Itchy scalp. Constant dryness. Redness. Flakes.
These are just some of the common tortuous symptoms of skincare agony. We often fall into illusion that if we just scratch more, it’ll miraculously give a give us a dosage of temporary relief. That is, until you’re scalp is suffocating from some unknown oil you got from the first results page of Google Search aimlessly researching “itchy scalp solutions.” Stop it. Bury all of that.
I had these struggles as well only to find out its a very common skin condition within the United State. If you’ve got an ongoing issue with your scalp after shampoo and/or conditioning treatment, chances are, you have a condition, or some form, of psoriasis. The name itself sounds terrifying. But rest assure, its easily treatable and found in 2-3 percent of the total population. So you’re not alone in the recovery process. I recently had the opportunity to chop it up with skincare expert Randy Reed of Osswald Parfumerie Boutique in New York City. Serving NY’s supreme clientele and a licensed esthetician, Randy supplied us with some everyday tips to end the immediate horror sightings of psoriasis.
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Groom Guy: What does psoriasis look like?
Randy Reed: So it typically takes shape of a rash. Most of the time, due to the irritation and scratching, it’ll be red patches.
Groom Guy: How many people have this condition?
Randy Reed: It’s very common. Don’t worry.
Groom Guy: What can trigger psoriasis?
Randy Reed: There’s a number of factors included in the inflammation like your diet. Most commonly is the environment or climate that you’re in especially harsh cold winters where you’ll have little sun exposure.
Groom Guy: What’s the best treatment for it?
Randy Reed: A short term treatment is buying a skincare product with SPF (aka Sun Protection Factor) as an immediate solution. Many products that are packed with this measure of protection will keep your scalp and/or face protected. Food plays a role in your psoriasis as well. For example, one’s sensitivity levels to gluten (typically found in breads) may aggravate an itchy scalp. So pay attention to what you food you intake and stock up on inflammation fight-foods.
Groom Guy: When we transition into new seasons, what should we be doing?
Randy Reed: Stay Moisturized! Using a facial moisturizer will you give you a thicker layer and protect you from outside infestations. I use a serum which is a pre-moisturizer and locks in moisturizer.
Groom Guy: Any other home made solutions?
Randy Reed: You’ll want to invest a humidifier. This device is designed specifically to put moisture into the air. By traveling, working out, you lose moisture throughout your work day. At night, your skin is supposed to repair itself. With the humidifier preventing the air from being dry, that also means it stop your scalp and face too.
Groom Guy: Should your local barber know how to treat this?
Randy Reed: No. A professional should be mindful of this during the consultation and then recommend the client seek a specialist aka dermatologist.
Groom Guy: Is there anything a client can do before/after a haircut?
Randy Reed: He/She should tell the barber immediately before the cutting hair process. The barber should shampoo & condition the client before haircutting to reduce the inflammation during the cut.
Note: A visit to your local dermatologist will be available to give your special case a full evaluation with easy treatment. Many patients get equipped with an ointment or prescription that’ll show immediate results.
Be sure to visit Randy Reed’s site iammisterfresh.com & follow him: @iammisterfresh