The Detox Deep Cleansing Lotion 004 from the Medline Organic line combines proven scalp care actives with 15 plant extracts. Here you will learn what salicylic acid, sulfur, climbazole, menthol & co. do and which studies stand behind the individual ingredients. The studies were carried out with the respective ingredients, not with lotion 004 itself. This is a cosmetic product: if you have severe scalp problems, please have the cause clarified by a doctor.
Why the scalp needs a detox
Sebum, dead skin cells and styling product residue build up on the scalp and in the openings of the hair follicles. The yeast Malassezia thrives on this film – the result is dandruff, itching and a scalp that gets oily quickly. A detox removes these deposits, soothes the scalp and lays the foundation for subsequent care and actives to work better.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Because it dissolves in sebum, it penetrates the hair follicles, dissolves hyperkeratosis and sebum plugs and frees the follicle openings. In a randomised clinical trial, a shampoo with 3% salicylic acid and the antifungal ciclopirox was just as effective against dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis as a shampoo with 2% ketoconazole – and was the only one of the two to clearly relieve scalp itching [1]. Salicylic acid is found in the detox lotion 004 and the Peeling 1.3.
Matching products
Sulfur
Sulfur has been used for decades in the care of oily and flaky skin. It acts antimicrobially against yeasts and bacteria and keratolytically: it softens and dissolves hyperkeratosis at the hair follicles and regulates sebum. A comprehensive review of dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis lists sulfur together with salicylic acid among the proven keratolytic actives [2]. In lotion 004, the two ingredients complement each other.
Climbazole
Climbazole is an anti-dandruff active from the azole group. It specifically inhibits the yeast Malassezia, which plays a central role in dandruff. In a clinical study in people with seborrhoeic scalp eczema, a climbazole shampoo was rated effective and well tolerated [3]. In a comparative study with moderate to severe dandruff, a shampoo with climbazole and piroctone olamine reduced dandruff at least as effectively as a zinc pyrithione shampoo [4].
Matching products
Menthol and camphor
Menthol activates the cold receptor TRPM8 in the skin. This does more than create a fresh, cool feeling: basic research has shown that cooling via TRPM8 relieves acute and chronic itch [5]. Together with camphor, menthol also boosts scalp microcirculation.
Rosemary and other plant extracts
Rosemary stimulates scalp circulation. In a randomised trial with 100 men with androgenetic hair loss, rosemary oil led to a similar increase in hair count as minoxidil 2% after 6 months and caused itching less often [6]. The study used rosemary oil; lotion 004 contains rosemary leaf extract.
Other plants in 004: sage, burdock root and lemon are astringent and regulate sebum, bladderwrack supplies minerals and trace elements, calendula, chamomile and white dead-nettle soothe, pomegranate and pine buds protect as antioxidants. For these plants, there is mainly laboratory data and long-standing traditional experience so far.
Yeast extract
Yeast extract is rich in B vitamins, amino acids, minerals and beta-glucans. It nourishes the scalp, soothes it after deep cleansing, strengthens its natural protective function and helps remove cell breakdown products.
The Medline Organic line: care that accompanies treatment
The products of the Medline Organic line by DSD de Luxe were developed specifically for the scalp: they deep-cleanse, dissolve hyperkeratosis, regulate sebum and soothe irritated scalps. The detox lotion 004 frees the scalp from sebum and deposits, the Miracle Scalp Control Peeling 005 with glycolic acid intensively dissolves keratinised flakes, the Miracle Peeling Neutralizer 006 restores the scalp’s balance after the peel, and the sulfate-free Luminox Shine Shampoo 001 gently cleanses sensitive and flaky scalps.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis or inflammatory scalp conditions should be treated by a doctor – the products of the Medline Organic line are the ideal companion.
