When most people think of skincare, they think of the face or body but rarely do they think of the scalp. Yet the scalp is skin too, and just like the rest of the body it requires some TLC to function at its best.
According to Ricardo Vila Nova, “the scalp has unique characteristics that set it apart from the skin on your face and body. And because the scalp is the foundation from which every strand of your hair grows. Understanding these differences is the first step to healthier tresses.”
The International Journal of Trichology concurs, noting in a 2020 review that a healthy scalp environment improves keratin production (the protein your hair is made up of), increases tensile strength, and even enhances shine.
So, what are the key differences between the skin from your face down and the skin on your scalp? And what should we be doing for the scalp that we might not do for the skin elsewhere? Ricardo Vila Nova explains all…
Structure and function
At its core, the scalp is skin. It has an outer layer, middle layer and deeper layer. It’s made up of keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts and oil producing sebaceous glands, and renews itself through cell turnover, just like your skin everywhere else.
“But its function is distinct,” shares Vila Nova. “The scalp is one of the thickest parts of our skin, and it contains a higher density of sebaceous glands and hair follicles than anywhere else on the body. This density of follicles means the scalp requires more oxygen, nutrients and blood flow to sustain growth. It’s also why the scalp can become congested more easily – think excess sebum (oil), hair styling product build-up, and dead cells that accumulate around follicular openings – which just doesn’t happen at the same rate on the face or body,” adds Vila Nova.
The microbiome
Just as the gut is home to trillions of bacteria that keep digestion and immunity in balance, the skin also has its own community of microorganisms. This is called the microbiome – a living ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and other microbes that act as the skin’s first line of defence.
“The microbiome helps protect the skin from external aggressors, keeps inflammation in check, and supports barrier function,” explains Vila Nova. “When it’s balanced, the skin, whether on the face or scalp, can stay healthy and resilient. But when it’s disrupted, problems quickly appear.”
The scalp’s microbiome is distinct because of its environment. Higher oil levels, constant follicular activity, and the warmth of hair coverage all make it an ideal home for specific organisms. “On the scalp, the microbiome is more influenced by sebum and sweat than on other areas of the skin,” says Vila Nova. “This environment makes certain species, like Malassezia, more dominant, and if the balance shifts it can trigger dandruff, itching, or inflammation that directly affects the follicles – undermining overall hair health and even accelerating shedding.”
By contrast, the microbiome on the face or body is shaped more by exposure to air, UV radiation, and pollution. That’s why imbalances there often show up as breakouts, dryness or sensitivity – very different from the flaking or scalp irritation linked to microbial shifts on the head.
What you can do to one, but not the other
“On the face we often use exfoliating acids or resurfacing treatments, but stronger varieties aren’t usually appropriate for the scalp,” says Vila Nova. “The scalp contains thousands of hair follicles, so anything too harsh risks irritation, inflammation, or compromising the hair shaft.”
That said, some treatments do overlap. Peptides, growth factors, vitamins and biosomes are used in both skin and scalp care, but the formulations and delivery systems often differ. “A serum designed for facial skin won’t necessarily penetrate or perform the same way on the scalp, where the goal is to reach and support the follicle,” explains Vila Nova.
For everyday maintenance, you can’t simply extend your skincare from the forehead up (it will likely have little to no effect at best), which makes investing in targeted scalp specific products and practices a must.
Scalp care essentials
So, what does looking after the scalp actually involve? According to Vila Nova, it all comes down to consistent habits that nurture the scalp’s environment and protects follicle health.
1. Cleanse regularly
“Just as you wouldn’t leave days’ worth of makeup on your face, you shouldn’t let sebum, sweat or products accumulate on your scalp. A clean environment allows follicles to breathe and function properly. I recommend a personalised cleanser like our Active Fusions shampoos which we formulate to suit your specific scalp needs, and then washing often enough to keep your skin balanced – for some that means daily, for others every few days.”
2. Support the microbiome
“The scalp microbiome is delicate. Harsh, foaming cleansers strip it, leaving the scalp vulnerable to irritation and imbalance. A healthier approach is using mild formulations that respect natural oils while still removing impurities. This keeps the microbial ecosystem stable, which is key to reducing inflammation and supporting strong regrowth.”
3. Stimulate circulation
“Oxygen and nutrients travel to the follicles via blood flow. A gentle scalp massage performed using your fingertips for a few minutes daily can make a measurable difference, as can in-clinic low-level laser therapy. Think of it as exercising the scalp, you’re encouraging vitality from the inside out.”
4. Nourish from within
“The scalp, like all skin, reflects your diet. Adequate protein, iron, zinc and essential fatty acids are crucial for the metabolism of the follicle. When those building blocks are missing, the scalp suffers and hair weakens. Eating a varied, nutrient-rich diet is as much a scalp treatment as any product you apply externally.”
5. Protect from UV
“People often forget the scalp can burn just like the face. Prolonged sun exposure damages the skin barrier and over time, the follicles beneath it. Hats, and hair specific SPFs can go a long way in preventing long-term issues.”
6. Regenerative treatments
At 212.2 Ricardo Vila Nova, we offer PRP, biosomes, microneedling, low-level laser therapy, and vitamin injections to enhance scalp health and follicular vitality. These treatments work to repair cellular damage, calm inflammation, and improve strength and density from your scalp down to the follicle.
To discover more about the health of your scalp and boost your hair health book in for a consultation using the link below.
