Dealing with breakouts can be very stressful, especially when the cause remains unclear. People often blame the environment, hormones, food, and products they use on their skin, but your hair products could be the actual cause. Yes, the items that are supposed to do good things for your hair and make it look its best could make those annoying flare-ups happen.
Finding out what is causing your acne will take some trial and error, but knowing how hair products affect your skin can help you take charge of the situation. To learn more about this subject, we talked to two well-known doctors, Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose and Dr. Lauren Penzi. They shared their knowledge on the topic of hair products and acne. Here is everything you need to know, from the reason for this to how to keep your skin clear without bothering your hair care routine.
How hair products can make acne worse
Products for hair can cause breakouts. This is not a lie. Doctors know that these products can cause a certain kind of acne called “pomade acne.” A board-certified dermatologist named Dr Lauren Penzi says that hair products can cause acne that appears as whiteheads and small, flesh-coloured bumps on the face, hairline, and even the back. This is mainly because some hair products have comedogenic ingredients that block pores.
Oils, silicones, waxes, and potent conditioning agents are often to blame in hair products. These ingredients are meant to protect and smooth your hair, but they may leave behind a film on your skin if they move from your hair to your face, neck, or back.
Research has shown that hair care products often leave residue on the face even after washing. A study that lasted eight weeks found that people with mild to moderate truncal and face acne improved after switching to a non-comedogenic hair care routine.
Top Ways to Avoid Breakouts Caused by Hair Products
Even though it is disappointing to learn that your best hair products could be causing your acne, there are many good ways to reduce or eliminate the problem. Here is an in-depth guide:
1. Stay away from ingredients that clog pores
Reading the lists of ingredients in your hair and skin care items is the first thing you should do to stop acne. It’s essential, says Dr Penzi, to choose goods that say they are “non-comedogenic,” “oil-free,” or “won’t clog pores.” These words mean that the item is less likely to cause acne.
Some common chemicals that clog pores that you should stay away from are
Mineral Oil: This ingredient is very comedogenic and is often found in oils and pomades.
Silicones: Silicones like dimethicone can help smooth and untangle hair but also keep dirt and oil on the skin.
Many style products contain waxes, which can block pores and make hair look bad.
Switching to light, water-based formulas, such as switching to light, can make a huge difference, especially for people who get acne.
2. Keep your bedding and other items clean.
When was the last time you cleaned your hair or pillowcases? If you need more recall, you should pay more attention to this step. Hair products can leave behind residue on pillowcases, hats, scarves, and even hair ties, which can then get on your skin and cause acne.
Dermatologists say pillows and sheets should be washed with a mild detergent at least once weekly. People with oily hair or skin that gets acne might want to change their pillowcases every few days to avoid being exposed to residues still on the pillows.
3. Avoid placing hair products on your skin.
Being careful about where and how you put on your hair products is one of the easier ways to avoid getting breakouts. You can prevent getting styling products, leave-in treatments, and sprays on your face.
Dr Penzi says that hair products should not be in close contact with your skin. “Be careful not to get sprays or oils on your forehead, cheeks, or neck when you use them.” You can also avoid accidental spread by washing your hands well after applying the makeup.
Here are some valuable tips:
Putting on sprays while covering your face with a towel.
Staying away from heavy items near the hairline.
Make sure that your hair is dehydrated before you lie down on your bed.
4. Change the way you take a shower
You might not be aware that how you shower affects your acne. A lot of the time, shampoo, conditioner, and treatments that are left over after washing your hair run down your body and clog your pores.
Dermatologists say you should wash your hair before washing your body to avoid this. “Always wash shampoo and conditioner out completely before washing your face and back to get rid of any leftover product,” says Dr Murphy-Rose. This step makes sure that your skin is free of any leftover product.
Also, use a light exfoliating body wash on areas that get acne to remove any product buildup that is still there.
5. Use leave-in treatments with care
Leave-in products, like masks, oils, and serums, are meant to keep your hair healthy for a long time. But these items are more likely to stay on your skin for a long time, increasing the chance of getting clogged pores.
“Leave-on treatments, especially oils, can move from your hair to your skin,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. There is no need for a lot for acne to happen. To cut down on this risk:
Leave-in conditioners should only be used on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.
Don’t use thick or heavy products if you tend to get acne.
Anything that gets on your skin by mistake should be washed.
More Ways to Get Clearer Skin
If you have already thought about how hair products affect your skincare routine but are still getting pimples, try these extra steps:
Seek advice from a dermatologist; acne that cannot go away may need a personalized treatment plan. A dermatologist can suggest cosmetic treatments, prescription drugs, or changes to your lifestyle.
Minimalism is key. Using too many products at a time can be suitable for your face. Stick to a simple, gentle skincare routine and test out new items individually to see if they might irritate your skin.
Keep an eye on your hormones and diet; breakouts rarely appear outside. Pay attention to foods that make your symptoms worse, like dairy and sugar, and if you need to, talk to your doctor about hormonal issues.
Keep yourself hydrated and live a healthy life. Eating right, working out, and drinking lots of water can all help your skin heal itself.
What You Should Do Now
Hair products may be causing your acne, but you cannot give up all your favourite products to discover what is happening. You can get healthy hair and clear skin simultaneously by being careful about how you use products, learning about the ingredients, and making a few simple changes to your lifestyle.
If you still have breakouts after following these steps, you might want to talk to a doctor. These professionals can give you advice specific to your skin type and concerns. This will help you feel good about your skin and hair care practice.
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