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In This Article
What Is Eyebrow Dandruff?
How to Treat Eyebrow Dandruff
Were 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, its not beard dandruff were 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 doesnt necessarily change the underlying cause, it could call for a revised treatment plan. We reached out to four skincare experts—Dr. David Lortscher, Dr. Morgan Rabach, Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, and Dr. Alicia Zalka—to walk us through what flaking eyebrows mean and what can be done to treat them.
Meet the Expert
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.
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.1The 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, were all prone to bouts of dry skin here and there, but those with a true case of dandruff will usually experience skin thats inflamed, itchy, greasy, and covered with flaky white, pink, or yellow scales—consistently.2
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, theres 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."3
Specifically, the organization cites skin conditions (like rosacea, psoriasis, and acne) and other diseases like Parkinsons, 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.Keep scrolling for our experts’ sage advice on the most important steps you can take to soothe your eyebrow dandruff.
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.4There 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 ($7) 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 ($13), 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.
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—your skin, and eyebrows, will thank you.
Use an Acne Cleanser
Cleansers used to treat acne, such as Neutrogena Acne Wash ($8)—which is both an acne treatment and a cleanser—can also be used to treat eyebrow dandruff. Zalka recommends diluting this 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 Paulas Choice Liquid Exfoliant ($35) 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.
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 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.
Consider Hydrocortisone Cream
In general, "over-the-counter hydrocortisone can help reduce inflammation in a pinch,” Rabach says. Aveenos Maximum-Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream ($10) 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 ones hygiene. So while its 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 dont seem to be working, ask your dermatologist to assess the affected area. They will decide if a stronger prescription medication may be needed.
Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC. Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: A comprehensive review. J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2):10. doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Seborrheic dermatitis: Signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Seborrheic dermatitis: Who gets and causes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Seborrheic dermatitis: Diagnosis and treatment.