Link Between Dandruff and Acne
Reviewed By: 
Dr Dhanraj Chavan
Updated on: 09th June, 2022
Acne or pimples is a common skin condition characterised by whiteheads, blackheads, red papules and pus points on the skin. It can be quite frustrating as it commonly affects the face. Acne happens when our hair follicles get clogged with dead skin cells, and overgrowth of bacteria occurs. One of the other major causes of acne is the increased production of sebum/ oil from our sebaceous glands.
This increased oil can also lead to the development of dandruff on our scalp. So does dandruff cause acne?
Table Of Content
- What is Dandruff?
- How are Dandruff and Acne Related?
- How to Tell if Dandruff is Causing Your Acne?
- Remedies to Avoid Dandruff
- Conclusion
What is Dandruff?
The term dandruff is not unfamiliar to any of us. Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. Basically, dandruff is composed of the skin cells of our scalp, which are shedding too fast and not getting cleaned properly and thus get clumped and look like small flakes. These are often mixed with the sebum or oil secreted by our scalp sebaceous glands.
Many times certain fungal particles called Malassezia globosa tend to overgrow in the clumped oil. This fungus can cause itching and redness associated with dandruff.
So on one hand the sebum helps in keeping your scalp and hair hydrated, while on the other hand, its increased production leads to dandruff.
There are various causes of increased sebum production, such as pubertal changes, changing weather conditions, etc, and it eventually increases the chances of developing both acne and dandruff.
Let’s look further into does dandruff cause acne.
How are Dandruff and Acne Related?
The questions related to the rise of acne and its relation to dandruff are common. Does dandruff cause acne? The simple answer to this question is- yes.
The common factor for both is ‘sebaceous glands’ and the excess oil production as seen previously. Many people with acne find concurrent development of dandruff on the scalp as well.
The hyperactive sebaceous glands can cause increased production of oil on both the scalp and the face, leading to acne on the face and dandruff on the scalp.
Moreover the dandruff and the excess oil from the scalp along with the fungal particles can come on the face clogging the hair follicles on the forehead, causing acne. This type of pimples are classically seen along the hairline and on the forehead. They are usually small and associated with itching.
Similarly acne because of dandruff can also be seen on the shoulders, chest and back.
How to Tell if Dandruff is Causing Your Acne?
- Acne related to dandruff is mostly seen along the hairline.
- The pimples are commonly small and grouped on the forehead and near the ears.
- You might even get some itching and redness along side.
- Sometimes acne due to dandruff can be seen on the back, chest and shoulder as well.
Remedies to Avoid Dandruff
Managing dandruff can help in acne treatment. Dandruff is a condition that can be cured and prevented with proper care. At the initial stages, when dandruff is mild it can be easily controlled with a proper hair care routine.
The following tips can help you avoid dandruff which could help in acne treatment.
- Maintain proper hair hygiene with proper and regular washing of hair
- Avoid using excess oil on oily scalp and face.
- You may try home remedies like rice water, curd, aloe vera etc. Make sure that you are not allergic to any of those.
- Try using OTC anti dandruff shampoos
- Try to observe and avoid the triggering factors causing it like particular hair products, stress, weather changes
- Do not use conditioner directly on the scalp instead restrict them to the hair strands. This will help you avoid oily residues on the scalp.
If you still feel dandruff is not getting cured, visit a dermatologist. Also, consult your dermatologist for acne treatment in Pune.
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Conclusion
As we have discussed above, both dandruff and acne are related to the increased sebum/ oil production by the sebaceous glands. Maintaining proper hygiene of both scalp and face is the first step towards their cure.
Follow the tips discussed previously, and if dandruff still worsens/ does not improve, visit us at Clear Skin Clinics, Pune. Our experienced dermatologists will help you to find does dandruff cause acne and the best treatment options based on your condition.
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