Seborrheic dermatitis, the clinical term for dandruff, can happen anywhere you have hair, which means more than just your head is susceptible. It can rear its flaky head at more unexpected places like your eyebrows. (Your chest, laugh lines, groin, and butt are also potential hot spots for seborrheic dermatitis, too.)
Fortunately, its a super treatable issue, so theres no need to panic the next time you see a little flakiness. Heres everything you need to know about this not-so-fun skin condition that affects even the most well-groomed arches.
What causes eyebrow dandruff?
While dryness and flakiness in the brow area can be caused by eczema or contact dermatitis, true dandruff is the result of three main factors: The presence of Malassezia globose [a fungus] on the skin, a genetic predisposition to dandruff, or the presence of sebum, explains Ilyse Lefkowicz, MD, Head & Shoulders dermatologist.
The easiest way to determine if youre dealing with actual seborrheic dermatitis? According to Dr. Lefkowicz, youll typically see pink or red patches with scales that tend to be greasy instead of soft and white.
How should I treat it?
Similar to how youd treat your scalp, gently cleanse the affected area with an anti-dandruff shampoo , like Head & Shoulders, that contains zinc pyrithione (a proven anti-dandruff active). It is designed to kill fungus, and contains ingredients to calm inflammation. After washing brows to get rid of any build-up, apply a moisturizer over dry or scaly patches.
However, if the flaking is severe or results in red patches, I would recommend seeing a dermatologist, advises Dr. Lefkowicz. Your doctor will likely prescribe you a topical anti-fungal cream or a short-term topical steroid cream to rein in flakes.
Additionally, keep your stress levels in check. It's easier said than done, but anxiety can perpetuate the problem, as it does with so many other complexion-related conditions. So go ahead and book that yoga class or massage-your skin will thank you.
Is there anything I should avoid doing?
Just like you shouldn't pick zits, keep your fingers away from the flakes in your dandruff-ridden brows. Trying to remove flakes from an already inflamed area is only going to make the situation worse. While it may look similar, these flakes are more complex than dry, peeling skin , so you cant just exfoliate them away either.
Avoid substances like glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, acne medicines, or anti-aging creams as these will only cause further irritation, adds Dr. Lefkowicz. Another thing to watch out for: scalding hot showers. The heat from the water strips moisture from skin, which in turn, amplifies flakiness.
Do I need to change my grooming habits?
If youre prone to brow dandruff, its crucial to make cleansing your arches a regular part of your skincare routine. Thats the first step to staying flake-free. Then, according to Dr. Lefkowicz, as long as youre properly treating seborrheic dermatitis, go ahead and shape your eyebrows as usual. But only if the inflammation is under control, she warns. If there are any signs of inflammation, I recommend holding off on waxing or tweezing until the condition is treated and there arent any flare ups.
One additional thing to keep in mind during a flare-up? If you love filling in your arches, always moisturize the area before applying any additional pigment to create a smooth surface. Otherwise, your go-to brow product can draw even more attention to flakes-and no one has time for that.