Do hair sprays, conditioners, and other hair styling products clog pores, resulting in acne breakouts? The answer is a resounding YES. If tiny bumps are seen along the hairline on the upper part of the forehead, this may be an example of clogged pores.
Products can cause whiteheads and other types of acne in these areas. The bumps can be so subtle that the client feels them, but the bumps cannot be seen with the naked eye. Some clients have bumps that multiply and become closely packed bumps, known as acne cosmetica (acne caused by products applied to the skin or hair). But why do some haircare products cause breakouts? When haircare products contain oil, the oil can find its way to the skin. Once this happens, the pore clogging oils will do just that. Clogged pores are a breeding ground for acne growth.
INGREDIENTS
There are a host of ingredients that are risky for acne-prone skin. Many hair products are oil-based, which may clog pores and trigger acne in clients who have the genetic predisposition that causes the pore to clog. Ingredients such as petroleum, silicone, cocoa butter, sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and lanolin can also trigger acne, especially if left on the skin. Many hairsprays are also alcohol-based and can trigger breakouts if accidentally sprayed onto nearby skin. It can trap in oil and bacteria, creating a great environment for acne to grow. Products containing organic extracts will be a better choice for hair and skin. There are many ingredients that are great for hair but not great for the skin. Before a skin care professional encourages the client to discard an item, discuss managing the use of the product so that it does not encounter the skin. Many of those acne-causing ingredients are wonderful for hair and help condition and smooth dry or damaged hair follicles.
RESOLVING ACNE COSMETICA
During the consultation discuss all products the client is using, the sequence of use, and where they are being used on the body.
Be certain to cover haircare products, sprays, aerosols, so forth. After reviewing the client’s breakout schedule and product use, some deduction can be used to rule out certain skin care products that do not harm the skin. Once the practitioner isolates the products causing harm, they should instruct the client to discontinue use or give them restrictions for the product.
{mprestriction ids=”3,4,26,18,6,7,8,9,14,18″}
If after a client-consultation there are no clear indications as to what is triggering their breakouts, they should have the client discontinue using products that do not offer the following claims on the label, non-pore clogging, oil free, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic.
Speak to the client about extrinsic factors. They will need to get rid of the residue from haircare products. Be sure to mention items such as pillowcases, sheets, and head coverings because residue left can trigger acne breakouts. Clients should wash everything their head has touched.
At times, it is easy to determine if the products the client are using is causing the breakouts. If the client is using a hairstyling product that contains a pore clogging oils, such as a pomade, that is likely the cause.
Occasionally the cause could also be something less obvious. Many haircare products, including shampoos, conditioners, styling gels, and sprays contain oil.
Make sure the client is aware of their hair products while exercising. Working out can also transfer haircare products and oils to neighboring skin so a hairband should be used to pull the hair back from the face. The face and hairline should always be washed immediately following each work out. This can be supported by offering on-the-go, gym bag ready retail sizes to these active, acne cosmetica prone clients.
Once the client has discontinued use of the pore clogging products, the acne will slowly clear in approximately four weeks. If the skin clearing process needs to be sped up, then an acne treatment should be encouraged that utilizes high frequency and retailed home care products. Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, or retinol-based products will combat acne by speeding up cellular turnover to halt the pore clogging potential. If their skin does not clear within four weeks, it should be advised that the client seek medical advice from a dermatologist.
{/mprestriction}
