How can dandruff in the eyebrow region be effectively eliminated?

The appearance of flakes in the eyebrows may be surprising since they are automatically associated with the scalp. Yet the formation mechanism is similar: when the skin’s natural cell renewal is disrupted and accelerates, keratinocytes build up on the epidermal surface and form small white or yellowish scales visible among the eyebrow hairs. The most common cause of this phenomenon is seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the scalp, the sides of the nose, the beard and… the eyebrows. Seborrheic dermatitis is closely linked to the proliferation of the fungus Malassezia naturally present on the skin’s surface. This microorganism feeds on sebum lipids and releases irritating fatty acids that trigger a local inflammatory response and accelerate cell renewal.

In addition to seborrheic dermatitis, other factors can promote the appearance of flakes on the eyebrows. Climatic conditions, notably cold and dry air during winter, disrupt the skin barrier and intensify desquamation. Overly aggressive cleansing, which removes the protective hydrolipidic film, can also weaken the skin and exacerbate irritation. Finally, certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, can manifest on the eyebrows and cause persistent flaking, often accompanied by more pronounced redness.

Taking care of dandruff localized in the eyebrows is somewhat more delicate than on the scalp. Many people hesitate to treat it for fear of pulling out hairs, and using conventional anti-dandruff shampoos isn't suitable: they could be too harsh for this fragile area and run into the eyes, which can cause irritation. It's therefore better to opt for gentler, localized treatments designed for the eyebrow contour.

To eliminate dandruff, some people use essential oils, especially tea tree essential oil, known for its antifungal properties. As with any essential oil, it must always be diluted in a carrier oil or neutral base to avoid irritation. Its efficacy against dandruff was demonstrated in a single-blind, randomized clinical trial involving 126 participants with mild to moderate dandruff. Over four weeks, volunteers used a shampoo containing 5% tea tree essential oil daily, or the same shampoo without the essential oil. Dandruff decreased significantly more in the group using the essential oil shampoo. Given that the proliferation of the yeast Malassezia is also involved in eyebrow dandruff, one can reasonably assume a similar efficacy when tea tree essential oil is applied to this area.

Finally, if dandruff persists, do not hesitate to seek the advice of a physician or pharmacist. These healthcare professionals can guide you towards more potent antifungal agents, such as ciclopirox olamine, piroctone olamine, zinc pyrithione, or ketoconazole. All of them target the yeast Malassezia, a key factor in dandruff formation. In practice, these agents are typically applied two to three times per week until the scales disappear, then sometimes once weekly as maintenance to limit recurrences. In any case, we recommend following the healthcare professional’s guidance and the instructions on the manufacturer’s leaflet.

Prevention is better than a cure.

Prevention remains the cornerstone of dandruff management, including that of the eyebrows. It is first based on proper skin hydration, which strengthens the skin barrier and limits excessive flaking. A gentle, regular exfoliation adapted to the face and including the eyebrow area also helps remove dead cells and reduce scale buildup. A recent study demonstrated the benefits of a routine combining a moisturizing serum based on hyaluronic acid and an exfoliant containing AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to improve seborrheic dermatitis, a more severe form of dandruff that typically extends from the scalp to the forehead. Conducted on 32 volunteers, it found that after fifteen days of daily use, the dandruff severity score decreased by 61.24%, while skin hydration increased by 76.24%. These results confirm the importance of combining hydration and exfoliation in a skincare routine.

• BARNETSON R. & al. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2002).

• TALLEY A. L. & al. Enhanced piroctone olamine retention from shampoo for superior anti-dandruff efficacy. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2023).

• PATNAIK S. & al. An assessment of the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of a novel scalp treatment regimen combining a hydroxy acid-based scrub and copper tripeptide serum in the management of seborrheic dermatitis in adults. Cureus (2024).

• BUDZISZ E. & al. Ciclopirox and ciclopirox olamine: Antifungal agents in dermatology with expanding therapeutic potential. Applied Sciences (2024).