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No matter on which part of your face it is, red angry acne always take your beauty away. You keep trying new treatments, home remedies, and surefire tips to get rid of that pesky ’embarrassment’ but sometimes none of them work and you end up wondering clueless. Well, this is because you fail to identify the root of the problem for which your efforts go in vain. While there are several common reasons behind the development of acne, some of them are absolutely unusual. One of 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 actually 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 as well as 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 around the world. In this condition, firm, tender, and inflamed swellings are developed underneath the surface of the skin, which sometimes also get infected due to bacterial growth. It is caused by a number of 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 basic 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, it 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.
Read Also – Clear Your Acne With Dandruff Shampoo
What Is Dandruff?
Dandruff is basically a very common and chronic non-contagious condition of the scalp in which the skin on it 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, which is even accompanied by a scaly and/or itchy scalp. There are several causes of dandruff including seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, too dry skin, irregular hair wash, fungal infection on the scalp, etc. It can affect anyone irrespective of gender and age but 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 irksome 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 on a regular basis. However, you may need to consult your doctor to get rid of extremely 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 turns the skin itchy. As you scratch the skin, you invite pimples, zits, and acne. If you are already prone to acne, it makes the issue even worse. Dandruff gives acne to different parts of the face along with the upper chest and back. But our forehead is affected the most by it as that 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 cure dandruff itself. But at the same time, it is also important 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 and then, wash off thoroughly with lukewarm water. This may cause a burning sensation in your scalp but the antimicrobial properties of lemon will cleanse the clogged pores on it properly. Thus, your dandruff will be removed and your skin will start getting clearer.
2. Coconut Oil
The nutrients in coconut oil moisten the scalp deeply while providing it with enough hydration. Moreover, it has strong anti-fungal properties, which aid in the removal of 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 massage it into your scalp gently by moving the fingertips in a circular motion. Leave it on for the whole night and rinse your hair with a mild herbal shampoo the next morning. This will soothe your scalp and make it dandruff-free over time, thereby 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 by following a gentle circular motion and let it rest for half an hour. Also, apply a little aloe vera gel to your acne and wait until it dries. The antioxidant properties of aloe vera will make your scalp as well as your skin toxin-free while its anti-fungal properties will cure the issues of both dandruff and ace efficiently. You can rinse your hair and your face with plain cold water to get rid of the aloe gel after the stipulated period of time.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is known as one of the best proven natural remedies for dandruff-induced acne. Just 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 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 key role in destroying acne-causing bacteria. But do not apply tea tree oil directly as it can result in allergic reactions based on the sensitivity of your skin.
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, which are again coupled with powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties. All these turn the mixture of these two ingredients into a lucrative natural 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 for 15-20 minutes. Then, rinse it off with plain cold water.
6. Chocolate And Oatmeal Mask
Chocolate, in combination with oatmeal, is considered as a great remedy for acne caused by dandruff. Heat a tablespoon of dark chocolate until it melts down and add a tablespoon of oatmeal to it. 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 amounts of antioxidants. Consequently, your acne will vanish.
Read Also – Homemade Anti-Dandruff Hair Masks
Effective 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 make sure that the acne does not flare back up anymore:
1. Brush Your Hair Frequently
This is really crucial to the health of your scalp as it increases the flow of blood to it. Moreover, the practice of regular brushing removes all the flakes of dead cells from the scalp, thereby 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 that can help you get rid of dandruff better than a regular shampoo. 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, do not flip your hair for washing as it makes the dandruff flow off the scalp and settles down on the face.
3. Apply Conditioner Properly
Learn the right way to condition your hair in order to keep dandruff as well as acne away. Conditioner should always be applied slightly away from the scalp focusing o the end of your hair. If you rub it on your scalp, the residue of the product will aggravate dandruff. Also, rinse the conditioner off your hair as thoroughly as possible so that 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 the issue of dandruff that is further giving you severe acne, it is always advised that you steer clear of synthetic hair styling products like spray, gel, mousse, etc. Such products usually make the hair too dry or too oily, which contributes to dandruff and clog the skin pores to trigger acne over time. 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 also 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 keep following the proven tricks in order to get rid of dandruff gradually. Remember, your acne will be there as long as your scalp will not be completely dandruff-free.
Should I Wash My Hair Daily To Eliminate Dandruff?
If your dandruff is severe, you need to wash your hair every day to keep those flakes of dead cells away. But it is important to use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo 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/or styling products if you have major dandruff problem.
Can Dandruff Go Away Permanently?
If proper remedies are followed, dandruff will go away from your scalp permanently. However, it can come back anytime later if the scalp turns dry and scaly.
References:
- “Understanding Acne Basics“, WebMD.com
- “Dandruff“, MayoClinic.org
- “What Causes Forehead Acne?“, MedicalNewsToday.com
