“There’s a lot of barriers to building confidence, one of them is personal insecurity [about] how we look, our appearance,” said Vince Marquez, product manager for an anti-dandruff shampoo.
Dandruff, among other persistent health conditions visible to other people, can be a cause of insecurity, especially considering the misconception about its connection to hygiene.
More complex than you think
“It is not something that happens to a person when they don’t shower or because they’re unclean,” emphasized Marquez, adding that dandruff can be caused by a yeast-like fungus malassezia, which, according to dermatologist Amanda Oakley, MD, inhabits the skin of about 90 percent of adults without causing harm.
“Some people are just born sensitive to it or are undergoing challenges or changes in their lives which cause stress that could make us become more sensitive to it,” Marquez added.
While the one true cause remains unclear, a 2005 study found three “most likely” factors leading to itchy and flaky scalp: individual susceptibility (immune system, overall microbial community), sebaceous secretion, and malassezia. Nonprofit Mayo Clinic adds “dry skin”, “not shampooing enough”, “contact dermatitis”, and “other skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema” as other possible causes of dandruff.
Dandruff is not contagious and is generally mild and controllable with medicated dandruff shampoo.
Selsun Blue, whose formulation includes 1 percent selenium sulfide, slows the growth of the fungus that causes the infection.
“Since relaunching in 2016, we’ve been able to help people address their dandruff concerns,” said Selsun Blue product manager Marquez.
Distributed to the country by Cambert Pilipinas, the dandruff control shampoo is available in two variants: Selsun Blue Pro-X with menthol and Selsun Blue PRO 2-in-1 shampoo with conditioner. Both are formulated with French honey extract to provide moisture and hydration.
To treat dandruff using the shampoo, Cambert marketing head Jenny Arcellana recommends twice a week of use. “Gently massage on scalp in circular motion and leave it on for two to three minutes,” she said, stressing to focus on the scalp without scratching it. After rinsing, “use conditioner from mid-hair to tips”.
Arcellana said Selsun Blue would not hasten fading of hair color, and suitable for those who had perm or straightening treatment so long as they wash with regular shampoo first to remove chemical buildup. “Because you only use it twice a week and only on the scalp, it won’t really have any adverse effect on colored hair or chemically treated hair,” she explained.
Building confidence
In keeping with its commitment to building confidence, Selsun Blue launches the Upside Down Class Pass. The program features a three-part series of health and fitness classes led by experts.
“The Class Pass program is our way of doubling down on our goal of building confidence,” said Marquez. “Because on top of battling dandruff with Selsun Blue, a person can build confidence by learning new skills, engaging in new activities, seeking counsel, or just being social.”
The first episode on Sept. 1, titled “Confidence 101”, will feature Jamaica Jornacion, chief executive officer of Beast House Pole and Aerial Dance Studio, teaching the basics of pole and aerial dance.
“Get Confidence on Fleek”, the second episode slated on Sept. 15 is CrossFit for beginners led by certified fitness coaches Jigs Mayuga and Ida Paras of The Movement Studio.
National University Pep Squad coach Ghicka Bernabe will share an engaging exercise routine in the third episode, “Pro-fidence”, on Sept. 29.
Every episode will have board-certified dermatologist Miya Dayrit-Castro, MD to discuss ways of dealing with dandruff, and mental health coach Zarah Hernaez to talk about confidence.
The Upside Down Class Pass is available for free on Selsun Blue Philippines’ Facebook page. Selsun Blue Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is available at Watsons and Mercury Drug, and on Shopee, Lazada, and, starting September, Zalora.