photo c/o @lydia_njuguna
Large textured bumps on your face, chest or the very infamous back-ne (back acne) have never been a good look especially if your one to show off a little bit of skin every now and then. The natural hair movement, though the best thing to ever happen to the Black African culture;where we get to show off our God given crowns, has it’s not so glamorous moments.
Wash day, one of the most tiresome days known to mankind could be the number one cause of your breakouts. Though there are other causes of acne such as bad eating habits, not drinking enough water and skin care products, what you put in your hair during and after showering could be the number cause of your breakouts.
Shampoos and conditioners we use play a major part in bringing this un welcomed guests onto our bodies. Breakouts, also known as acne cosmetica which is literally acne caused by products we apply on our skin or hair are a menace that need to be stopped, but how you may ask? Well I compiled a list of things that have worked for me, with a little bit of help from the internet.
photo c/o @shea_organics
USING SULFATE FREE SHAMPOO.
Sulfate free shampoos are known to be less harsh to your strands and your scalp whereas Sulfate based shampoos and products are known to cause irritation to your skin and scalp especially if you already have sensitive skin. But that does not mean if you don’t have sensitive skin your safe because acne knows no skin type so the earlier you start reducing the use of sulfate based shampoos the better. My favorite sulfate free based shampoo has to be from Marini naturals, its gel like consistency makes it pretty easy to lather onto your hair as well.
photo c/o @marini.naturals
KEEP YOUR HAIR AWAY FROM YOUR FACE AND BODY AFTER PRODUCT APPLICATION.
As easy as this sounds, it has to be the hardest thing to do especially if you’re doing a wash and go. Keeping your hair away from your face however reduces the risk of your hair products from seeping into your skin and clogging your pores thus causing your worst enemy ACNE. This is where protective styling comes into play, high puffs, twists or just simply ensuring your hair is dry before you unleash your fro for the world to admire in its glory will really save you a lot of trouble.
photo c/o @nash_meekah
HAIR THEN BODY, I REPEAT, HAIR THEN BODY.
There should not be any debate when it comes to this, we all know and should know that your hair should come first then wash off all the product build-up on your body after. Otherwise you will be inviting back-ne (back acne) into your premises without even realizing it. Using a loofah to wash off any excess products helps especially if you want to exfoliate while you’re at it.
SWITCH YOUR HAIR CARE PRODUCTS.
Have you ever started using a certain conditioner then all of a sudden boom zits are having a party all over your face? If yes, then you should probably consider changing it out. Also doing a lot of research on the products your using can give you a blueprint on what can or could be causing your acne. I mean if you’re going to put in so much effort in what’s going on your hair, you might as well find out what it will do to your skin when they come into contact.
photo c/o @bu.ke
photo c/o @ ojwapr
SELF CARE.
Wash day is a form of self-care so while you’re at it you might as well exfoliate your skin, put on a mask, make yourself a glass of lemon tea, put your diffuser on with your favorite essential oils, read a book and just relax. It all comes down to taking good care of our inner and outer selves.
photo c/o @bu.ke
photo c/o @lydia_njuguna