No matter which part of your face it is, red, angry acne always takes your beauty away. You keep trying new treatments, home remedies, and surefire tips to eliminate that pesky ’embarrassment,’ but sometimes none work, and you end up wondering cluelessly. This is because you fail to identify the root of the problem, for which your efforts are in vain. While there are several common reasons behind the development of acne, some of them are unusual. One such not-so-common factor that triggers acne is dandruff. If you are troubled by acne on your forehead, then chances are high that you have the issue of dandruff. But worry not. You can get rid of dandruff-induced acne with chemical-free, natural methods in a very cost-effective manner. Let us talk about some simple yet highly effective home remedies to treat acne due to dandruff and a few tried and tested tips to prevent its further occurrence.
What Is Acne?
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions experienced by both women and men worldwide. In this condition, firm, tender, and inflamed swellings are developed underneath the skin’s surface, which sometimes also get infected due to bacterial growth. It is caused by several factors, including genetics, unhealthy diet, irregular menstrual cycles, application of oil-based makeup, hot and humid weather, poor hygiene, dandruff, and even too much stress. Uncontrolled use of certain medications (steroids, oral contraceptives, injectable contraceptives, etc.) can also lead to severe outbreaks. However, the primary reason behind all these acne-causing factors is an increased production of certain hormones in the body, which signals the sebaceous glands on the skin to release excessive sebum. This plugs the skin pores (tiny openings to hair follicles) by combining with dirt, grime, and dead cells accumulated on the skin’s surface. As a result, we get acne on our face, neck, chest, and back. Though acne flare-ups are common in teenagers, they can also attack adults as ‘adult acne’ (1).
Acne is typically cured by treating its root cause. But if not taken proper and on-time care, severe acne can even lead to unsightly scarring.
What Is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a prevalent, chronic, non-contagious condition of the scalp in which the skin turns extremely dry and flaky. You should be concerned about the problem if you find your hair and shoulders dotted with white, oily-looking flakes of dead skin all over, even accompanied by a scaly and itchy scalp. There are several causes of dandruff, including seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dry skin, irregular hair washing, fungal infection on the scalp, etc. It can affect anyone, irrespective of gender and age; still, people with oily hair and scalp, as well as adults with illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, compromised immune systems, and HIV infections, are more susceptible to it. Though the pesky issue of dandruff becomes even worse during the months of chill, it can be controlled easily at home by using a gentle cleanser or a medicated shampoo regularly. However, you may need to consult your doctor to eliminate highly stubborn dandruff (2).
‘Cradle Cap’ is a type of dandruff that is mostly seen in newborns. It causes a scaly, crusty scalp. But it is not dangerous and usually clears up on its own.
How Are Acne And Dandruff Linked?
Now, let us talk about how dandruff can trigger acne. According to the University of Michigan Health Services, it is the most salient symptom of dandruff, i.e., dry skin flakes, which make people more likely to develop acne. They clog skin pores on the face and turn the skin itchy. As you scratch the skin, you invite pimples, zits, and acne. If you are already prone to acne, the issue is even worse. Dandruff causes acne to different parts of the face, upper chest, and back. But it affects our forehead the most as it is part of the oily T-zone (3).
Read Also – Acne Surgery – Keep Your Skin Breakout Free
Home Remedies To Cure Acne Due To Dandruff
The easiest way to cure acne due to dandruff is to fix it. But at the same time, it is also essential to heal acne flare-ups and make the skin flawless. So, if you are not interested in trying synthetic products or medications for this purpose, here are some simple home remedies to try:
1. Lemon Juice
Squeeze out the juice of a fresh lemon and apply it directly to your scalp. Make sure that you distribute it all over the scalp evenly. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash off thoroughly with lukewarm water. This may cause a burning sensation on your scalp, but lemon’s antimicrobial properties will cleanse the clogged pores correctly. Thus, your dandruff will be removed, and your skin will become more apparent.
2. Coconut Oil
The nutrients in coconut oil moisten the scalp deeply while providing enough hydration. Moreover, it has strong anti-fungal properties, which aid in removing dandruff. All you need to do is take some extra virgin coconut oil (based on the length of your hair), warm it up a little, and gently massage it into your scalp by moving the fingertips in a circular motion. Leave it on all night and rinse your hair with a mild herbal shampoo the following day. This will soothe your scalp and make it dandruff-free, treating your acne successfully.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
You can call aloe vera your natural magic wand to cure both dandruff and the acne caused by it. Collect a fresh aloe vera leaf and scrape some gel out of it. Massage it into your scalp with a gentle circular motion and let it rest for half an hour. Also, apply some aloe vera gel to your acne and wait until it dries. The antioxidant properties of aloe vera will make your scalp and your skin toxin-free, while its anti-fungal properties will efficiently cure the issues of dandruff and ace. After the stipulated period, you can rinse your hair and face with plain cold water to get rid of the aloe gel.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the best-proven natural remedies for dandruff-induced acne. Add 2-3 drops of the oil to a tablespoon of water and apply the diluted mixture to your acne. Let it dry completely, and then wash it off with plain water. The oil, extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), has long been appreciated for its potent antibiotic properties, which play a crucial role in destroying acne-causing bacteria. But do not apply tea tree oil directly, as it can result in allergic reactions based on your skin’s sensitivity.
