When people started praising dandruff shampoo as a skin care treatment, it turns out the internet was into something. It helps clear the symptoms of acne breakouts.
To find out if it’s right for you, we spoke with a dermatologist about what fungal acne is, how dandruff shampoos can help, and what products to try.
If you notice stubborn, itchy bumps under your skin that don’t seem to go away with conventional acne products, it could be fungal acne. Also known as acne vulgaris, it is different from acne vulgaris, or the standard type of acne you usually think of when you look at the scars.
“Fungal acne is a common misnomer because it’s not actually acne,” explains Ramya, a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Skin Medicinals. Dr. Garlapati. “This is actually folliculitis, or an infection of the hair follicles, due to yeast overgrowth, which is why the condition doesn’t respond to conventional acne treatments.”
Instead, fungal acne should be treated with an antifungal agent that can fight yeast overgrowth within the hair follicle.
Treating fungal acne involves using over-the-counter skin care products and oral medications, as well as the not-so-secret lifehack of using an anti-dandruff shampoo. Many others have confirmed its effectiveness in treating conditions.
“Using a dandruff shampoo as a face and body cleanser to treat fungal-related skin conditions such as fungal acne and seborrheic dermatitis is actually what I recommend to my patients.” But before testing for viral propensity, Garlapati says, “It’s important to have the skin problem first evaluated by a dermatologist to make sure it’s a fungus-related condition.” It reminds me.
Benefits of dandruff shampoo for fungal acne
Dandruff is caused by the same Malassezia yeast that is at the root of fungal acne, so anti-dandruff products and scalp care treatments can also help improve the skin condition.
“Anti-dandruff shampoos containing active ingredients with antifungal properties such as zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole are most effective in treating fungal acne,” says Garlapati. Look no further, because an anti-dandruff shampoo can double as a face and body cleanser.”
And while there are over-the-counter and prescription-strength options, the dandruff shampoos in the hair care section of drugstores work well. Popular brands such as and Shoulders (which contains zinc pyrithione) say they are safe to use on the face.
Skin side effects of dandruff shampoo
As with any skin and hair care product, there is a risk of irritation, so before using any dandruff shampoo as a facial cleanser, always patch test it on a small area away from your face, such as your arm. It also lists a rash as a side effect, and should stop using it if a rash appears on the treated area.
Additionally, Liu says that dandruff shampoos “can be drying, so we recommend limiting their use to a few times a week.”
How to use dandruff shampoo for fungal acne
Once you have your anti-dandruff shampoo of choice in hand, you can use it as a cleanser or mask to treat fungal acne. “The product needs to be in contact with the skin for a few minutes for the treatment to take effect, so shampoo shouldn’t be washed off immediately.” recommend to. This is because it is the easiest to incorporate into your routine.
Both Garlapati and Liu recommend using Nizoral on the face and body to treat fungal acne. I’m here.
Good Old Head and Shoulders contains fungus-fighting zinc pyrithione to combat the Malassezia yeast that causes the bumpy, clogged follicles of fungal acne.
Recommended by Garlapati, Sersun Blue uses antifungal selenium sulfide to balance the scalp and skin. It contains menthol, which has a cooling effect, so people with sensitive skin should be careful.
Those looking to natural remedies may want to try tea tree oil. “Some people with sensitive skin react to tea tree oil, so it’s best to patch test the product before applying it all over the affected area.
Liu says salicylic acid-based treatments can help with mild cases of fungal acne. Helps deal with conventional pimples and fungal acne bumps.
Whether it is Pityrosporum folliculitis or athlete’s foot, the cause of the discomfort is the same. It’s a fungus. According to Garlapati, athlete’s foot cream contains clotrimazole, a potent antifungal ingredient, so it may also help treat fungal acne.
