When it comes to treating dandruff, the most effective method is to target the most likely underlying cause. Dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction in the skin that results in itching, rash, and scaling. There are many types of dermatitis with many different possible causes. Seborrhea dermatitis, general dryness related dandruff and psoriasis are the three main types of dandruff causing conditions that Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo treats. Seborrhea dermatitis tends to involve an irregular cycle of shedding and renewing skin cells that result in flakes, redness and itching. It is theorized to be an abnormal reaction to a naturally occurring bacteria that is found on the skin. Overly dry skin on the scalp is the simplest cause of dandruff and is simply like dry skin anywhere else on the body. Dandruff caused by psoriasis is a bit trickier to treat given that its trademark is to produce thick scales of skin that is constantly attempting to reproduce and shed.

The active ingredients in Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

What makes Neutrogena’s formula so different than typical coal tar based solutions is that it has a patented ingredient called Neutar, which helps to deliver the therapy for many hours after the shampoo has been washed off. The main and active ingredient in the shampoo is a combined solution of 4% Neutar and 1% coal tar. They are carried in an amber colored base that is thick and filled with moisturizing ingredients to help not only deliver the solution, but also cleanses and moisturizes the scalp and hair.

How does something like a coal tar solution work and how often is it used?

Coal tar solutions have actually been used in dermatological practices for over a century. It has a powerful anti-inflammatory affect that is helpful in controlling the inflammation that is common in dandruff causing conditions. It has helps break down the thick scaling that is produced by mild to severe over production of cells that is most common in psoriasis.

Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo should be used only twice a week unless otherwise directed by a doctor. It is simply massaged into the scalp thoroughly and left to sit for several minutes before being rinsed out. You can use a conditioner on the hair further from the scalp but you do not want to wash the scalp itself until your next shower. You need to be particularly careful to not get it in your eyes, mouth, or nose while rinsing and if you do, be sure to flush it out quickly and completely. Coal tar can be highly irritating to mucosa tissue found in those and other regions of the body.

The pros and cons of Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

Pros:

• Some of the biggest advantages to using the shampoo lay in the pricing and how infrequent it has to be used by most to be effective. It is available for around $11 for a 6 ounce bottle with often better pricing on bulk packaging. It tends to last a fair amount of time for most people as the general directions specify to only use it twice a week, which make it something to add to your grooming routine but not to replace your primary shampoo.
• It is not only recommended by doctors, but by the company as well to use it as part of alternating therapies to help treat dandruff.
• For many people, coal tar solutions are the only effective treatment for their severe dandruff causing conditions.

Cons:

• It does not have the most pleasant of smells. Even with the addition of fragrances, coal tar has a pungent aroma that can be hard to tolerate.
• Despite having moisturizes added to the shampoo, a lot of users remark that even if it works on the dandruff and scalp, it can leave the hair dried out and brittle. Though, using a good leave in conditioner and having a good moisturizing shampoo system that you use on the days you don’t use the T-Gel can help to easily counteract the dryness, and the smell while unpleasant, does fade away.

Note: As with any therapy, not everyone will have the same results. Those who have more severe conditions, such as psoriasis, tend to have mixed results. It is imperative to try and understand the cause of the dandruff before choosing a treatment. The need to know the cause is also in part why it is recommended as an addition to your hair care routine, not as a replacement.

Given the Pros and Cons, what do you think of Neutrogena’s T-Gel therapeutic Shampoo?

Its patented all natural and powerful coal tar formula is commonly recommended by dermatologists and many patients have had splendid results from using it. Though, not everyone will have the same experience, as illustrated by the few cons and complaints. Have you tried using Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo? What did you think of it? Did it work for your particular dandruff condition, or did you find another brand of coal tar shampoo that worked better? If you’d like to share your experiences, I invite you to please leave a comment below. You can even let us know if you think there is a better therapy than coal tar shampoos.