8 Simple Ways To Banish Eyebrow Dandruff - Byrdie

We're all familiar with the telltale signs of dandruff and the perils of combatting the flakes for the sake of our favorite all-black outfit. But what about when the dry, scaly skin descends from your scalp to your face? (No, it's not beard dandruff we're addressing.) Eyebrow dandruff is very much a real thing, though you may have been writing it off as a renegade dry patch. But if said flakes have developed a recurring role in your life, or simply outstayed their welcome, it may be time to consider a cure.

While the exact location of dandruff doesn't necessarily change the underlying cause, it could call for a revised treatment plan. We reached out to five skincare experts—dermatologists Dr. David Lortscher, Dr. Morgan Rabach, Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, Dr. Alicia Zalka, and facialist Varuni Palacios—to walk us through what flaking eyebrows mean and what can be done to treat them. Keep reading to learn how you can banish eyebrow dandruff for good.

Meet the Experts

• David Lortscher, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and CEO of Curology, a personalized skincare company.
• Alicia Zalka, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Surface Deep.
• Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care in Maryland.
• Morgan Rabach, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical PLLC in NYC.
• Varuni Palacios is a Los Angeles-based facialist and Founder of Studio Varuni.

What Is Eyebrow Dandruff?

Dandruff that appears in our eyebrows is the exact condition that can appear on the scalp. Medically known as seborrheic dermatitis, it can show up in all areas of the body that have a greater concentration of oil glands. The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is still unknown, but those who are prone to oily skin have a higher likelihood of extra flakes and scales. 

"Seborrheic dermatitis occurs in areas of the body that are rich in oil glands, so the central face is a prime target,” explains Dr. David Lortscher, board-certified dermatologist and CEO of Curology.Due to changes in climate and season, we're all prone to bouts of dry skin here and there, but those with a true case of dandruff will usually experience skin that's inflamed, itchy, greasy, and covered with flaky white, pink, or yellow scales—consistently.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, there's a variety of culprits that could play a role in dandruff (including the eyebrow kind): "Many factors seem to work together to cause seborrheic dermatitis. These factors may include the yeast that normally lives on our skin, our genes, living in a cold and dry climate, stress, and a person’s overall health."

Specifically, the organization cites skin conditions (like rosacea, psoriasis, and acne) and other diseases like Parkinson's, HIV, epilepsy, alcoholism, eating disorders, and depression as possible instigators. “In my practice, I see [eyebrow dandruff] more commonly in adult men and older individuals, but [it] certainly can happen to women and younger people as well,” adds Dr. Alicia Zalka, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Surface Deep.

And though Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi—board-certified dermatologist and founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care—tells us that dandruff is hard to prevent completely, there are strategic, drugstore-friendly ways to keep it under control.

How to Treat Eyebrow Dandruff

Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

According to each of our experts (and all of our research) using the same types of dandruff shampoos that are formulated for your scalp will also work wonders on your eyebrows. There are multiple ways you can use these shampoos, but using them in lieu of your go-to face wash (at least for the time being) is a good place to start. To maximize results, Tanzi suggests letting it sit prior to rinsing, which will encourage a deeper clean and removal of scales.

Selsun Blue is a maximum-strength anti-dandruff shampoo with 1% selenium sulfide. Zalka recommends lathering a small amount in the brows and rinsing with warm water. "Since the condition can be persistent, this may need to be done whenever the problem arises," she adds.

Eyebrow dandruff “comes from yeast overgrowth and sensitivity to the yeast, so antifungal shampoos are super helpful,” explains Dr. Morgan Rabach, board-certified dermatologist of LM Medical NYC. Rabach recommends antifungal shampoos (aka dandruff shampoo) like Nizoral Anti-Dandruff, which contains 1% of ketoconazole, to relieve dandruff symptoms including itching, scaling, and flaking.

Apply Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a staple that is used for all sorts of skincare, kitchen, and yes, even eyebrow needs. Zalka recommends thinking of apple cider vinegar as "toner for eyebrows." After your typical evening cleansing routine, once all makeup has been removed and your skin has been patted dry, Zalka suggests applying a single drop of apple cider vinegar to a dampened cotton ball. Consider using an eye dropper for perfect precision and make sure to squeeze any excess water out of the cotton ball to prevent it from dripping. Then, simply swipe the cotton ball in a single motion across your eyebrows.

This treatment can be used once or twice a week, and since the apple cider vinegar is diluted with water, there is no need to rinse off afterward. But be careful: Make sure not to get vinegar in your eyes. Ouch!

