Trying to make sense of anti-dandruff ingredients? Common medical agents used to control dandruff include selenium sulfide or pyrithione zinc, both of which inhibit yeasts from growing; tar slows the rate of skin cell turnover on the scalp, so less flakes will form. Salicylic acid and sulfur loosen the flakes, making it easier to wash them away. Because one of the main causes of dandruff is a type of yeast, the anti-fungal properties of pyrithione zinc and selenium sulfide are effective at killing some of these microorganisms and reducing the flaking. Enhanced anti-dandruff effects can be achieved if the same medical ingredient is contained in both the shampoo and conditioner that you are using. With the recent availability of anti-dandruff conditioners containing pyrithione zinc, managing dandruff has never been easier.
