There’s nothing worse than not knowing what’s wreaking havoc on your skin. Fortunately, you may be able to determine the cause based on the breakout location and what it looks like. Whether you struggle with chronic acne or the occasional breakout, many different factors may worsen your condition. Believe it or not, beauty products are one of the most common causes of acne, but knowing if your hair care products are causing acne can help you combat those pesky breakouts.
Small Bumps Near Your Hairline
If you notice small bumps or breakouts near your hairline, they may be a result of your hair products. You’ll most likely have skin-colored bumps, called papules, or tiny whiteheads on your forehead or the sides of your face, where your hair touches.
Breakouts on Your Neck, Shoulders, or Back
Aside from your face, you may also experience breakouts on your neck, shoulders, or back. Whether you’re prone to body acne or not, it’s not unusual to experience breakouts in these areas after using a new shampoo or other hair product.
Why Do Some Products Cause Acne?
The ingredients your hair needs to be healthy don’t always have the same effect on your skin. Many oil-based hair products work wonders to keep your hair happy and healthy; however, the excess oil can clog your pores and cause acne as a result. With that in mind, everyone is different, and not every oil-based product will cause issues for each individual.
Determining Which Product Causes Acne
If you suspect a specific product is the culprit, you should stop using it and wait to see if your acne clears gradually. However, you may have to play the elimination game to determine which of your beauty products may be causing skin issues.
While switching to acne-safe shampoo and conditioner may be a better option, you don’t have to stop using your favorite hair care products altogether. You should do your best to keep your hair products from touching your skin, but that’s not always possible. Be sure to thoroughly cleanse your skin of any product residue to avoid clogged pores.
Unfortunately, many products and factors can cause your breakouts; therefore, it can be challenging to know if your hair care products are causing acne. To be safe, consider using products that won’t clog your pores or cause acne—the packaging should state “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic.”