Since turning 30 I have been getting break outs along my hair line. I rarely use hair products. How can I be rid of these breakouts?

Daniela Ferri (Licensed Esthetician, Acne Specialist) answered (2/8/2013)

Well.... :)
The operative word there is rarely, which does not mean never.

Here's the thing. A pore clogging or pore blocking ingredient clogs pores molecule by molecule. This means if something offensive to pores is used a little over a long period of time, eventually the pores become clogged or blocked enough that sebum (your skin's oil) and dead skin cells don't come through properly. This can be very irritating to pore linings, which can create swelling, which creates a warm, anaerobic environment for bacteria inside to thrive in. At that point, the body goes to war, brings white blood cells in to kill the bacteria, and there's your white head.

So, here's what you need to stay away from when it comes to hair product: Mousse and pomade are the worst. There is no such thing as either of those two being formulated in a way that would be ok for breakout-prone skin. Root lifter can be a problem if it's conditioning as it holds. Gels and hairsprays should be applied with your hands and as far away from your hairline as possible.

By the way, I should mention that if you work out with makeup and your foundation is pore clogging, this could explain your breakouts as well, especially if you wipe with a towel or your hand a lot. :)

If you'd like a more personalized analysis, please contact me. :)

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Anonymous answered (2/8/2013)

Thank you for your answer. I never use mousse or pomade. I occasionally use hair spray. Maybe two or three times a month. I am wondering if it is my shampoo. The other thing about the break outs is they rarely come to a white head. They usually stay under the surface of the skin creating a painful angry red lump. I use Clinique brand skin care. The acne care three step line as well as the foundation. My face has since cleared up and looks great! The hairline and middle upper back and back of neck break outs are the issue now.

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Anonymous answered (2/8/2013)

Thank you for your answer. I never use mousse or pomade. I occasionally use hair spray. Maybe two or three times a month. I am wondering if it is my shampoo. The other thing about the break outs is they rarely come to a white head. They usually stay under the surface of the skin creating a painful angry red lump. I use Clinique brand skin care. The acne care three step line as well as the foundation. My face has since cleared up and looks great! The hairline and middle upper back and back of neck break outs are the issue now.

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Daniela Ferri commented (2/8/2013)

Sounds like your pores are getting irritated by oil getting backed up behind clogs. Since it's happening on the back of your neck and upper back, there is no doubt it's something in your hair. Possibilities : Shampoo having hydrolized wheat protein bothering you if you're wheat sensitive; hair spray having conditioning properties whose emollients are clogging your pores. Suggestions for clearing it up: switch to Free and Clear hair spray from the makers of Vanicream (available at drugstores or drugstore.com), wash with Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash using a pair of exfoliating spa gloves and apply a liberal amount of Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% on effected areas leaving on for 1/2 an hour after which you will rinse off and follow with CeraVe plain lotion. Let me know how it goes ! :)

Lyndsay F. answered (2/8/2013)

Thank you! I have never heard of Free and Clear hair products. Are they in Canada I wonder? I ordered the Clinque acne body bar so I am hoping that will help with the back and neck. I wlil get my hands on Benzoyl and give it a whirl. Will it fade the hair along my hairline? Thank you.

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Daniela Ferri commented (2/10/2013)

Free and Clear is a line by the makers of Vanicream. Drugstore.com might ship to Canada, but you can also go to the company's web site here: http://www.psico.com/products/free_and_clear_shampoo.cfm Over a period of time BPO might fade hair color, but I would suggest just using it on your neck and back. If I'm right, the breakouts along your hairline should actually resolve themselves by ceasing your hair styling products. :)