Is Oxidative Stress the Key in Unlocking Better Hair and Scalp Health?

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is an unbalanced condition where the body's tissues can't sufficiently counteract reactive oxygen species. It's strongly associated with ageing and various health conditions. This review focuses on the data known for skin, scalp, and hair regarding oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

This review focuses on the oxidative stress data known for skin, scalp, and hair and discusses the ramifications of scalp oxidative stress to normal hair elongation, retention, and replacement.

METHOD

This study is a review that focuses on the oxidative stress data known for skin, scalp and hair. It references various studies and experimental evidence related to oxidative stress and its effects on hair health. The review covers topics such as the free radical theory of greying, the role of oxidative stress in hair growth and ageing, and the impact of oxidative stress on scalp health and disease.

RESULTS

Oxidative stress can lead to deleterious consequences for hair health. The accumulation of reactive oxidative species can generate significant oxidative stress, and the body's ability to counteract it declines with age. Pathologic conditions such as Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and ultimately alopecia represent pathologic conditions in which oxidative stress is very commonly detected

CONCLUSION

Oxidative stress significantly impacts hair health and aging, making it a key factor in conditions like hair loss and scalp disorders. Consumers can learn that protecting the scalp and hair from oxidative stress through proper care and potentially antioxidants may help maintain hair health and quality.

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CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

R. M. Trüeb acknowledges Procter & Gamble for sponsoring this review. He is a member of the Healthy Hair and Scalp Alliance and in this function provides consulting activity for Procter & Gamble.