Increasing pollution levels, climate change, and stress are known to affect our skin and cause sensitive skin reactions.1 But they also affect our scalp,2 a specific type of skin with a higher density of follicles and sebaceous glands than can be found on other parts of the body.3 Sebaceous glands, which produce large amounts of sebum,3 are important for the maintenance of epidermal barrier integrity. They carry antioxidants to the skin surface,4 the sebum they produce is a source of nutrients for the micro-organisms composing the microbiota,3 and give protection against solar irradiation. But when these glands are stimulated by environmental factors, they over-produce sebum, which can cause irritations,5 leading to itching, which in turn causes squames and additional irritation reactions, creating a vicious circle
For the 40% of the population suffering from scalp sensitivity, quality of life can be impacted, with scalp sensitivity triggering psychological stress responsi
