If you are looking for an effective way that helps getting rid of your dandruff than you should definitely consider Nizoral A-D anti-dandruff shampoo. Nizoral is developed by Johnson & Johnson and is one of the most popular and effective anti-dandruff shampoos on the market.
It contains various ingredients which are very effective when treating dandruff. Some of these ingredients include coconut fatty acid, sodium laureth sulfate, and 1% ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is an effective antifungal active ingredient that works well against dandruff that is caused by seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis.
As dandruff is mainly caused by the fungus called Malassezia, ketoconazole’s antifungal properties work well against dandruff. By using this shampoo regularly, you will most likely see an improvement in your dandruff condition after 1 – 2 weeks.
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Pros and Cons of Nizoral A-D
[icon_list]Nizoral A-D Pros:
[icon_list_item style=”color: #67baca;” type=”check”]Highly effective against dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and fungi infections[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #67baca;” type=”check”]Benefits far outweigh the minor side effects[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #67baca;” type=”check”]High amount of positive reviews and user experiences[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #67baca;” type=”check”]Many doctors recommend ketoconazole as an active ingredient[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #67baca;” type=”check”]As recommended usage is twice a week it is long lasting[/icon_list_item]
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[icon_list]Nizoral A-D Cons:
[icon_list_item style=”color: #e74c3c;” type=”times”]Slightly higher price point when compared to other anti-dandruff shampoos[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #e74c3c;” type=”times”]Does not work effectively if your dandruff is caused by dry scalp or skin sensitivities[/icon_list_item]
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I have created the Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo review, as this is my most used anti-dandruff shampoo and my results with it have been remarkable. It will cover everything about Nizoral A-D and how effective it is against dandruff.
I have personally used this dandruff for many years now and foresee using it indefinitely. It has done wonders for me and I am sure it can do the same for you.
Where to Buy Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?
Nizoral A-D (1% ketoconazole) is available over-the-counter in most supermarkets and pharmacies. I had trouble locating them in smaller local stores, though.
You can also buy it online on places like Amazon that deliver the product straight to your doorstep within a short period of time.
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Ingredients
Nizoral A-D contains many ingredients to combat dandruff. I have listed the active and inactive ingredients below.
Active Ingredient: Ketoconazole 1%
Inactive Ingredients: Acrylic acid polymer (carbomer 1342), butylated hydroxytoluene, cocamide MEA, FD&C Blue #1, fragrance, glycol distearate, polyquaternium-7, quaternium-15, sodium chloride, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid, sodium laureth sulfate, tetrasodium EDTA, water
What is ketoconazole?
The active ingredient in Nizoral A-D is ketoconazole. This is the active ingredient that makes this anti-dandruff shampoo so famous. It’s also the reason why Nizoral works so well against a certain type of dandruff. Let me explain a little bit more to you about ketoconazole.
Ketoconazole is an anti-fungal medication that usually prescribed to treat fungal or yeast infections such as ringworm, candidiasis, athlete’s foot, and dandruff.
While prescriptions are usually for products of a ketoconazole content of 2% and above, Nizoral A-D contains 1% ketoconazole and is therefore available without a prescription.
In essence, it kills yeasts and fungi by damaging their cell membranes. To be a bit more specific, the cell membranes of a fungus require ergosterol to remain intact. Ketoconazole inhibits the fungi from producing this substance. This process leaves the cell membranes vulnerable and damages the cell wall integrity by creating holes.
With holes appearing the cell walls of the fungi, essential constituents start to seep out. This means that that vital components of the fungus will no longer be protected by the membranes. Over a period of time, it weakens the Malassezia fungus and slowly starts to deteriorate [1].
Here is an analogy that you may understand a little bit better. Imagine you have an aquarium with fish swimming inside. The glass panels of the aquarium hold together the water where the fish swim. Once you start drilling holes into the tank, water will start pouring out.
Eventually, the water in the aquarium will be depleted. The fish will no longer be able to survive without water.
