As a woman, how tired are you of acne? It is such a large problem worldwide with pesky bumps that spread everywhere on your body. Arms, neck, back, face, and chest- acne doesn't spare a single body part. Not to mention how uncomfortable it makes women feel, often resulting in a loss of confidence.
There could be various reasons for a pimply and acne-filled face. Sometimes it's hereditary; it could result from an unhealthy diet or conditions such as PCOS. These reasons are pretty familiar. However, ever heard of pimples due to dandruff? Yes- acne and dandruff problems are related and real. Although, there may not be directly linked all the time.
How? Dandruff in its initial stages of a flaky scalp is hardly damaging or harmful. When it becomes a severe problem, it is referred to as seborrheic dermatitis or wet dandruff. When whitish flakes cause your scalp to be itchy severely around your hairline- it is a reason to worry. This could also result in rashes and boils. After all of this, the situation worsens when pimples begin to form, and you know it's due to dandruff on your scalp.
The good news? Most cases of seborrheic dermatitis can be managed with the help of home remedies or cures. However, if the situation is dire, we advise you to consult a dermatologist at the earliest.
Home remedies like curd or dahi for dandruff are also popular among women.
Can dandruff cause acne?
Let us break it down for you. In your teenage years, lots of sebum or oil production takes place in your sebaceous glands. This sebum reveals itself on the skin through the opening of these glands. Did you know? Sebaceous glands are not only present on your face but also on your scalp.
Excess sebum production leads to fungus formation that produced dandruff. The skin of your scalp is rather active and produces skin cells continually. Hence, this also means skin cells die out on a regular basis. However, due to an oily scalp, skin cells accumulate and mix with scalp oil. This forms those white flakes you complain about that fall off your head, and just like that, you have dandruff.
Excess sebum production also means more dandruff. This can also lead to acne since the scalp and the forehead are connected, after all. Blockage of the sebaceous duct is also a worrying result. Although, it is not necessary that if you have dandruff, you will suffer from acne.
Also read: Aloe Vera for dandruff
How to get rid of oily dandruff scalp?
Our skin is acidic. This is a good sign because acidity kills off harmful bacteria and does away with skin infections.
If you have dandruff, it is highly likely that the pH levels of your scalp skin are imbalanced. However, numerous anti-dandruff products function by balancing the pH levels of the scalp. Make sure to try them in case you have an oily scalp with dandruff.
Another route to opt for is to try home remedies to cure dandruff. For example, lemon has antibacterial properties that balance the scalp's pH levels when mixed with a little bit of water. Find out how to use curd and lemon for dandruff.
You can also try to apply apple cider vinegar to your scalp for about 20 -30 minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water to effectively cleanse your scalp.
Another home remedy to beat is the use of camphor and coconut oil for dandruff.
Also read: 12 home remedies to fight dandruff
How to get rid of small pimples on the forehead due to dandruff?
Take care of your scalp environment to fight dandruff:
As dandruff is an infection, it is imperative you are cautious about your external environment. A good way to start is by keeping your pillow covers clean. Some women complain of dandruff even though they make use of anti-dandruff products. Once again, this can be attributed to not keeping your surroundings clean.
How can you clean your environment?
For starters, take off your pillow covers and throw them into the wash. It is also a good idea to invest in silk pillow covers as they result in minimal hair loss. Over and above that, disinfect your combs, headgear, brushes, caps, hair clips, and the like with an antiseptic solution for at least half a day.
Use an anti-dandruff shampoo to reduce dandruff in your scalp:
Make sure to use an anti-dandruff shampoo during hair washing. It effectively rids your scalp of flakes, dirt, pollution, and grime that settles onto your head.
Anti-dandruff shampoos contain ketoconazole- an active ingredient that helps you eliminate dandruff and hinders its recurrence.
Wash your scalp well in circular motions covering all areas properly. Some women think washing their hair daily will cause dandruff to go away. This is not true. This practice will only rid the scalp of its natural, protective layers of oil. Hence, do not overdo it.
Using fewer hair products can help control dandruff flakes and an itchy scalp:
Many women suffer from dandruff due to an overuse of products. Intensively applying serums, oils, waxes, and gels to your hair is not the solution. More is not always more. AIf numerous products come in contact with your scalp; it may intensify your dandruff situation.
Use hot oils to massage your scalp; it soothes your scalp and fights dandruff:
Hot oil massages not onto soothe you but are also a boon for your scalp. They effectively loosed dead skin from the scalp too. How do dead skin cells form? When your scalp is extremely dry over a long period of time. Oils act as if they are fertilizers for your scalp. They enhance blood circulation that keeps hair health intact.
But how often should you oil your hair? We say you stick to about 2 -3 times a week but no more.
Also read: Is dandruff causing your hair to fall?
Most importantly, keep the hair off your face. It's a quick fix to dandruff:
Hair with dandruff coming in direct contact with the face may cause pimples. Try keeping the hair off your face with the help of hairbands; you may also try pulling your hair back and tying a ponytail or can keep it in braids.
Pro tip: An imbalanced diet is a great contributor to dandruff. Steer clear away from the foods that induce dandruff. So while dandruff and acne each are caused by a different reason, both are provoked by an excess of oil production. That's why many people encounter acne and dandruff at the same time- since both can be related to hormonal changes that increase oil production, like those that happen during puberty.
Remember, self-medication is never a good idea. So whose advice should you be taking? The lady or man who is an experienced employee at the salon or an expert dermatologist is the person you should be listening to. Mot to mention, there is a ton of misinformation regarding hair tips on the internet that is not backed by expert research. We urge you not to fall for those scams.
Use antibacterial shampoos safe from the comfort of your home. Avoid being in humid climates, as this can be greatly damaging to your hair. Make sure to wash your face with a cleanser. Follow this practice repeatedly throughout the day if you have oily skin. This will do away with the dirt and bacteria on your face- one of the leading causes of pimples and acne.
