Understanding & Relieving Seborrheic Dermatitis

“I’m ashamed of my scalp, I hide it under a cap. I no longer tie my hair back so that no one can see my scales. I scratch myself until I bleed…”

If these words resonate with you, you've come to the right place. Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) of the scalp can be a real burden. This guide will help you better understand this condition and relieve your scalp.

Hello, I am Julie Pernet,

Doctor of Pharmacy, Certified Trichologist & Founder of the MakeMyMask laboratory.

For several years, I have been consulting women and men who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, oily scales, itching... And who too often hear that "it's normal" or "there's nothing we can do." But that's not true, there are solutions!

I wrote this guide to help you understand what seborrheic dermatitis really is, to avoid confusing it with other conditions like psoriasis, and above all to help you regain control, naturally.

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

DS is an inflammation of the skin that mainly affects oily areas such as the scalp, the sides of the nose, the eyebrows or behind the ears. 

This condition affects approximately 1 to 3% of healthy adults. But if we include simple dandruff, nearly one in two people would be affected.

DS is caused by the excessive growth of a fungus naturally present on our skin: Malassezia (especially Malassezia globosa & Malassezia restricta). This fungus normally lives on our scalp, but in some people, it proliferates excessively when there is:
■ Lots of sebum (oily skin or scalp)
■ A weakened skin barrier
■ An imbalance of the local microbiome

DS manifests itself through:

■ White/yellowish & oily dandruff that may stick to the scalp
■ A scalp that tends to be oily
■ Itching in 66% of cases
■ Redness & irritation in 25% of cases
■ Inflammation can also change the properties of hair and make it dull and thin, and cause transient hair loss

Psoriasis or dermatitis? What are you suffering from?

You're reading this guide thinking you have DS... but are you really sure? In my practice, I notice that many people think they have DS... when it's actually psoriasis. These two conditions may look similar, but they're not treated the same way.

You will find here an article explaining the key differences between these two pathologies. You can also take my online diagnosis for a response in 2 minutes.

If you think you might have psoriasis, I've written a guide on the subject. here.

Causes & triggers

Although the Malassezia fungus is present in everyone, it becomes problematic when certain triggering factors are present:

■  Excess sebum : oily skin or scalp = food for Malassezia, puberty, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)...

■  Stress : chronic stress weakens the skin barrier and also increases sebum production via cortisol

■  Cold & dry climate : outbreaks are often more frequent in fall-winter, less UV/humidity = microbiome imbalance

■  Fatigue & chronic illnesses : HIV, Parkinson's, or even severe fatigue = more favorable terrain, the immune system is weakened and therefore more vulnerable

■  Certain treatments or products : improperly used corticosteroids, aggressive shampoos, occlusive treatments, colorings or irritating hair products

■  Pro-inflammatory diet : excess sugar, dairy, alcohol = potentially aggravating

Conventional treatments: what you need to know

They are often effective in the short term, but sometimes poorly tolerated or fail over time.

My recommendation for comprehensive care

To hope for lasting relief, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach, which does not limit itself to masking the external signs, but also acts on the underlying causes of DS.

1. Treat inflammation from the inside out

To relieve inflammation and seborrhea, which are the root causes of symptoms, adopt targeted and effective supplements:

✅​ Zinc bisglycinate : anti-inflammatory, regulates sebum production, antimicrobial
✅​ Vitamin D3 : regulates the immune response
✅​ Omega 3 (EPA/DHA) : regulates inflammation
✅​ Turmeric + black pepper : reduces chronic inflammation
✅ ​Ginger : powerful anti-inflammatory
✅ ​probiotics (Rhamnosus, Reuteri…): reduces overall inflammation

My solution: the SOS Oily Dander Supplement

7-day FLASH treatment

■  The first food supplements against DS and oily scales
■  Reduces oily flakes and excess sebum
■  Calms attacks - Visible results in 5 days
■  Reduces inflammation from within
■  Made in France, clean, vegan, allergen-free

Dosage: Take 2 capsules per day for 7 days to calm attacks.

2. Gently remove plaque

This step helps to mechanically and gently remove oily scales. To do this, I recommend using a gentle purifying and exfoliating treatment that also respects the scalp microbiome. Using a Stimulating Brush during treatment is interesting to help remove scales.

My solution: the Anti-Dandruff Pre-Shampoo Active Scrub

Gently exfoliates & purifies

■  Gently exfoliates oily scales
■  Rebalances excess sebum
■  Soothes itching
■  Cortisone-free, made in France, 97% natural origin

Dosage: Use once a week before shampooing, leave on for 1 minutes

3. Rebalance the microbiome

And yet... no one is talking about it, even though it's at the heart of the latest scientific publications! The scalp microbiome plays a key role in the onset and worsening of SD.

