Hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for anti-inflammation, ceramides for preventing moisture loss, peptides for collagen production - the list of trendy actives goes on. While we know the right active ingredients can transform our skin, can they work the same magic on dry, dehydrated and brittle tresses as well? Here’s what celebrity dermatologist Dr Harshna Bijlani, the medical head of The Ageless Clinic, wants you to know.
Why are skincare ingredients being used for hair care?
With the face enjoying prime real estate in terms of visibility vis-à-vis the scalp, it is often subjected to a more dedicated routine. However, much like the pores on our face, the skin on our scalp is subject to dust, dirt, pollution, UV rays, dullness, dryness and vitamin deficiency, says Dr Bijlani. This line of thinking has led many experts to believe that the core principles of a skincare routine can posit the way to a healthier scalp as well.
“The ‘skinification’ of the scalp is the fundamental realisation that we need to give as much importance to it as we do to our face and body. Just as our facial skin reacts to intrinsic and extrinsic factors, the skin on the scalp also reacts similarly,” she explains. Additionally, certain anti-ageing ingredients used in skincare such as retinol, vitamin C and niacinamide, can provide hydration, reduce hair fall and promote growth when used in a hair care routine.
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Ready to give your haircare goals a skin-inspired boost? Here are some ingredients to look out for in the haircare aisle:
1. Hyaluronic acid
As a humectant, it works on retaining moisture, boosting hydration while reducing irritation and dryness that causes dull and frizzy hair.
2. Niacinamide
Being a part of the b-complex vitamin family, the use of niacinamide in haircare products such as shampoos helps treat the irritated and sensitive scalp and balances it from within.
3. Ceramides
They work on strengthening the skin barrier and lock moisture in the scalp, preventing dryness and shielding the scalp from external damage caused by dust, pollution and other environment aggressors.
4. Micellar water
A non-negotiable mainstay in any makeup routine, micellar water works as an excellent agent for cleansing and removing dirt and oil. Similarly, it can be a good candidate for cleansing your scalp and removing pollutants and dirt from the hair. Just dab a cotton swab soaked in micellar water onto your scalp, whenever you need a thorough refresh.
5. Collagen
Age-related hair fall is often related to loss of collagen since the latter protects the layer of the skin that holds the hair roots. You’ll find its use in the form of supplements, scalp and hair care products like masks as well as topical products for building hair proteins.
6. Salicylic acid
A known agent for unclogging pores and vacuuming dead skin cells, salicylic acid’s work doesn’t stop with your skin—it remains equally effective for sweeping away dandruff, dead skin flakes and product build-up when used twice a week on your scalp.
