What if the solution to persistent dandruff or scalp psoriasis wasn't just an antifungal shampoo or a corticosteroid cream? The latest dermatological research all points to a still too little-known player: the scalp microbiome.
In this article, I'll explain what this microbiome is, why its imbalance promotes dandruff and psoriasis, and how to naturally rebalance it to restore a healthy scalp.

What is the scalp microbiome?

The scalp is home to billions of microorganisms: bacteria, fungi, yeasts. This ecosystem, called the skin microbiome, plays an essential role in the balance and health of the skin.

• When the microbiome is balanced → the scalp remains healthy, protected from aggressions and inflammations.
  
  

When it is unbalanced (dysbiosis) → certain species (such as the fungus Malassezia) take over, triggering dandruff, itching, or psoriasis flare-ups.

The role of the microbiome in dandruff

For a person prone to dandruff:

• The scalp produces too much sebum.
  
  

• Malassezia feeds on this sebum and releases irritating fatty acids.
  
  

• Result: inflammation, itching, flakes.
  
  

👉 Conventional shampoos temporarily eliminate Malassezia but also destroy good bacteria, worsening the imbalance in the long term.

The role of the microbiome in psoriasis

In psoriasis, the immune system overreacts and the skin produces too many cells.
Studies show that:

• Psoriasis patients have an impoverished skin microbiome, with fewer protective bacteria.
  
  

• This dysbiosis maintains inflammation and worsens plaques.
  
  

👉 Restoring a balanced microbiome could reduce the intensity and frequency of flare-ups.

Why do conventional treatments fail?

• Powerful antifungals: effective at the time, but they strip and deplete the microbiome.
  
  

• Corticosteroids: soothe inflammation, but do not act on the skin flora.
  
  

• Sulfate shampoos: further unbalance the pH and weaken the skin barrier.
  
  

Result: almost inevitable recurrences.

How to rebalance your scalp microbiome?

1. Choose a pH5 shampoo

The scalp is naturally slightly acidic (pH ~5).

• This pH protects beneficial flora and prevents the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.
  
  

A shampoo formulated at pH5 respects and restores this balance (e.g. Universal pH5 Shampoo or Anti-Dandruff pH5 Tricho-Pure Shampoo).

2. Use prebiotic-enriched treatments

Prebiotics act as "food" for good bacteria, strengthening their presence and protective role. Example: the Tricho-Pure Soothing Serum.

3. Act from within

Probiotics: positively influence the intestinal and skin microbiota.

Anti-inflammatory diet: omega-3, colorful vegetables, turmeric, avoid sugar and alcohol. Take specific food supplements such as SOS Oily Flakes Supplements and SOS Dry Patches Supplements.

FAQ

Is the scalp microbiome like the gut microbiome?
Yes, it is also a microbial ecosystem. The two are linked: an intestinal imbalance can aggravate that of the scalp.

How do I know if my microbiome is unbalanced?
Persistent dandruff, psoriasis, oily or, on the contrary, very dry scalp are often signs of dysbiosis.

Is a probiotic shampoo enough to rebalance the scalp?
No, a global approach is needed: gentle pH5 shampoo + prebiotic treatments + adapted lifestyle.

Conclusion

The microbiome is the forgotten key in the management of dandruff and psoriasis. Rather than stripping or masking symptoms, the goal is to restore a lasting balance through respectful care (pH5, prebiotics) and an anti-inflammatory lifestyle.

👉 Do you want to discover which microbiome-friendly routine is best suited for your scalp? Take your free dermo-capillary diagnosis here.