Winter is here, signaling a season often filled with invigorating, brisk walks and playful romps in snow flurries. But for those of us who find ourselves discreetly dusting off a fine layer of white flakes that have, to our dismay, landed on our clothing, not from the snow, but from our own heads, winter may equal frustration. Unfortunately, a change in seasons and the onset of cold weather can exacerbate problems with the scalp. Moreover, when you wear darker-colored clothing, the white sprinkles can be more noticeable.

So what causes this all-too-common embarrassment? Dandruff can become more problematic in winter due to a variety of factors:

Air temperature. The drying forces of winter of cold air and overheated indoor spaces can upset moisture balances in the skin.
Seasonal stress. Some people experience greater stress and fatigue during the winter, which can trigger scalp conditions.
Winter allergies. As exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mites and mold increases, winter allergies can kick in.
Imbalances in the body. Changes in diet and seasonal hormonal variation may also play a role.
Multiple factors. A combination of the the above factors, and others, can contribute to fluctuations in the severity of symptoms.

If you are suffering from an itchy, dry scalp due to dandruff, there are several steps you can take to keep those flakes under control. Here are a few tips to help stop the dandruff from cascading down and settling on your shoulders:

Shampoo frequently. Washing your hair with gentle products, such as Dr. Marder’s Total Relief Shampoo and Conditioner, and massaging the scalp can help reduce those pesky flakes.

Humidify your home. From head to toe, your skin will appreciate the added moisture that a humidifier can bring to your home environment. A humidifier’s burst of water vapor can help ease a number of cold-weather induced skin problems, including an irritated scalp.

Seek relief with home remedies. To calm inflammation, you can massage the scalp with natural oils, such as organic cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil combined with tea tree oil. Lemon juice can help balance pH levels and a gentle salt rub can loosen dead skin.

It is important to remember that dandruff cannot be attributed to winter alone. As a preventative measure, it is advisable to treat underlying causes and symptoms of dandruff consistently throughout the year. Dr. Marder’s Total Relief Shampoo and Conditioner can be used year round to alleviate and counteract dandruff and dry scalp irritation.