp will also work wonders on your eyebrows. There are multiple ways you can use these shampoos, but using them in lieu of your go-to face wash (at least for the time being) is a good place to start.
Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a staple that is used for all sorts of skincare, kitchen, and yes, even eyebrow needs. After your typical evening cleansing routine, once all makeup has been removed and your skin has been patted dry, it is suggested applying a single drop of apple cider vinegar to a dampened cotton ball. Consider using an eye dropper for perfect precision and make sure to squeeze any excess water out of the cotton ball to prevent it from dripping. Then, simply swipe the cotton ball in a single motion across your eyebrows.
This treatment can be used once or twice a week, and since the apple cider vinegar is diluted with water, there is no need to rinse off afterward. But be careful: Make sure not to get vinegar in your eyes.
Wash Your Face Frequently
Wash your face both in the morning and at night, plus an additional rinse after exercising. Washing your face frequently rinses away yeast—which will help prevent irritation in the eyebrows—and flushes away extra dead skin, dirt, and other impurities that accumulate in your skin throughout the day.
“Double cleansing (cleansing first with an oil cleanser, and then a second time with a gel, cream or milk cleanser) is without a doubt one of the most important ways to treat and care for your skin—and prevent seborrheic dermatitis (crusting, scaling, or dandruff-like symptoms) from occurring, especially around the brows, sideburns and hairline”. “It’s a sure way to ensure that makeup, sunscreen, oils, dead skin cells and bacteria are properly and thoroughly removed.”
However, there is such a thing as washing your face too much. “Many soaps are alkaline and the skin on your face ‘likes’ to be acidic, so over-washing can lead to changing the pH and may lead to irritation and breakouts”. If you stick to washing your face twice a day—or three times if you exercise—make sure to use a gentle cleanser.
Use an Acne Cleanser
Cleansers used to treat acne, such as Clarity-Revive Face Wash (For Acne Treatment)—which is both an acne treatment and a cleanser—can also be used to treat eyebrow dandruff. A gel cleanser with salicylic acid as an active ingredient will help the skin to shed dead cells from the top layer and by decreasing redness and swelling.
Opt for a Gentle Exfoliant
Use a gentle exfoliant like an alpha/beta hydroxy acid wash to gently remove flakes. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliates skin and unclogs pores.
Tone With Hypochlorous Acid
After cleansing, Palacios recommends following up with a hypochlorous acid mist—her favorite is Tower 28’s SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid. It’s antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory and will help to reduce inflammation and flaking.
Keep Skin Moisturized
Whether flaky brows are a result of dry skin or greater irritation, keeping the skin underneath healthy and hydrated will mitigate the issue. Reach for moisturizers that boast skin-loving ingredients like ceramides or humectants over sensitizing products (like fragrance) that could further inflame or irritate the sensitive brow area.
Soothe With Oats
Oat-based skincare products have been proven to soften and soothe irritated or aggravated skin, lock in moisture, and protect the dermis through the natural healing process. Colloidal oatmeal especially has been lauded for its ability to provide relief to anyone experiencing the discomforts of eczema or psoriasis.
Don’t Touch Your Face
This sounds like a given, but we want to reiterate because touching your face constantly can make eyebrow dandruff worse, and you may not even realize you do it. Do not touch or itch your face, it’s the easiest way to transfer bacteria and cause further inflammation.
Decrease Stress Levels
Just like stress impacts almost everything in life, it also impacts eyebrow dandruff. Stress may increase [dandruff] flares. Keep this factor in mind when considering eyebrow dandruff treatments and try to find ways to relax your mind and body.
How Do You Get Rid Of Dandruff On Your Eyebrows?
1. Antifungal Cleansers
The most common cause of eyebrow dandruff is a fungal agent (yeast) as discussed before. Washing your brows with an antifungal shampoo containing selenium sulfide or ketoconazole can help reduce the yeast overgrowth, thus eliminating the dandruff. You can also look for ingredients like salicylic acid, sulfacetamide, sulfur and tar soaps.
You can use an anti-dandruff shampoo that’s available over the counter. However, these are usually milder than prescription formulations. Do take care that your skin doesn’t get too dry as this will defeat the whole purpose of getting rid of the dry, flaky skin from your eyebrow.
2. Treat The Underlying Skin Conditions
- If you have contact dermatitis, you need to identify and avoid the substances that trigger flare-ups. In case of severe discomfort, you can apply corticosteroids or take antihistamine medications as per the directions of your doctor.
- Since conditions like eczema or psoriasis tend to be chronic in nature, your healthcare provider is the best person to suggest how to manage your condition and avoid flare-ups.
