When it trickles out of the mop of hair and the dandruff collects on our shoulders like snowflakes on a windowsill, we have to act. Because dandruff makes us hang our heads, pull our hats over our heads and want to crawl under the comforter. Kérastase banishes this feeling from our hearts forever with its new Symbiose line. The company has spent 30 years researching the causes of dandruff: stress, fatigue or hormonal fluctuations act as catalysts for this one microorganism, which weakens the barrier function, encourages the scalp to dry out and causes it to produce even more cells, which in turn end up as snow on our scalp.
Malgorzata Buczak works as a dermatologist at the Clinique du Lac in Geneva and knows all about our scalp and the problem of dandruff, as well as more about the ingredients in the new Symbiose line from Kérastase:
FACES: How does dandruff actually come about?
Malgorzata Buczak: When you think of dandruff, you naturally think of dead skin on the scalp. These get caught in the hair and accumulate on the shoulders, which of course doesn’t look very nice. However, dead skin is actually quite normal and part of the cell renewal process. The scalp is constantly renewing itself and the old skin is automatically shed. Dandruff occurs when this cell renewal process is too fast and the corneal cells of the scalp are renewed too quickly and the putty substance between these cells is not broken down fast enough. The cells continue to hang together and detach from the scalp in larger clusters. These connected cells then become visible as scales.
F: Dandruff is therefore not a hygienic problem, but is due to the speed of cell renewal. How does this disorder come about in the first place?
MB: The process, also known as hyperproliferation, is triggered by a yeast called Malassezia globosa – a microorganism of the skin flora that feeds on the lipids or oils naturally occurring on the scalp. The microorganisms irritate the scalp and cause micro-irritation and itching.
F: What types of dandruff are there?
MB: Basically, we are talking about two types of dandruff. The greasy dandruff, which appears in the form of oily and yellowish flakes or deposits and often sticks to the hair. On the other hand, we have dry dandruff, which is often found on the shoulders, as it is dry and white and often drips off the hair. Redness and itching often occur at the same time as the dandruff. If the infestation is very severe, a dermatologist should be consulted, as this could indicate the presence of eczema, which requires special treatment.
F: Kérastase tackles the dandruff problem with the three main ingredients salicylic acid, bifidus and piroctone olamine. How exactly do they work?
MB: Salicylic acid is an active ingredient that many people are certainly familiar with from skin care, where it is used to cleanse blemished skin. In Symbiose products, salicylic acid has the same cleansing effect and deeply removes all visible dandruff. The second ingredient is bifidus, which we often associate with nutrition and our intestinal flora, but which primarily stands for the balance of the microbiome. The microbiome includes all bacteria and fungi that occur naturally on our scalp. These are important for a stable, well-functioning scalp that can protect itself against external aggressors. So it makes perfect sense to use Bifidus to strengthen the barrier of our scalp and nourish the important bacteria. The third ingredient, piroctone olamine, slows down cell renewal by effectively combating fungus. It reduces irritation without degreasing the scalp. This ensures a long-term result.
Kérastase now provides relief for dandruff sufferers with six hair products and three star ingredients: Piroctone olamine acts on said microorganism, salicylic acid exfoliates and dissolves dandruff into thin air, and bifidus promotes a healthy ecosystem on our scalp. With 1.9 percent salicylic acid, the Micro Peeling Cellulaire cleanses our skin and removes dead skin cells. Oily scalps then rely on Bain Pureté Anti-Pelliculaire, a transparent liquid formula, and sensitive scalps on Bain Crème Anti-Pelliculaire, its creamy-textured counterpart – both anti-dandruff shampoos that soothe and hydrate the scalp. Extra care is provided by the Fondant Apaisant Essentiel conditioner and the Masque Revitalisant Essentiel, which repairs and nourishes damaged hair in depth and gives it new shine.
Kérastase is basing its new luxury line on a facial care routine and is therefore also providing us with the night care Sérum Cellulaire Nuit Anti-Pelliculaire Intensif. Used before going to bed, the serum reduces cell renewal overnight and ensures a healthy and invigorated scalp. With its fresh citrus note and the luxurious scent of jasmine blossom and pepper, Kérastase provides an additional reason not to want to give up the new Symbiose line.
Luxury can be explained – but it is even better experienced. That’s why we’re giving away two copies of the entire Symbiose hair care line from Kérastase.
Kérastase Brand Ambassador Marina Summer has already tested the line – you can see how she uses the products and what tips she gives you on Instagram @itsmarinasummer.
You can find all the products in the new Kérastase Symbiose line here.
Win now: We are giving away two copies of the entire Symbiose hair care line from Kérastase.
