Why do i have dandruff in my eyebrows?

Why do i have dandruff in my eyebrows?

Dandruff on eyebrows is surprisingly common, and usually harmless, but it can be frustrating. Also known as eyebrow seborrhoeic dermatitis, it causes visible flakes, redness, and itching around the brow area. Here’s why it happens, what causes it, and how to get rid of it effectively.

What Causes Dandruff on Eyebrows?

The skin under your eyebrows naturally sheds, but when oil balance or yeast growth is disrupted, flakes become more noticeable. The main causes include:

  1. Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

    This is the most common cause. It’s triggered by an overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia, which feeds on natural oils in the skin. The result is redness, mild inflammation, and greasy or dry flakes around the brows. Learn more about different types of dandruff.

  2. Dry Skin

    Cold weather, low humidity, and harsh facial cleansers can strip the skin’s natural barrier, leading to tightness and dry flakes under the brows.

  3. Fungal Overgrowth

    The yeast Malassezia can thrive in oily areas such as the T-zone and eyebrows. When it overgrows, it irritates the skin and increases flaking, the same process seen in scalp dandruff. See how Malassezia causes dandruff.

  4. Skin Conditions

    Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis can cause similar flaking and redness around the brows.

  5. Makeup and Skincare Products

    Comedogenic oils, fragranced products, or residue from eyebrow gels can clog pores and worsen irritation if not cleansed properly.

What Does Eyebrow Dandruff Look Like?

Eyebrow dandruff appears as small white or yellow flakes caught in the eyebrow hairs or on the skin beneath. You might also notice:

  • Itching – mild to moderate irritation around or between the brows
  • Redness or inflammation – more common in seborrhoeic dermatitis
  • Greasy or scaly skin – flakes may stick to the skin in oily areas
  • Tightness or dryness – especially after washing or in cold weather

dandruff flakes on eyebrows

Why Eyebrow Dandruff Gets Worse, and How to Fix It

Persistent eyebrow flakes often worsen because of:

  • Using harsh facial cleansers or scrubs
  • Not cleansing the area regularly
  • Heavy makeup or oils clogging pores
  • Cold, dry air or central heating
  • Untreated fungal overgrowth (Malassezia)

Consistency is key, treating both the flakes and the underlying cause helps prevent recurrence.

How to Treat & Prevent Eyebrow Dandruff

Here’s how to manage eyebrow dandruff safely and effectively:

  1. Cleanse Gently: Use a mild, non-soap facial cleanser or a small amount of anti-dandruff shampoo (with piroctone olamine or zinc pyrithione) on the brows 2–3 times a week. Rinse carefully to avoid the eyes.
  2. Apply Antifungal Treatment: A light antifungal cream containing ketoconazole or piroctone olamine can help reduce yeast growth. For product options, shop antifungal dandruff shampoo.
  3. Moisturise: Use a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser such as E45 or Doublebase to restore the skin barrier.
  4. Avoid Irritants: Minimise fragranced skincare, makeup, or alcohol-based toners near the brows.
  5. Maintain Healthy Habits: Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and manage stress, these all help reduce flare-ups.
  6. When to See a Doctor: If flakes persist for more than a few weeks, or if redness spreads to the eyelids (seborrhoeic blepharitis), see your GP or dermatologist.

gentle eyebrow cleansing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get dandruff in your eyebrows?
Yes. It’s often caused by Malassezia yeast or seborrhoeic dermatitis, which affect oily skin areas like the scalp and eyebrows.

How do you get rid of eyebrow dandruff quickly?
Cleanse gently, use antifungal treatments, and apply a light moisturiser daily. Avoid fragranced or oily cosmetics.

Is eyebrow dandruff the same as scalp dandruff?
Yes, both involve Malassezia overgrowth and excess oil. The difference is only in where it appears.

Can oils or makeup cause flakes?
Yes, heavy oils and cosmetic products can trap moisture and worsen flaking. Use non-comedogenic products and remove makeup before bed.

References

 

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