There are a number of things that can cause body acne. Figuring out the culprit(s) is a big part of the battle. Tight clothing, sweat and not showering post-hot yoga are some of the likely causes of breakouts. Another common yet often overlooked cause is hair care products.
It's not just our skin care and body products we need to take into account. Shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments can lead to breakouts, especially on your back, neck and chest. So we asked skin care experts to explain the link between hair products and body acne as well as how to prevent and treat pesky pimples all over.
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Can Hair Products Really Cause Body Acne?
"You literally can't put something on your hair without it getting on your skin and not just your scalp," says Dr. Iris Rubin, dermatologist and founder of SEEN. She elaborates that hair care products rinse down your face and body in the shower, which can leave a residue on your skin for hours. It's this residue that has the potential to clog pores leading to breakouts and irritation.
Hair product migration isn't just limited to showering, either. It can be triggered by certain activities, such as exercising, especially in warm, humid climates, and sweating excessively, according to board certified nurse practitioner, aesthetic specialist and owner of Bare Aesthetic Medical Spa Vanessa Coppola, FNP-BC. Migration can also occur after you style your mane and even as you sleep.
Rocking long locks? Lingering residue can move between strands and skin. Especially if your long hair is touching your back all day.
If you're noticing breakouts along your hairline, scalp, back or shoulders, Coppola says your hair care regimen could be to blame.
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Are There Any Ingredients to Avoid?
Unfortunately, all of those ingredients in hair products that promote shiny strands are not the best for skin. "Some hair care products contain oils that can clog pores on skin and lead to whiteheads and other types of acne," says board certified internist Dr. Sunitha Posina. Most hair products deposit a residue that eventually spreads to your face and body.
Continual use of these pore-clogging hair products can potentially cause inflammatory acne lesions. In dermatological terms, this is known as "acne cosmetica" or "pomade acne" because of the follicle plugging reaction to the petroleum-based components of many styling and hair conditioning products reports Coppola.
"Many ingredients in hair care products can clog pores and lead to breakouts. I wish it was as simple as avoid ingredient x, y, z and you are good," says Rubin. "The way ingredients combine can play a big role so testing a finished formula is really important to be sure it won't clog pores."
Posina suggests watching out for oils, silicones, petroleum, sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, lanolin and coconut oil. Coppola warns that sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate can be very irritating and cause breakouts.
Alcohol, commonly found in hair gels and hairsprays, can possibly be problematic. Panthenol, commonly used as a hair strengthener and fortifier, can also lead to breakouts explains Coppola. Posina says that usually heavy oil-based products, thicker creams and pomades tend to trigger breakouts. So look for hair products marked "noncomedogenic" and "oil-free." Certain waxes and polymers can also aggravate breakouts per Rubin. You may also be sensitive to fragrances. If so, try SEEN's Power Bundle, Fragrance Free, $70.
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How Do You Stop Hair Products From Causing Acne?
It takes a bit of trial and error to discover why you're breaking out. Coppola suggests temporarily stopping your hair care routine to see if the condition improves. Then slowly add products back in one at a time.
If you're still noticing breakouts, try switching products. Products formulated to target body acne are your best bet, like Neutrogena's Body Clear Acne Treatment Body Wash With Salicylic Acid, $9.49. Pay attention to the skin surrounding your hair, in other words your hairline, neck and shoulders. You can also moisturize with lotions containing BHAs.
Make sure you rinse well and ditch leave-in treatments. Just like you need to remove your makeup before going to bed, Posina suggests cleansing your tresses at night. This will also help cut down on pillow transfer and remove any lingering residue on your scalp and strands. You also need to wash your locks after working out to prevent breakouts and tie up your hair to keep it away from your neck and face while exercising.
If you're still experiencing issues, check in with your dermatologist. Your hairstylist may even be able to offer some insight on the best hair products for acne-prone skin.
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How Can I Clear Up the Body Acne I Already Have?
For body acne, Rubin prefers targeted body washes as opposed to medicated creams because the former are easier to use in difficult-to-reach spots. We suggest Murad's Acne Body Wash, $44 or Proactiv's Acne Body Wash, $36.
Like with any new skin care routine, consistency and time are key. You may not see results instantly, but keep at it because it can take about six weeks for a routine to take effect.
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