Acne on your scalp can be a huge pain. If you’re suffering, here are the hidden reasons why you have it, and your guide to scalp breakout remedies.
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If you want to be able to grow healthy hair, you’ve gotta create the best possible environment for your hair to thrive!
Scalp acne kind of gets in the way of that. It’s painful, annoying, and can even cause hair loss?!
Maybe you’ve been dealing with it for a while, or just had a breakout suddenly pop up – either way, let’s tackle it now.
Aside from the solutions, we’re going to get into the reasons for scalp acne, including some things you didn’t even know could cause it!
Whether you want an all-natural home remedy, or a product you can easily add to your hair care routine, you’ve got several options. Here are your solutions to get rid of scalp acne fast!
What Is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.
What are the signs?
You may notice some of these on your scalp:
- Bumps on your scalp, especially around your hairline
- Painful bumps or deep cysts anywhere on your scalp
- Whiteheads and/or blackheads along your hairline
You may not be able to see all of them, but you can feel them with your fingertips.
Causes of Scalp Acne
Some of the things that can lead to breaking out on your scalp include:
- Excess oil production
- Hair products that clog pores and irritate the scalp
- Sweat and bacteria buildup
- Hormonal changes
- Buildup of dead skin cells
- Stress
- Washing the hair too frequently, not often enough, or not thoroughly enough
- Humid weather
These causes can lead to symptoms such as red, inflamed bumps, itching, tenderness, and even hair loss in some cases.
While excess oil production and clogged pores from hair products are common causes, there are some other surprising reasons for scalp acne that you may not have considered:
- Diet, including zinc or Vitamin D deficiency
- Certain medications
- The type of water you use to wash your hair
- Environmental pollution
- Wearing tight hats and helmets
- Not washing your hair after workouts
- Not washing your pillowcase, bedding and hats/hair accessories
Natural Remedies for Treating Scalp Acne
Tea tree oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it can help reduce redness and swelling that comes with with scalp acne.
Apple cider vinegar: With its ability to balance the scalp’s pH levels, it can be helpful in treating scalp acne and soothing the scalp.
Aloe vera gel: When applied to the affected area, it can soothe irritation, itching and promote healing.
Coconut oil: It has anti-microbial properties and is anti-inflammatory. Some people find that coconut oil makes their acne worse though, so do patch tests and experiment to see if it works for you.
Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables helps support overall skin health. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding greasy or processed foods.
Supplements: Taking collagen can support healthy skin, improve moisture retention, and help reduce inflammation. If your levels are low, taking zinc, Vitamin D and/or Vitamin A can help.
Hygiene: Regularly wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and avoid using heavy styling products that can clog your hair follicles. Also, remember to regularly clean your hair brushes and scalp massaging tools.
Products to Get Rid of Scalp Acne
Shower Filter
If the unfiltered water from your shower is making your scalp acne and skin irritation worse, a quick easy fix to boost scalp and hair health is to use a shower filter.
> T3 Source Showerhead
Shampoo
Try gentle shampoos that won’t completely strip your hair of it’s natural oils. While excess scalp oil can contribute to breakouts, stripping your scalp and drying it out can cause more irritation.
Look for sulfate-free shampoos that will cleanse without causing further inflammation to your scalp.
To get acne-fighting effects, you can use an exfoliating shampoo or a dandruff-fighting shampoo with salicylic acid.
> SEEN Skin-Caring Shampoo
> Briogeo Scalp Revivalâ„¢ Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo
> Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Exfoliator
Exfoliating your scalp weekly treatment can help remove excess buildup and dead skin cells that contribute to acne.
You can use a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid (leave it on the scalp for a few minutes, then rinse).
For scrubs, you can make a DIY scalp treatment using coffee, epsom salt or ground bee pollen, or use a premade product.
> Grow Gorgeous Scalp Detox Scrub
> The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Scalp Serums
Scalp serums containing ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, or avocado oil can help nourish and moisturize the scalp without clogging pores.
Exfoliating scalp serums can help unclog pores and reduce acne.
> Hair Syrup Mint Condition Pre-Wash Oil Treatment
> Grow Gorgeous Prebiotic and AHA 5% Booster
Pillowcase
Silk pillowcases are known for their natural hypoallergenic properties, so they may help prevent the spread of bacteria that can cause acne on your scalp (and your face!)
> Slip Silk Pillowcase and Delicates Bag
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Can Scalp Acne Cause Hair Loss?
While blemishes on your scalp don’t directly cause hair loss, the inflammation and irritation from acne can potentially damage the hair follicles over time.
This damage may weaken the hair shafts and lead to hair breakage or thinning.
In severe cases, chronic scalp acne may contribute to conditions like folliculitis or seborrheic dermatitis, which can impact hair growth.
To maintain healthy hair and scalp, it’s essential to treat scalp acne ASAP and follow a proper hair care routine.
Being proactive in addressing it can prevent further irritation and potential damage to your hair follicles.
If you’re noticing any signs of infection or seeing no improvement to the condition, you may want to consult a dermatologist.
What To Avoid When You Have Scalp Acne
- Harsh hair products and scalp treatments that increase irritation
- Wearing tight hats and helmets
- Leaving your hair sweaty after a workout
- Overuse of acne products (too much can have the opposite effect!)
- A poor diet
- Using a microneedling device (great for hair growth, but not when you have active acne!)
- Touching and picking at breakouts
- Using expired hair products
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As you try different products to help combat scalp blemishes, remember to patch test new products before applying them all over your scalp to avoid potential irritation.
There are many different types of products containing ingredients like BHAs, AHAs, or benzoyl peroxide, which are known for their acne-fighting properties.
Finding the right combination of products that work for your skin can take some trial and error, so be patient and consistent in your routine.
If you’ve been tired of dealing with stubborn scalp breakouts and searching for simple solutions to clear it up once and for all, try these tips!
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