Acne doesn’t discriminate — especially on where it decides to set up camp. The bumps can park on your face, appearing on your chin or cheeks. Or, they can pop up on other parts of your body — including your scalp.
Even though it's covered in hair follicles, the scalp is actual skin. Just like your face, it can be prone to dryness, scabbing, scarring, and "acne." Dermatologist Neil Sadick, MD, of Sadick Dermatology in New York City, tells Refinery29 that scalp acne (known by doctors as folliculitis) occurs when a hair follicle gets clogged with sebum or product debris.
Ted Lain, MD, of Sanova Dermatology in Texas, explains that scalp acne is a common result of inflammation of the hair follicles. But sometimes it can be a sign of something more serious. “Acne on the scalp may also indicate a bacterial infection," he says. "If the acne seems very inflamed, itchy, and is spreading very quickly, you should seek care from a dermatologist."
If you've noticed a few pesky, red bumps after skipping a few washes, slathering your scalp with oil (which causes clogging), or rocking a slightly-snug protective style — the key to getting rid of scalp acne starts with picking the right products. Ahead, find the exact tips (and products) dermatologists give their clients when acne attacks.
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Dermatologists preach the importance of washing your hair regularly to remove buildup from your scalp, but when you're dealing with mild acne, pay attention to the ingredients in your shampoo. "Use products that contain salicylic acid to gently treat irritation," Sadick says. Lain recommends this Neutrogena option — which is also helpful if you struggle with dandruff — for soothing pissed-off follicles.
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo 250ml, $6.99, available at Boots
You can also reach for traditional dandruff shampoos, like Selsun Blue, says Lain. This formula has menthol, which creates a cooling sensation to ease the itch and ache of breakouts.
Selsun Blue Shampoo Dandruff For Fuller/Thicker Hair, $26.95, available at Amazon
Lain recommends adding products that contain apple cider vinegar to your rotation, because of its anti-inflammatory properties. "Apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH levels of the scalp," he says. "You can alternate between an ACV rinse and shampoo if you're treating mild acne." Note: If you decide to DIY an ACV rinse, make sure to dilute the pure vinegar with plenty of water.
R+Co Acid Wash ACV Cleansing Rinse, $29, available at Revolve
Cleansers that contain tea tree oil are also great for clearing clogged follicles, according to Sadick. This Paul Mitchell bottle has tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender extract to invigorate roots coated with sebum and product buildup.
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo 300ml, $17.25, available at FeelUnique
This Matrix shampoo has 2.9% salicylic acid, which will target acne and dandruff on the scalp. It's also free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones, so it won't make your skin and hair feel too dry.
Matrix Biolage R.A.W. Scalp Care Antidandruff Shampoo 325ml, $18.5, available at FeelUnique
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