I’ll be changing my hair dye from now on!

Last Updated on 7th May 2021 by Caroline Haye

Like most vitiligo people out there who read a lot on the subject, I’ve been aware for some time that oxidative stress is one of the likely causes of this skin condition – which is why I take green superfoods containing huge doses of antioxidants.  Most of us know that antioxidants are the “good guys” that mop up free radicals and protect us from cellular damage. But we may not be quite so clear about the link between oxidative stress and vitiligo in particular.  I found this very succinct explanation on the Vitiligo Support International FAQ page…

What is oxidative stress?
This is one theory about what may cause or contribute to the onset or exacerbation of vitiligo. Oxidative stress is an over-accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in the skin. Every person develops hydrogen peroxide in the skin, as a result of natural biological processes. An enzyme called “catalase” normally breaks down the hydrogen peroxide in the skin into water and oxygen. However, some people with vitiligo may have a problem manufacturing, using or delivering catalase to the skin. 

When I read this, I congratulated myself on taking the green superfoods but it reminded me that for years I have been quite happily massaging hair dye containing hydrogen peroxide into my scalp every month to cover my grey roots… the irony had quite escaped me!  From now on I will be using a 100% natural hair dye 🙂