Read Also – All You Need To Know About The Connection Between Sunscreen and Acne
5. Yogurt And Lemon Mask
Both yogurt and lemon have natural acidic properties and powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties. All these turn the mixture of these two ingredients into a lucrative, realistic option to cure acne caused by dandruff. You can prepare the yogurt-lemon mask by adding a few drops of lemon juice to 2 tablespoons of fresh yogurt and whisking the mixture nicely. Spread the smooth paste of thick consistency over your facial skin and wait 15-20 minutes. Then, rinse it off with plain cold water.
6. Chocolate And Oatmeal Mask
Chocolate, combined with oatmeal, is considered an excellent remedy for acne caused by dandruff. Heat a tablespoon of dark chocolate until it melts, and add a tablespoon of oatmeal. Adding a little honey to this mixture will also increase its moisturizing capability. Now, stir everything together thoroughly to make a mask and apply it all over your face. Wait for at least 15 minutes and wash it off with tepid water. Oatmeal will eliminate the toxins from your skin, and chocolate will provide it with adequate antioxidants. Consequently, your acne will vanish.
Practical Tips To Cure Acne Due To Dandruff
Finally, here are some tried and tested tips that will help you clear up your skin by preventing dandruff and making sure that the acne does not flare back up anymore:
1. Brush Your Hair Frequently
This is crucial to your scalp’s health as it increases the blood flow. Moreover, regular brushing removes all the flakes of dead cells from the scalp, keeping the hair follicles clean. So, ensure that you brush your hair at least twice every day. The more, the better!
2. Use An Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Find a high-quality herbal or medicated anti-dandruff shampoo to help you eliminate dandruff better than a regular one. You should wash your hair with it at least twice every week to get the best results. While using the shampoo, lather your hair twice and leave the second lather on for 5 minutes before rinsing it out. Also, please do not flip your hair when washing, as it makes the dandruff flow off the scalp and settle down on the face.
3. Apply Conditioner Properly
Learn how to condition your hair to keep dandruff and acne away. Conditioner should always be applied slightly away from the scalp, focusing on the end of your hair. If you rub it on your scalp, the product’s residue will aggravate dandruff. Also, rinse the conditioner off your hair as thoroughly as possible so no residue is left on it.
Also Read – How to Use Baking Soda for Dandruff and Hair Growth; Benefits and Side Effects
4. Avoid Hair Styling Products
When suffering from dandruff that further gives you severe acne, it is always advised to steer clear of synthetic hair styling products like spray, gel, mousse, etc. Such products usually make the hair too dry or oily, contributing to dandruff and clogging the skin pores to trigger acne. If you want to style your hair anyway, rely on a tea tree oil hairspray or a therapeutic styling gel.
5. Keep Hair Off The Face
Last, but not least, try to keep your hair off your face so that dandruff on your scalp does not come in contact with your facial skin. Pull your long hair back in a ponytail or braid to prevent it from rubbing against your skin. Your bangs should be brushed back and kept in place with a hairband to avert pore-clogging and reduce acne breakouts.
Read Also – 10 Anti-Dandruff Shampoos And Oils
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Get Rid Of Acne Due To Dandruff Overnight?
No, you should not expect instant results for dandruff-induced acne. Be consistent with the home remedies and follow the proven tricks to eliminate dandruff gradually. Remember, acne will be there if your scalp is not completely dandruff-free.
Should I Wash My Hair Daily To Eliminate Dandruff?
If your dandruff is severe, you must wash your hair daily to avoid dead cell flakes. However, using a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo is essential for this purpose.
Does Dry Shampoo Make Dandruff Worse?
Yes, dry shampoo forms build-ups on the scalp, which exacerbate the problem of dandruff. As a result, your acne gets worse. It is always better to skip the dry shampoo and all other similar hair care and styling products if you have a significant dandruff problem.
Can Dandruff Go Away Permanently?
If proper remedies are followed, dandruff will permanently disappear from your scalp. However, it can return anytime later if the scalp turns dry and scaly.
References:
- “Understanding Acne Basics,” WebMD.com
- “Dandruff,” MayoClinic.org
- “What Causes Forehead Acne?“, MedicalNewsToday.com
