Studies have found that ingredients in shampoos, gels, pomades and sprays can trigger a reaction on facial skin
Acne has long been a concern of men and women, even way past the teenage years. While occasionally pimples may be triggered by hormonal changes, there are several things in our daily life that can cause a breakout. In fact, they can be due to the hair products one uses. Items like gels, pomades, and hairsprays can cause clogging of pores and inflammation in the skin. This is commonly called as pomade acne. Very often without realising, what one uses on the hair ends up on the face. Also commonly-used styling products contain oils that seep onto the forehead. Ingredients like petroleum, silicones, jojoba oil, shea butter and sodium lauryl sulfate could be to blame.
OILS CAN BE HARMFUL
Dr Apratim Goel, dermatologist and laser surgeon, Cutis Skin Studio says many common beauty products can cause skin problems like acne, comedones, allergies, swelling of eyes, redness and discolouration of skin and so on. "Many skin problems start with oiliness and clogging of pores on the scalp. Dandruff is also a common culprit of many conditions. India is a country that thrives on hair oils, however, for a person with acne prone skin, these oils cause more harm than good. The oil content of the skin and the activity of oil glands is already high and hair oil application further adds to the insult. These are irritants and cause skin breakouts, blackheads and acne," she says. The solution would be to check the ingredients in hair products before you pick them. "In case you have a history of allergy to any previous hair products, do a patch test before you use them. Ingredients like fragrances, parabens, phthalates, formaldehydes and coal tar can cause skin irritation.
OPT FOR LIGHTER SERUMS
Gels, pomades and butters are extremely oily and occlusive and lead to blockage of pores causing acne says Dr Shefali Trasi-Nerurkar, MD Dermatology, Trasi's Clinic and La Piel. "It is best to avoid using styling gels if you have an oily scalp or acne prone skin. Instead opt for lighter serums for the hair.
The hair and scalp is the main source of infection as oily scalp harbours fungus and bacteria. This excess sebum trickles on the forehead and back giving rise to acne, which later spreads due to contact by one's hands. The scalp should be washed thrice a week with a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo to remove the source of infection," she explains.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCTS
Dr Geeta Oberoi, dermatologist and managing director Skin & You Clinic, says Pomade acne is commonly seen in patients. "Pomade contains petroleum jelly or mineral oil and is used as a styling agent often causing acne on the forehead, temples and scalp. If the use of irritant products is discontinued, the acne will settle. Similarly Acne cosmetica can occur on the face after using cosmetics, or face washes that contain ingredients that are unsuitable for your skin type. They can cause white heads, clogged pores and pustules. Ideally, do not get carried away by expensive products and choose those that suit your skin and hair type."
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}