3. Home Remedies
Here are a few natural remedies you can try at home to keep eyebrow dandruff in check.
A. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is rich in terpineol which is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as antiphrastic agent.
- Heat a tablespoon of tea tree oil just warm enough to touch.
- Gently massage it on your brows and let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Wash off with lukewarm water.
- Apply daily till the dandruff disappears.
B. Neem oil
Neem oil is anti-inflammatory apart from having antifungal properties. Rubbing a little neem oil on your brows daily will not only get rid of the dandruff but may prevent it from coming back as well.
C. Almond oil
The oil from sweet almond is an excellent moisturizing agent rich in good fatty acids, vitamins and zinc.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of almond oil for a minute or two.
- Rub it between your fingers to cool it down a bit and massage gently on your brows.
- For best results leave it on overnight. Wash off with a mild cleanser in the morning after.
- Daily usage of this oil will not only eliminate dry, flaky skin but also give you more fuller brows in the long run.
D. Aloe vera gel
This wonder ingredient not only hydrates your skin but also soothes itching and inflammation. It is best if you can use the gel directly from the fresh leaves. If fresh leaves are not available, you can also use the packaged versions of the gel available in the market.
Rub aloe vera gel on your brows and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. You can then wash it off with cold water. Use this regularly to prevent your brows from getting flaky in the future.
E. Fenugreek seeds
These seeds not only have antifungal properties but are also rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Fenugreek will reduce the yeast growth as well as gently exfoliate your brow skin.
- Soak a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds overnight and crush them into a paste the next morning.
- Gently rub this paste on your brows and let it sit for a couple of minutes till it is a little dry.
- Finally scrub it off gently and wash with cold water.
Tips to prevent dry eyebrow skin:
Let’s explore some proactive steps you can take to prevent dry skin in the eyebrows and keep those flakes at bay:
- Hydrate from the inside out: Start from within by ensuring you stay well-hydrated. Skin is our largest organ – and all organs require a healthy dose of water to function best. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance, reducing the likelihood of dryness in the eyebrow area.
- Maintain a balanced diet: A nutrient-rich diet plays a pivotal role in skin health. Incorporate foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, and E, niacin, zinc and iron. These nutrients contribute to skin elasticity and overall well-being.
- Create a gentle skincare routine: Opt for a gentle cleansing routine for your face. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that won’t strip away natural oils. Avoid harsh scrubs that can intensify dryness and lead to eyebrow dandruff.
- Moisturize regularly: Moisturizing isn’t just for the rest of your face — your eyebrows deserve some love too.
- Protect yourself from the elements: Harsh weather conditions can wreak havoc on your skin. During extremely hot or cold weather, protect your eyebrows with a hat, scarf, or even sunglasses to protect them — and don’t forget your sunscreen.
Read next: Dry Skin: Causes, Symptoms & Best Remedies
- Don’t overuse styling products: While brow gels and pomades can enhance your eyebrow game, excessive use of styling products may contribute to dryness. Use these products in moderation and choose formulations that are gentle on the skin.
- Have regular check-ins with a dermatologist: Schedule regular appointments with a dermatologist, especially if you have pre-existing skin conditions or are prone to dry skin. A dermatologist can offer personalized advice and catch potential issues before they escalate.
- Watch out for allergies: Be mindful of potential allergens in your skincare and makeup products. Fragrances, preservatives, and other common allergens can exacerbate dryness and lead to eyebrow dandruff. Irritation or a true allergy can manifest as dry, itchy and inflamed skin, so opt for hypoallergenic options whenever possible.
Read next: Dry & Peeling Lips? Discover Why and How to Treat Them
- Humidify indoor spaces: During colder months when indoor heating systems are in use, the air inside can become dry. Consider using a humidifier to maintain optimal moisture levels in your living spaces.
- Mind your medications: If you’re on medications known to cause dry skin as a side effect, consult your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend alternative options that are gentler on the skin.
Takeaway
Eyebrow dandruff is a common but manageable condition caused by factors such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. The condition results in dry, flaky skin around the eyebrows, often accompanied by irritation or inflammation. While the exact cause is not fully understood, various treatments can help, including anti-dandruff shampoos, apple cider vinegar, and gentle exfoliation. Home remedies like tea tree oil, neem oil, and aloe vera gel may also provide relief. Preventive measures, such as maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, using a gentle skincare routine, and protecting the skin from harsh weather, can help reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Regular consultation with a dermatologist can ensure proper management, especially for those with pre-existing skin conditions.