Dandruff

Dandruff — medically termed pityriasis capitis — affects roughly half the adult population at some point in their lives. It is characterised by the shedding of white or grey flakes of dead skin from the scalp, often accompanied by itching. It is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene, though some scalp environments are more prone to it.

What causes dandruff

The primary driver of dandruff is an inflammatory response to the metabolic byproducts of Malassezia yeasts on the scalp. Malassezia is present on virtually every adult scalp. When it metabolises sebum, it produces oleic acid and other fatty acids that irritate the scalp in susceptible individuals, triggering accelerated skin cell turnover — and flaking.

Contributing factors include:

Excess sebum production
Individual susceptibility to Malassezia metabolites
Disruption of the scalp barrier (harsh shampoos, frequent washing with hot water)
Stress and hormonal fluctuations
Cold, dry weather

How peat may help

Peat addresses dandruff through multiple pathways:

Microbiome regulation. Humic acids and phenolic compounds in peat have mild antimicrobial activity that may help balance Malassezia populations without the aggressive action of pharmaceutical antifungals. Suitable for regular maintenance use.

Anti-inflammatory. Reducing scalp inflammation can interrupt the itch-scratch cycle and slow the accelerated skin cell turnover that produces flaking.

Gentle cleansing. Peat’s natural adsorptive properties help remove excess sebum — the substrate for Malassezia — without stripping the scalp barrier. Barrier disruption can worsen dandruff by making the scalp more reactive.

What to look for in a peat-based dandruff shampoo

For best results, look for products that combine:

Peat or humic acid extract — anti-inflammatory, microbiome-balancing
Zinc (pyrithione or other form) — established antifungal and anti-inflammatory
Salicylic acid — keratolytic, loosens and helps remove accumulated scale
Mild surfactant system — to avoid barrier disruption

Realistic expectations

Peat-based shampoos for dandruff work best as a long-term maintenance approach rather than a rapid treatment. For acute or severe dandruff, medical antifungal shampoos (containing ketoconazole, ciclopirox, or selenium sulphide) may be more appropriate as a first step, with peat-based products used for ongoing management.