By the same principle, the membrane walls are an essential part of the fungi, in order for it to function properly. Without properly functioning cell membranes, the fungus is not able to survive.
What is Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Good for?
Our scalp is covered with a fungus known as Malassezia (Pityrosporum ovale or simply P. ovale). It is perfectly normal and healthy to have this fungus on your scalp. In fact, everyone has it.
Seborrheic glands in our skin produce natural hair oils. These natural oils are called sebum and have a waxy texture. The functions of the sebum are to lubricate and waterproof the top layers of our skin.
Malassezia reacts with the sebum and creates a by-product called oleic acid. Some of us develop a sensitivity to the oleic acid, which leads to an inflamed, itchy and red scalp.
Over time, this can lead to dandruff as the skin aging process is sped up. You start creating new skin cells and the dead skin layers start to shed off. This is one of the main causes of dandruff.
Nizoral has been clinically proven to effectively kill Malassezia, by attacking the cell membrane. In time, this causes dandruff to regress and show relieving effects.
Studies have illustrated that the main cause of dandruff is an inflamed reaction of our scalp caused by Malassezia [2]. This is also the reason why Nizoral A-D works well against dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis.
Nizoral also works great against dandruff caused by other fungi infections. An article also suggests that this shampoo can also show positive effects on scalp psoriasis. For psoriasis on other parts of the body, however, there are better forms of medication.
To sum up, Nizoral A-D works well against dandruff caused by:
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[icon_list_item style=”color: #67baca;” type=”check”]Seborreic dermatitis[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #67baca;” type=”check”]Scalp psoriasis[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #67baca;” type=”check”]Fungal infection on the scalp[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #67baca;” type=”check”]Ringworm[/icon_list_item]
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Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Side Effects
Using Nizoral A-D as an anti-dandruff shampoo has a numerous amount of upsides. It’s been deemed one of the most effective anti-dandruff shampoos on the market, as it attacks dandruff at the root of the cause: Malassezia.
It goes without saying that with any type of medication works differently on people [3]. Although no major side effects have been reported yet, you should still take them into consideration.
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[icon_list_item style=”color: #f39c12;” type=”exclamation”]Dry scalp[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #f39c12;” type=”exclamation”]Itchy skin[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #f39c12;” type=”exclamation”]Dry hair[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #f39c12;” type=”exclamation”]Dizziness[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #f39c12;” type=”exclamation”]Nausea[/icon_list_item]
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If you are experiencing any harmful side effects, please see your doctor or physician, immediately. Do not take the risk of trying to get rid of dandruff by harming your body in the process.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding please consult your doctor before using Nizoral.
I must also inform you that the list above highlights possible side effects that you can suffer from. Most of the time, people do not have them but they are labeled as a precautionary measure. I personally have only come across dry hair and a dry scalp immediately after washing my hair with Nizoral A-D.
You can either try some of the other effective home treatments or use a good conditioner after using any ketoconazole-based shampoo. Home treatments are designed to moisturize your skin to prevent your scalp from being dry.
How to Use Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?
Please make sure that you use this medicated shampoo only as per the instructions of your doctor. If you bought this yourself, please follow the instructions on the back of the Nizoral shampoo bottle accurately.
You may follow the instruction illustration shown above if you are looking for a general guideline on how to use Nizoral. I follow the 6 steps and it works wonders for me. A more elaborate explanation can be found in the following instruction set below.
General usage instructions:
- Run some water through your hair and let it flow across your scalp for a few seconds
- Now remove some of the excess water and ensure that there is not too much water dripping from your hair
- Pour the shampoo into your hands and apply on entire scalp
- Generously lather and massage your scalp
- Let it sit for around 3-5 minutes
- Rise your hair and scalp thoroughly and ensure all the product is washed out
Dosage:
- Adults: Use every 3-4 days (maximum twice a week) for up to 8 weeks. After that only use when needed to control dandruff
- Childen: If under the age of 12, please consult your doctor
Please remember that you should follow the instructions on the Nizoral shampoo bottle. Read about the dosages and how to use the shampoo clearly. I’ve been using this shampoo for a long time and have developed my own routine that you may follow if you wish to.
