One of the popular trends on TikTok is to use dandruff shampoo as a skin wash, especially if you have acne-prone skin.
The videos claim that the zinc in the dandruff shampoo is “amazing for your face.”
The video has over a million views and has been shared by dermatologists who offer their opinions on her method. It is noteworthy that some doctors endorsed this method, but with some caveats of course.
Experts find that anti-dandruff shampoos have anti-fungal properties because of the anti-fungal ingredient zinc pyrithione, which helps people with a very specific type of acne from fungal overgrowth. However, since most people with acne have a bacterial variety, not a fungal one.
But doctors warn that relatively cheap over-the-counter shampoos aren’t made for facial skin and can irritate and dry out skin.
Dandruff shampoo works on acne in a similar way to how it works on your scalp. Acne is the result of your pores getting clogged with oil, and it usually becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause swelling and redness. Anti-dandruff shampoos are over-the-counter ones that are typically formulated with two FDA-approved ingredients: zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide. Both ingredients work on dandruff due to their anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. If applied to the face, they can help reduce acne due to their antibacterial benefits.
Fungal acne looks like pus-filled pimples and red bumps, which can resemble bacterial acne. You must first check the type of grain before determining whether or not a dandruff shampoo is suitable.
Apart from dandruff shampoo, doctors recommend using a gentle face wash with ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. salicylic acid and glycolic acid help clear skin inflammation and unclog pores; Niacinamide is great for dark spots caused by acne, and benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria, is also good to look for in a face wash.
