Papayas are a versatile fruit that boasts a myriad of benefits for your skin and hair — from treating hyperpigmentation to stimulating hair growth. However, did you know that the enzymes in papaya can also help with dandruff control? Read on to find out why you should incorporate papaya in scalp exfoliating and anti-dandruff treatments.
What are papaya enzymes?
Papaya enzymes, mainly papain and chymopapain, are proteolytic enzymes. This means that they help break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. This makes papaya enzymes the perfect meat tenderiser — and, in the realm of skincare, an effective exfoliant because of its ability to slough off dead skin cells.
- Papain — Similar to digestive enzymes, papain works by hydrolysing proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. It also has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
- Chymopapain — Chymopapain has similar hydrolysing properties on proteins. In medicine, it is also used to treat herniated or slipped discs in the spine.
How papaya enzymes help with dandruff
Papaya enzymes’ gentle exfoliating properties make it an effective ingredient for managing and preventing dandruff. It helps thoroughly cleanse the scalp and slough off dead skin cells and environmental build-up on the scalp’s surface.
Its 3 main benefits in scalp care include exfoliation, cleansing and fighting inflammation.
Exfoliation
Papaya enzymes have a unique ability to gently exfoliate the skin. Unlike other abrasive exfoliants, papaya enzymes work by enzymatic exfoliation, where old proteins on the skin are broken down and new, fresh skin is revealed.
The dead skin cells in the scalp are mainly held together by a protein called keratin, and papaya enzymes work by breaking these keratin bonds, effectively removing scalp build-up.
Cleansing
Under the same vein, the papaya enzymes’ ability to break down proteins allows it to cleanse the skin by ridding it of dead skin cells and other environmental impurities. This also makes it a good option for those with acne-prone skin because of its comparatively gentle cleansing properties.
Anti-inflammation
Papain also has anti-inflammatory properties. Topically applied papaya enzymes can help soothe sensitive skin, reducing redness and swelling.
Consuming papaya enzymes also provide the same benefits, influencing the body’s immune system, which, in turn, helps modulate the body’s inflammatory response.
How to benefit from papaya enzymes
There are some things you can do to reap the benefits of papaya enzymes, from incorporating papaya enzymes into your diet and going for professional dandruff and scalp exfoliating procedures that incorporate papaya enzymes.
Papaya enzyme supplements
You may choose to get the benefits of papaya enzymes by eating papayas or eating papaya enzyme supplements. While these may help your dandruff, you should note that the papaya enzymes here have not been specifically extracted and formulated to treat dandruff. Also, you might have to consult a doctor before deciding whether these supplements fit your health needs. As such, if you’re looking for dandruff-specific relief, you might be better off going for professional hair treatment.
TrichoLab’s Scalp Exfoliating Treatment
If you’re looking to read the benefits of papaya enzymes, you can consider TrichoLab’s Scalp Exfoliating Treatment. It utilises papaya enzymes’ gentle exfoliating properties and includes other beneficial ingredients such as centella asiatica and green tea extracts to soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation caused by dandruff.
This 90-minute procedure works by gently cleansing the scalp of dead skin cells and debris while regulating sebum levels. Its main benefits include:
- Thoroughly cleansing the scalp
- Minimising flaking and dandruff formation
- Removing dandruff and debris on the scalp
- Prevents itching
- Encouraging hair growth
- Promoting improved hair health
- Soothing redness and inflammation
This anti-dandruff treatment process also includes a thorough pre- and post- treatment scalp analysis, exfoliating mask and steam, scalp soothing fluid application, as well as sensitive scalp shampoo and conditioning for optimal results.
Scalp exfoliating treatment in Singapore
Having dandruff can be frustrating, causing excessive itching and flaking. Thankfully, it is also completely treatable — you just need to find the right treatment specific to your skin type and condition.
TrichoLab is a hair and scalp centre dedicated to providing holistic and medical solutions for all types of hair and scalp needs. Our team of experienced professionals will conduct a thorough scalp analysis and recommend a treatment plan for you to help fortify your scalp and restore scalp health. Book an appointment with us today!