Most importantly, if you have any skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis, you may want to seek advice from a dermatologist as they may recommend a larger dosage and a higher frequency.
[callout type=”center” title=”Want to Get Rid of Dandruff?” message=”I recommend that you read my guide on getting rid of dandruff. It helps you understand what types of dandruff there are and how to treat the different types. Additionally, it also presents you with a step-by-step guide from start to finish.” button_text=”READ THE COMPLETE GUIDE” href=”https://www.managedandruff.com/getting-rid-of-dandruff-the-ultimate-guide”]
What do Others Think About Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?
I have done some research on the web and the general consensus on Nizoral A-D is very positive. This falls in line with all the comments and emails I have received about this anti-dandruff shampoo.
People seem to think that Nizoral A-D is one of the best solutions to get rid of dandruff due to its antifungal properties. It has also been commented that it worked great against seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis.
Although the price point of Nizoral is slightly higher on average compared to other anti-dandruff shampoos, users generally feel that it’s worth the higher price due to its effectiveness.
As per the instructions, it’s best to only use this product every 3-4 days. This means that if you wash your hair with this anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week, it’s going to last you quite a long time.
Nizoral is also recommended by many doctors and dermatologists who help patients dealing with dandruff. While Nizoral A-D with 1% ketoconazole is available over the counter and in online stores such as Amazon, Nizoral with 2% ketoconazole is only available on prescription.
What do I think About Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?
I have been using Nizoral A-D anti-dandruff shampoo for many years now. My first experiences with anti-dandruff shampoo weren’t so good in getting rid of dandruff, as I was using something too generic.
I first discovered Nizoral, when doing research on my condition, which is seborrheic dermatitis. This skin condition was causing my dandruff. Once I knew that I needed to get a shampoo with anti-fungal properties I immediately tried Nizoral A-D. I’m really glad that I did!
Nizoral is probably the most effective anti-dandruff shampoo for people with seborrheic dermatitis, due to its anti-fungal properties. Of course, ketoconazole doesn’t work for everyone, because everyone’s body reacts differently to each respective ingredient.
Due to its minimal side effects, there is no harm to try if it works for you. But please make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients or that you do not have any sensitivities toward them. You should always consult a doctor or a dermatologist if you are unsure.
Let me sum up the main reasons why I think Nizoral A-D is great against dandruff.
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[icon_list_item style=”color: #67baca;” type=”check”]Highly effective antifungal ingredient (ketoconazole)[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #67baca;” type=”check”]Available online[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #67baca;” type=”check”]Long lasting due to the recommended dosage[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #67baca;” type=”check”]It can work wonders for fungal infection[/icon_list_item]
[icon_list_item style=”color: #67baca;” type=”check”]Great results when treating seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis[/icon_list_item]
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Please keep in mind that it can cause side effects such as a dry scalp and coarse hair. You can easily work around it by using some natural anti-dandruff home remedies that are meant to keep your scalp moisturized and hydrated.
Conclusion
I recommend Nizoral A-D anti-dandruff shampoo for anyone who has seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis or a scalp fungal infection. Nizoral eliminates the fungus called Malassezia by attacking the cell membranes that help to reduce dandruff caused by fungus.
I highly recommend Nizoral, as I have extremely great results with it. My dandruff situation is well under control, due to this anti-dandruff shampoo and other various home treatments that I include into my routine.
Before you purchase, please make sure that you read the product label properly and ensure that you are not allergic to any of the listed ingredients.
If you have any doubts, please seek advice from your doctor or dermatologist.
I hope this Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo review has given you the insight you need in order to get rid of your dandruff. Feel free to share your thoughts and results of Nizoral below in the comments or email me directly.