Can Shampoo Cause Acne?

One of the ingredients which you will most likely find in your favorite shampoo is sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS. This chemical is a detergent that works effectively in hard water. Most soaps are unable to function correctly in hard water because they react unfavorably with the high mineral content, forming a precipitate known as soap scum. SLS is also a popular choice for a foaming agent. Who doesn't like to bathe in a bubble bath or brush their teeth with that foamy toothpaste. You heard right, SLS is also in other skin care products as well as toothpaste.

While SLS may initially appear to be a wonderful additive, it is tremendously dangerous. Since few consumers have bothered to educate themselves as to the dangers of SLS, there has been little movement underway by the skin care companies to phase it out. It is inexpensive, so there is little reason to replace it. The EPA has called SLS a pesticide, however, other government agencies have refuted the notion that it is dangerous to human health.

What we do know is that SLS is a major skin and eye irritant. A government study found that it induced skin and eye irritation in animals such as rabbits. Other studies have linked it to developmental disorders as well as neurological problems. Some argue that SLS only poses a threat at certain concentrations. The sad truth is most shampoos and other products contain the ingredient in far too large of concentrations.

There is not indication that this chemical causes acne. However, the skin irritation it which threatens to induce has a direct effect on acne breakouts. Your skin is most acne-prone when it is irritated. To deny that no link exists between this additive and acne is preposterous.

You have two options when it comes to keeping your shampoo from interfering with your acne treatment. One of these options is to buy an SLS-free product. This may not be lucrative as your selection will be far more limited than it currently is. All popular brands of shampoo use this additive or a variant therefrom. The ultimate decision is yours.

if yous choose to continue using your current shampoo, you can modify your hair cleansing technique to ensure it doesn't cause any further breakouts. Make sure that while you are rinsing shampoo off your face your head is facing opposite the shower head. This should keep the shampoo suds from making contact with your facial skin. Do not take very hot showers as this could allow the SLS to more easily penetrate your skin, causing increased irritation.

When you are drying your skin, be sure to dry your face with a part of the towel that has not made contact with your hair. These strategies may get taking used to, however, they are ultimately designed to keep your skin clear. If possible, you should also try to phase out other skin or hair care products in your home that contain this dangerous ingredient.

Shampoos have become quite advanced in modern times. SLS aside, other additives may be aggravating your skin and hence causing acne breakouts. You should avoid products that are feature-packed, solving frizzy hair while also giving you that radiant shine. If you want to win this acne game, you need to stick to no-frills products. Many have had success with baby shampoo, so this may be worth looking into.