Types of Hair Products That Could Be Causing Acne

We all have our favourite hair products – once you have found yours it feels like quite the union – but are we about to dig out a great big bin bag and toss them away. With acne being so common across the world it is perhaps surprising that many don’t realise what you put on your hair could be causing or exacerbating the issue.

Here is some information that should help you as you turn detective, avoiding a mass clear-out and providing alternatives.

Why Is It That Hair Products Can Affect My Skin?

Haircare products can affect your skin because the product you are using is comedogenic (pore-clogging) or has other ingredients that are irritant to your skin. Rooting out the culprit could take effort – the first stage of uncovering what is going on is to look at where the issue is. Lumps, bumps, irritation or redness around your hairline, forehead, shoulders or upper back? Your hair care products could be contributing to these.

Avoid The Comedogenic

In truth, it’s not that simple with skin irritation but anything comedogenic is the place to start. Anything like this is just going to encourage an outbreak as when hair products contain oil it can easily transfer to your skin and block pores. There is a range of non-comedogenics that would be a simple alternative.

Shampoos and Conditioners

In general, if you have sensitive skin, you should be shopping for sulphate-free throughout your entire beauty regime. This is the case with shampoo and conditioner as sodium lauryl sulphate and ammonium lauryl sulphate tends to cause trouble for people as they lather the hair. A salicylic acid-based shampoo is the star turn here, massaging into your hair just once or twice a week and leaving for ten minutes should mean a less itchy scalp.

Hairspray

The cloud you see when using is just not going to be good for the skin, is it? A haze known as chemical saturation is the source of issues and the most common break-outs are due to the build-up of chemicals applied on the skin or scalp over time. An alternative here is the saviour known as dry shampoo. It gets rid of extra oils which may keep hair closer to the scalp at the roots. They give your hair an instant boost and require very little extra work from you. If you’re using dry shampoo regularly, just be careful, since it can lead to dry hair.

Hair Dye 

If you dye your hair, most of your products will be loaded up with oils and conditioning agents to protect your hair. They don’t like your skin. Sometimes, they won’t even be effective so is it really worth it? If you’re still committed to the cause look for rich colours with warm overtones. Great choices are chestnut brown, rich golden brown, auburn or golden blonde.

A Refresh Could Be What Is Needed

If you are now reaching into the cabinet with despair, then stop. Alternative options and treatments are probably what are needed. Nothing needs to be lacking from your box of tricks – natural options may find the solution that you require, but if you have persistent acne or any concerns we suggest seeking advice from a consultant dermatologist that can suggest acne treatments that are tailored to you.

All Cleared Up?

If you need to change the products you use, try to go natural. As short an ingredients list as possible reduces possible allergic reactions and avoids chemicals. If you don’t want to change the products you use, keep your favourites and be less liberal. Always wash your hair thoroughly – before the face and skin – so that you can be sure residue is gone.

Pin It!