To preserve it, I recommend using an anti-dandruff shampoo with a pH of 5, which is the physiological pH of the scalp. This slightly acidic pH helps maintain a healthy environment, limits the proliferation of "bad bacteria" and protects the skin's natural balance.

My solution: pH5 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Dual anti-fungal & exfoliating action

■  At physiological pH5
■  Eliminates fungus thanks to its anti-fungal action
■  Gently exfoliates dandruff & oily scales
■  Made in France, 99% natural origin, 0% silicone, 0% sulfates

Dosage: carry out 2 shampoos per wash, leave on for 5 minutes to improve effectiveness

Even when the scales have disappeared, I always recommend using a maintenance gentle shampoo with pH5, sulfate-free, respectful of the physiological pH of the scalp, to preserve the balance of the microbiome and limit recurrences.

4. Calm & hydrate

To avoid topical cortisone, there are many alternatives that help soothe itching.

Using an aloe vera or hyaluronic acid serum can soothe irritation and itching. If it contains prebiotics to rebalance the microbiome, even better! I also recommend avoiding harsh products (alcohol, perfume, etc.).

My solution: Tricho-Pure Soothing Serum

Anti-itch & irritation

■  With hyaluronic acid & aloe vera to hydrate and soothe the scalp
■ Prebiotics to rebalance the microbiome
■  No rinsing, non-greasy texture
■  Made in France, 97% natural origin

Dosage: Apply a few drops to irritated areas as needed.

5. Use a comprehensive protocol

One product is not enough!

To permanently eliminate dry patches and soothe scalp psoriasis, it is necessary to adopt a complete protocol that acts on the symptoms of psoriasis and limits recurrences.

My solution: the Complete Anti-Oily & DS Dandruff Protocol

Complete treatment for oily scales & DS

■  The first complete anti-DS protocol that respects the microbiome
■  Visible results from the first use
■  97% natural, 0% sulfate & silicone, vegan, made in France

Duration of use: approximately 2 months

6. Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet

The goal is to reduce systemic inflammation, support the microbiome and limit flare-ups.

TO BE PREFERRED:
✅​ Omega-3 : oily fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon), flax and chia seeds
✅​ Green & cruciferous vegetables : rich in antioxidants, detoxifiers (broccoli, spinach, kale)
✅​ Red & colorful fruits : anti-inflammatories (blueberries, pomegranate, black grapes)
✅​ Turmeric + black pepper : powerful natural anti-inflammatory
✅​ Natural probiotics : fermented milk yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kombucha
✅​ Prebiotic fibers : artichoke, leek, garlic, onion (feed the microbiome)
✅​ Natural Vitamin D : egg yolk, cod liver, moderate sun exposure
✅​ hydration : 1,5 to 2 liters of water / day (promotes the skin barrier)

TO BE LIMITED:
❌​ Ultra-processed products : industrial dishes, snacks, additives, etc.
❌​ Fast sugars : sodas, candy, pastries (blood sugar spikes = inflammation)
❌​ Cow's milk products : sometimes pro-inflammatory in sensitive people
❌​ Gluten : may worsen symptoms in some patients (to be tested)
❌​ Alcohol : strongly discouraged (recognized trigger factor)
❌​ Excess red meat and cold cuts (high in saturated fats & EFAs)
❌​ Very fatty or fried foods

7. Gentle & adapted local hygiene

The goal is to avoid damaging the scalp or promoting fungal proliferation:

■ Mild antifungal shampoos: containing piroctone olamine, zinc PCA or salicylic acid, such as pH5 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
■ Wash 2 to 3 times/week max (avoid spacing out too much if your scalp is oily)
■ No scratching, soft brushes only
■ Avoid chemical coloring, straightening, hairspray, occlusive styling gels
■ Do not exfoliate aggressively (avoid overly abrasive physical scrubs)
■ Prefer gentle or air drying

8. Anti-stress lifestyle

The goal is to reduce pro-inflammatory stress mediators:
■  Regular gentle physical activity : 30 min walking, yoga or swimming 3x/week
■  Restorative sleep : 7 to 8 hours per night, avoid screens in the evening
■  Stress management techniques : cardiac coherence, meditation, breathing
■  Psychological support (if chronic stress or strong emotional impact)

In conclusion

Seborrheic dermatitis cannot be cured, but it can be controlled sustainably with a comprehensive approach:
■ By acting at the root (microbiome, inflammation, stress, etc.)
■ By gently removing scales without harming
■ By soothing the scalp
■ By adopting a consistent lifestyle