Are Your Haircare Products Causing Acne Breakouts?

Hair care products that we use to wash and style our hair can cause acne breakouts. The culprit? A buildup of oil on the skin which clogs pores and leads to acne. 

Here are some tell tale signs and what you can do about it.

Signs Your Haircare Is Causing Your Acne

Breakouts along your hairline can be a sign your haircare is causing the acne. However, hairline bumps can also be from the makeup and debris that builds up when you wash your face.

If you have acne on the upper part of your forehead, but nowhere else, it may be your hair products to blame. 

Another sign is you have acne along the back of your neck or upper back, often referred to as 'backne'. This can happen when conditioner falls down your back in the shower but isn't properly washed off.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "When hair care products are the culprit, you’ll likely get whiteheads and tiny flesh-colored bumps called “papules.”"

How to Stop the Breakouts

1. First of all, figure out what products have been causing your breakouts. Check and see which of your products contain oil such as pomades, shampoo, conditioner, waxes, or sprays. Once you've found the most likely culprits stop using them.
2. Avoid hair products that contain oil and look for ones that say things like "non-comedogenic", "oil-free", or "won't clog pores".
3. Clean leftover residue off of anything your hair has come in contact with such as pillowcases, hats, caps, headbands, sunglasses, etc. 
4. It may take about 4-6 weeks for your breakouts to clear, so be patient. If they aren't gone at that point, seek help from a board-certified dermatologist. 
5. To help soothe and treat your breakouts as you heal, use Oxygenetix Acne Control Hydro-Matrix. The salicylic acid will combat acne causing bacteria throughout the day while hyaluronic acid maintains your skin's moisture levels.
6. Avoid makeup that has oils and preservatives that will clog your pores, exasperating the situation. Instead, use Acne Control Foundation which allows your skin to breathe while providing skin care benefits. 

Learn more about Oxygenetix Acne Control Hydro-Matrix on our blog: The Hydrating Topical People with Acne Have Been Waiting For.