Are shampoos and conditioners causing your skin to break out? Here’s what to watch for
Do you get breakouts on your forehead near your hairline or along the sides of your face and neck? Pore-clogging ingredients found in shampoos, conditioners and styling products could be to blame.
Here’s what to watch out for:
ACNE-CAUSING HAIR CARE INGREDIENTS
Ingredients that are considered comedogenic are known to cause comedones, or clogged pores. Comedones can be open (blackhead) or closed (whitehead) and typically appear as dark-colored or flesh-colored bumps on your skin’s surface.
Comedones create the perfect environment for acnecausing bacteria to thrive, leading to pimples.
Five of the most common comedogenic ingredients found in hair products to watch out for are:
• Coconut oil. Coconut oil can clog pores, especially in those with acne-prone skin. Interestingly, however, a derivative of coconut oil called lauric acid is used to treat acne. Therefore, it is important to know which type of coconut oil is in your hair and skin care products.
• Isopropyl myristate. This common cosmetic ingredient is used as a moisturizer and to help increase absorption of other ingredients. However, it is a known comedogenic and should be avoided, especially if you have acne-prone skin.
• Cocoa butter. Though it also has moisturizing qualities, cocoa butter can clog pores, trapping acne-causing bacteria inside.
• Almond oil. Similar to cocoa butter, almond oil can become trapped inside pores and is not suitable for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
• Red pigments. Check your hair and skin care products for red dyes, as these are the most common comedogenic dyes found in cosmetics.
A full list of comedogenic ingredients can be found on the Skin Type Solutions website.
TIPS TO MINIMIZE ACNE CAUSED BY HAIR PRODUCTS
Here are a few tips to reduce breakouts:
• Look for hair products that are formulated as acne-safe, such as SEEN hair care, which was formulated by a dermatologist.
• Rinse out your shampoo and conditioner before you wash your face in the shower so that you wash off any leftover hair products.
• If you tend to get breakouts on your back or shoulders, try tying your hair up after rinsing out your shampoo and conditioner, then washing your body.
BOTTOM LINE
If you are struggling with acne, you might need to take a closer look at the ingredients in your hair care products. Comedogenic ingredients are commonly found in many drugstore shampoos and conditioners. Ask your dermatologist for recommendations for acne-safe hair products.
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