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If you have scalp acne, youre not alone.
Getty Images / Composition by Channing Smith
For most of my adult life, Ive struggled withacneon my head.
Worst of all, whenever I asked hairstylists for advice, they rarely offered anything helpful.
I was grateful to find out that scalp acne isnt a me problemor a you problem.
It often goes underreported because it is less visible than facial or body acne."
First, it’s important to see to it that the scalp acne youre experiencing is actually acne.
Folliculitis shows up when a hair follicle is infected with bacteria, leading to inflammation.
True acne is a red bumpy rash formed by pustules, papules, and comedones, says Dr. Marmur.
Part of what causes scalp acne is genetics.
you’re free to definitely be predisposed to breaking out.
Some people break out just on the body; some people break out just on the face or scalp.
Richshampoos,conditioners, and stylers can clog pores and follicles.
Hormonal changes, frequently onset by stress, can increase sebum production, says Skjth.
Theres also the possibility of fungal scalp acne.
Going to bed with wet hair can be very problematic for some of my clients, says Pavitt.
In these cases the acne is sparked by clogged pores or follicles but by a buildup of malassezia yeast.
Its the same yeast responsible for fungal acne.
The very first step to tackling scalp acne is to take a good look at your products.
The first thing I always recommend is to check for pore-clogging ingredients, says Pavitt.
If your products are full of comedogenic ingredients, it might be time to switch.
After that its important to start a proper scalp-cleansing routine with a scalp-acne-safe shampoo.
Staying hygienic is key.
These ingredients can help to exfoliate, soothe inflammation, and control oil production.
Marmur also recommends looking for shampoos with pyrithione zinc.
It can also help to exfoliate the scalp regularly.
Exfoliation is critical, Pavitt says.
For at-home results Pavitt loves a scalp scrub, or even just massaging the scalp with a wide-tooth comb.
Your strategy for leave-in products is also important.
Skjth recommends applying topical treatments such as clindamycin or azelaic acid to your scalp breakouts.
Any leave-in stylers should be noncomedogenic and kept far away from the scalp.
Its a physical powder; its clogging, Pavitt says.
Just keeping it in for the day is probably best practice.
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