Typically dandruff, the horrid whitish and flaky stuff, usually affects the scalp, but in some people, it can even be seen on eyebrows, behind the eyelashes and even on the ears. Itch, inflammation and waxy fish-like scales are a common occurrence with dandruff around the eyebrows. Commercial dandruff treatments do not usually work as one cannot apply them near the sensitive eye area. So let us take a look at some natural remedies to get rid of dandruff on the eyebrows without harming the eyes.
1. Diluted apple cider vinegar
The best eye dandruff medicine is apple cider vinegar. Take a teaspoon of organic, raw apple cider vinegar and mix it with water (5 teaspoons of fresh distilled or filtered water). Dip a clean cotton cloth or Q-tip in the solution. Apply it over the lashes and eyebrows. Allow it to air dry. You need not wash the brows. Re-apply often as needed.
2. Baking soda
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a teaspoon of filtered water. Apply the solution on the eyes to get rid of flaky eyelashes. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing with tepid water. This is a powerful remedy to get rid of white stuff at the base of eyelashes.
3. Homeopathic remedies for eye dandruff
Homeopathy has many effective remedies to get rid of eyelash dandruff. Dandruff and white stuff on eyelashes can occur due to blepharitis. We have discussed many home remedies for blepharitis here. In addition, you can use homeopathic remedies after due consultation with an homeopath:
- Red gummy eyelids and white stuff at base of eyelashes-Hepar sulph 6 C
- Itchy eyelashes-Calcarea 6C
- Sore burning lashes-Sulphur 6 C
4. Saline solution
At night before bed, bathe your eyelids and eyelashes with salt solution (mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water). This will reduce eyelash dandruff and flaking.
5. Calendula ointment
Lightly apply calendula ointment around the eyes to get rid of ‘white thing on eyelashes’.
6. Castor oil
Castor oil for eye dandruff plays dual roles- it not only eliminates the flaking and itching-it can also help you grow stronger and darker eyelashes. Take a clean Q-tip dipped in cold pressed castor oil and apply on the line of the upper eyelid. Do this at night, before bed. Avoid getting the oil inside the eyes.
7. Change your diet
Dandruff on the scalp and eyebrows is usually a sign of yeast or fungal infection. Certain dietary changes can go a long way in eliminating the dandruff. This includes:
- Limit intake of sugar and harmful fats.
- Eat more ‘healthy fats’ like olive oil, coconut oil, fatty fish, walnuts, avocados, and flaxseeds.
- Take fish oil capsules daily. This will help eliminate dry skin and give you a healthy glow.
- You can also take a teaspoon of linseed oil.
- Increase intake of zinc, vitamins C and B-complex rich foods.
- Limit your intake of processed foods, junk, sugary foods, or white or refined foods etc.
8. Probiotic foods
A study[i] has shown that men who took probiotic supplement of Lactobacillus for 4 months had considerably lesser dandruff. You can also eat probiotic rich foods like yogurt with live culture, miso, sauerkraut or kefir etc.
9. Listerine
This is a simple dandruff remedy that works to remove dandruff from eyebrows naturally and quickly. Dilute some Listerine mouthwash with water and apply it to the eyebrows using sterile cotton wool. Make sure that the solution does not run into your eyes. Let the brows air dry. Wash off after 30 minutes. Repeat weekly to see results and prevent the dandruff from coming back.
10. Milk of Magnesia
You can use milk of Magnesia to treat sebhorric dermatitis which causes dry flaky skin on the face, eyebrows and lashes. Massage a bit of Milk of Magnesia on the forehead, eyebrows, eyes, nose, cheeks and chin. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with warm water. This is a great cost effective solution to eye dandruff medicine available commercially.
11. Honey
Organic raw honey, especially manuka honey, is the best way to remove dandruff from eyebrows naturally. Smear raw honey all over the face and rub it into the eyebrows and eye lashes as well. Wash off after 45 minutes and repeat this every week. This remedy will also help eliminate pimples in the process!
12. Olive oil
Olive oil is a fantastic remedy to dislodge white stuff at the base of the eyelashes. Gently apply a bit of it using a clean Q-tip. Wash off with a mild cleanser.
13. Garlic and garlic extracts
Garlic is antifungal in nature which makes it an effective remedy for treating eye dandruff. Do not apply garlic topically as it will burn and sting the eyes. However, you can take garlic internally. Eat garlic raw or roasted or take garlic extract pills.
14. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is strongly antiseptic and antifungal making it one of the best remedies to remove dandruff from eyebrows naturally. Dilute the oil with some Olive/Coconut oil and apply to the eyebrows. Do not let the oil run into the eyes. Wash off with warm water after 45 minutes.
15. Herbal remedies for flaky eyelashes
Horsetail, coltsfoot, nettle, rosemary and sage are some great herbs for dandruff on the scalp, around the eyes and eyelashes and brows. Drink teas made from these herbs or apply their tinctures topically to problem areas. You can mix extracts of some of these with your shampoo or cleanser and use it for washing the face and eyes.
Try these 15 natural remedies to get rid of eye dandruff and dandruff from eyebrows.
References
[i] Feed Your Face: The 28-day plan for younger, smoother skin and a beautiful body By Jessica Wu