Wash Your Face Frequently

Rabach recommends washing your face both in the morning and at night, plus an additional rinse after exercising. According to Rabach, washing your face frequently rinses away yeast—which will help prevent irritation in the eyebrows—and flushes away extra dead skin, dirt, and other impurities that accumulate in your skin throughout the day.

"Double cleansing (cleansing first with an oil cleanser, and then a second time with a gel, cream or milk cleanser) is without a doubt one of the most important ways to treat and care for your skin—and prevent seborrheic dermatitis (crusting, scaling, or dandruff-like symptoms) from occurring, especially around the brows, sideburns and hairline," says facialist Varuni Palacios. "It's a sure way to ensure that makeup, sunscreen, oils, dead skin cells and bacteria are properly and thoroughly removed."

However, there is such a thing as washing your face too much. "Many soaps are alkaline and the skin on your face 'likes' to be acidic, so over-washing can lead to changing the pH and may lead to irritation and breakouts," warns Rabach. If you stick to washing your face twice a day—or three times if you exercise—make sure to use a gentle cleanser.

Use an Acne Cleanser

Cleansers used to treat acne, such as Neutrogena Acne Wash—which is both an acne treatment and a cleanser—can also be used to treat eyebrow dandruff. According to Palacios: "a gel cleanser with salicylic acid as an active ingredient will help the skin to shed dead cells from the top layer and by decreasing redness and swelling."

Furthermore, Zalka recommends diluting this kind product with water and cleansing eyebrows gently.

Opt for a Gentle Exfoliant

"Use a gentle exfoliant like an alpha/beta hydroxy acid wash to gently remove flakes," advises Rabach. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliates skin and unclogs pores, making products like Paula's Choice Liquid Exfoliant a worthy option for treating eyebrow dandruff.

Cleanse With Essential Oil

Tea tree oil can be used both for aromatherapy and as a cleanser to wash away unwanted oil. Rabach recommends using a few drops of a gentle oil, like tea tree, at night time to massage away any dandruff flakes. "Tea tree oil has some antioxidant properties and can also help hydrate the dryness," she adds.

Tone With Hypochlorous Acid

After cleansing, Palacios recommends following up with a hypochlorous acid mist—her favorite is Tower 28's SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid. "It's antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory and will help to reduce inflammation and flaking," she says.

Keep Skin Moisturized

Whether flaky brows are a result of dry skin or greater irritation, keeping the skin underneath healthy and hydrated will mitigate the issue. Reach for moisturizers that boast skin-loving ingredients like ceramides or humectants over sensitizing products (like fragrance) that could further inflame or irritate the sensitive brow area.

Soothe With Oats

Oat-based skincare products have been proven to soften and soothe irritated or aggravated skin, lock in moisture, and protect the dermis through the natural healing process. Colloidal oatmeal especially has been lauded for its ability to provide relief to anyone experiencing the discomforts of eczema or psoriasis.

Don't Touch Your Face

This sounds like a given, but we want to reiterate because touching your face constantly can make eyebrow dandruff worse, and you may not even realize you do it. "Do not touch or itch your face," Palacios says, "it's the easiest way to transfer bacteria and cause further inflammation."

Consider Hydrocortisone Cream

In general, "over-the-counter hydrocortisone can help reduce inflammation in a pinch,” Rabach says. Aveeno's Maximum-Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream soothes irritated and inflamed skin.

Decrease Stress Levels

Just like stress impacts almost everything in life, it also impacts eyebrow dandruff. "Stress may increase [dandruff] flares," explains Rabach. Keep this factor in mind when considering eyebrow dandruff treatments and try to find ways to relax your mind and body.

Final Takeaway

The truth is, anyone can get eyebrow dandruff. As with dandruff of the scalp, the eyebrow variety has nothing to do with one's hygiene. So while it's not exactly aesthetically pleasing, in no way should the condition be considered to be the result of a grimy complexion.

The good news is that while it may be slightly—or incredibly—annoying, eyebrow dandruff is by no means a harmful physical ailment, and there are several easy ways to treat it. If, however, the methods listed above don't seem to be working, ask your dermatologist to assess the affected area. They will decide if a stronger prescription medication may be needed.

FAQ

• Does Vaseline help eyebrow dandruff?

  "I would only recommend applying Vaseline or an alike occlusive balm after proper cleansing and hydrating, otherwise you could exacerbate the symptoms," says Palacios.