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Skincare

Scalp Acne: Causes, Prevention And remedy

How To Get Rid Of Scalp Acne?

Best Natural Remedies

Scalp acne or scalp folliculitis is a condition that leads to pimples along the hairline. They may look like raised bumps, whiteheads, blackheads, pustules or pus-filled bumps, or cysts embedded under your skin.

Pimples on your scalp are caused due to clogged hair follicles that allow bacteria to enter the pores along your scalp line. While a mild case of scalp acne clears up on its own, a severe case of scalp acne may cause scarring, pain, or hair loss and bald patches in the long term. Let us learn about some common causes behind scalp acne, and how we can reduce them naturally.


Causes Of Scalp Acne

  • Scalp Oiliness
  • When your scalp is naturally oily, it produces more sebum. This makes your pores more prone to getting clogged and causes your hair to get greasy while attracting dirt from the environment. Hence, an oily scalp is more likely to get pimples.

  • Product Build-Up
  • Residue from hair products like hair oils and conditioners, and styling treatments like hair gels and hair sprays can lead to clogged pores on your scalp, and cause scalp acne.

  • Scalp Congestion
  • Irregularity in hair-washing and ignoring your hair hygiene can cause dead skin cells to accumulate on the scalp and enter your pores. This leads to congestion on your scalp. When these dead skin cells are unable to leave your scalp, it causes scalp acne.

  • Scalp Irritation And Allergies
  • Ingredients in hair products that do not suit your skin and scalp act as allergens. This may lead to contact dermatitis, inflammation, itchiness and bumps on your scalp. This may cause you to constantly scratch your scalp, leading bacteria to enter your pores, and developing acne.

  • Overactive Sweat Glands
  • It is either seen during puberty, or in people suffering from hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. Overactive sweat glands on our scalp attract more dirt and congestion while creating favourable conditions for bacteria to enter our pores and cause pimples.

  • Hormonal Imbalance
  • Research indicates that hormonal fluctuations in puberty have been linked to overactive sebaceous glands in the skin and scalp. This leads to conditions such as increased oiliness, scalp dermatitis, acne and dandruff.

  • Wearing Rough Headgears
  • Wearing headgear and hair accessories for long hours can cause friction along the hairline and lead to stress bumps. It also prevents your hair from getting enough oxygen, thereby promoting sweating and congestion.

  • Weather Conditions
  • Extremely hot and humid weather can cause your skin and scalp to sweat and produce more sebum, causing them to become greasier and congested. This may lead to scalp acne.

  • Lifestyle Stressors
  • Irregular food habits, stress and anxiety can aggravate the skin and scalp to produce more oil, and create favourable conditions for scalp acne to pop up.

  • Genetics
  • Concerns such as hormonal imbalances and overactive sebaceous or sweat glands are often hereditary. These start manifesting in people during the prepubescent or pubescent stages.


    How To Get Rid Of Scalp Acne?

  • Use Suitable Hair Care Products
  • Following a proper hair care routine designed with products that match the requirements of our hair and scalp helps to balance the natural oils while preventing scalp acne.

  • Maintain Hair Hygiene
  • Wash your scalp and hair once or twice a week according to your hair and scalp type and the weather conditions. 

  • Control Sebum
  • Comb your hair no more than twice a day to prevent over-stimulation of your scalp. If your scalp gets oily sooner, try using an organic dry shampoo to keep excess oil at bay. Refrain from washing your hair daily. It can cause dehydration, causing your scalp to go into overdrive and produce more oil.

  • Be Gentle With Your Hair
  • Avoid using hair accessories and headgear for prolonged periods. Choose hairstyles that are not tight, and accessories that do not add stress to your scalp and hair strands. 

  • Practise Healthy Living
  • Avoid eating fried foods very often, and include wholesome home-cooked meals in your routine. Practice yoga and meditation to reduce stress.

  • Use Tea Tree Essential Oil
  • Research indicates that tea tree essential oil exhibits strong antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to minimise acne and inflammation, and promote wound-healing on skin and scalp.

  • Exfoliate Your Scalp
  • Weekly exfoliation of your scalp can help loosen dead skin cells, prevent your pores from getting congested, and stimulate your scalp to improve blood circulation and promote healthy hair growth. It is a great way to prevent pimples on your scalp.

    Do not use a scalp exfoliator if you have pustules or inflammation on your scalp or hairline.


    Home Remedies For Scalp Acne

    1.DIY Scalp Exfoliator -

    Ingredients:
  • Apricot meal (finely powdered apricot kernels)
  • Cold pressed neem oil
  • Tea tree essential oil
  • Method:
  • In a clean bowl, add 2 tablespoons of apricot meal.
  • Add a teaspoon of cold pressed neem oil and 2 drops of tea tree oil to the bowl, and mix well.
  • Take the prepared scrub and massage it gently on your damp scalp and hair. Leave the scrub in your hair for a few minutes to let the oils absorb.
  • Shampoo and rinse your hair thoroughly. If there are any leftover apricot particles in your hair, they can be brushed out once your hair is completely air-dried.
  • Note - Always patch test DIY hair care recipes near your hairline first before using them.

    2.DIY Scalp Soothing Oil -

    Ingredients:
  • Cold pressed argan oil
  • Cold pressed neem oil
  • Cold pressed hemp oil
  • Method:
  • In a clean bowl, add 1 tablespoon of argan oil, half teaspoon of hemp seed oil and a quarter teaspoon of neem oil. Mix them well.
  • Apply the prepared blend to your scalp and hair. Leave it in your hair for an hour to let the oils absorb.
  • Shampoo and condition as usual.
  • Note - Always patch test DIY hair care recipes near your hairline first before using them.

    3.DIY Cooling Scalp Mist -

    Ingredients:
  • Organic aloe vera juice
  • Organic lavender hydrosol
  • Method:
  • In a clean spray bottle, add equal quantities of aloe vera juice and lavender         hydrosol. Shake the bottle to mix them well. 
  • After you shampoo and condition your hair, pat your hair with a towel to          remove excess water from your scalp and hair. Spray the prepared mist on  your scalp for a soothing and relaxing experience, and to provide it with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Allow it to completely absorb into your hair. Refrigerate the leftover mist and  use it up within the next few days.
  • Note - Always patch test DIY hair care recipes near your hairline first before using them.


    Juicy Chemistry Products That Help Reduce Scalp Acne

    • Cold Pressed Neem Carrier Oil is effective against dandruff and scalp acne. It reduces scalp irritation and promotes healthy hair growth. It is best used as a scalp massage oil.
    • Juicy Chemistry hair masks are formulated with nourishing plant oils and butters to deeply moisturise and condition your hair. Our Neem Butter, Pumpkin And Ginger Hair Mask also helps to control dandruff and reduce scalp acne and inflammation.
    • Juicy Chemistry hair serums are formulated with natural active ingredients. Our Scalp Stimulating Serum soothes inflammation and repairs scalp damage, promoting healthy hair growth and a strengthened scalp barrier.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How to use scalp serum?

    Our Scalp Stimulating Serum can be used on your scalp before oiling your hair. Take 2 pumps of the serum on your clean palm and massage it on your scalp gently.

    How to use Juicy Chemistry hair masks?

    Our organic hair masks can be used in place of your hair oil. Take a few pumps of the hair mask in your palm and massage it on your scalp and hair for 5 minutes. Rinse it off the next morning or just let it soak in your hair for 30 minutes.


    References

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834713/ 

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22998411/ 

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