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Scalpt Acne treatment recommentations

What Is Scalp Acne?

Scalp acne is a condition where inflamed pimples appear on the scalp. These can be painful, itchy, or hard. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with excess sebum, dead skin cells, and impurities. Acne is not just a cosmetic issue—it can irritate the scalp and lead to temporary hair loss.

What Makes Scalp Acne Worse?

A woman with acne pimples on her face. In the background, text with information about acne.

Scalp acne can worsen if the scalp is exposed to certain factors that increase sebum production, clog pores, or irritate the skin.

The most common triggers include:

  • Stress: Increases cortisol production, which can lead to higher sebum levels and inflammation.
  • Wrong hair products: Heavy shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can clog hair follicles.
  • Hats and head coverings: Traps heat and sweat, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

The Importance of Proper Scalp Acne Care

Close-up of an inflamed acne pimple with a transparent acne patch placed on top to reduce inflammation and protect the area from irritation.

Scalp acne can be aggravated by stress, the wrong hair care products, and a clogged scalp. Proper treatment helps restore skin balance and prevents new blemishes from forming. Treatment depends on the type of acne, but the following are essential for everyone's skin's well-being:

  1. Regular cleansing: Removes excess sebum and prevents clogged pores.
  2. Gentle exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells and prevents impurities from accumulating. Salicylic acid and exfoliation are effective but should only be used 1–2 times per week or as needed.
  3. Balanced hydration: After exfoliation, it is essential to hydrate the scalp with a lightweight, oil-free product that does not clog pores.

⚠️ Important: Treating scalp acne requires balance.

Over-exfoliating can irritate the scalp, but when done properly, it prevents clogged pores and promotes skin renewal.

💡 Think of your scalp like facial skin: If you cleanse it too aggressively without hydrating, it will become irritated and start producing more oil.

👇 Different types of acne require different treatments. Choose the right shampoo and treatment product depending on what type of scalp acne you have.

Scalp Acne Shampoo recommendations

Choose the right shampoo for your scalp acne type

A young woman with inflamed, red acne breakouts on her face and scalp. This is associated with hormonal acne, which can also affect the scalp.h

1. If You Have Hormonal Acne

Symptoms:

  • Small or large inflamed pimples on the scalp
  • Oily scalp and clogged pores
  • Possible hair loss in inflamed areas

Treatment Recommendations:

Pro Tip: Dryness can worsen sebum production. Use examle

What Causes Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is triggered by fluctuating hormone levels, such as:

  • During puberty
  • Pregnancy
  • Menstrual cycles
  • Menopause

A section of the scalp with small, pus-filled bumps and inflammation. This may be caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, leading to fungal acne.

2. If You Have Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis)

Symptoms:

  • Itchy, small red bumps on the scalp and body
  • Oily and irritated scalp
  • Intense itching and inflammation

Treatment recommendations:

Pro tip: A lightweight, water-based scalp treatment helps maintain hydration without clogging pores or encouraging fungal growth. Example: Vitality´s Intensive Aqua Purezza Anti-Dandruff Treatment

What Causes Fungal Acne?

Fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast in hair follicles. It worsens if:

  • Your scalp produces excess oil
  • You use heavy hair care products
  • You sweat frequently or wear tight hats

With the right treatment, you can balance your scalp and reduce itchiness and breakouts!

A close-up of an inflamed, deep-seated cystic acne bump that is red, swollen, and partially filled with pus

3. If You Have Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is the most severe form of scalp acne, characterized by deep, painful cysts and nodules beneath the skin. This type of acne can cause permanent scarring if left untreated.

Symptoms:

  • Large, painful cysts and nodules beneath the skin
  • Deep-seated inflammation that can leave scars
  • Tenderness and skin unevenness

Treatment Recommendations:

Clay masks: Absorb excess oil and dry out inflamed cysts. Example: Vitality's Intensive Aqua Equilibrio Scalp Clay Mask

Salicylic acid: Unclogs pores and reduces oil production.

Tea tree oil: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, helps reduce inflammation and and break down deep-seated impurities. Example: IdHAIR Solutions No.7.2 – Exfoliating & Moisturizing Scalp Conditioner

Pro Tip: Avoid squeezing cystic acne, as this can worsen inflammation and cause scarring. Instead, use shooting scalp treatment that hydrate and soothe without clogging pores.

What Causes Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne, occurring when:

  • Pores become deeply clogged
  • Inflammation spreads and worsens
  • Sebum and dead skin cells become trapped under the skin

☝️ This type of acne can cause scarring, so early treatment is essential!

Key Steps for Treating Scalp Acne

🧴 Cleanse – Use the right shampoo to reduce inflammation and excess sebum.

✨ Exfoliate – Removes clogged pores and prevents impurities from building up.

IdHAIR Solutions No.5 Peeling Treatment – Deep-cleansing scalp exfoliant.

Vitality's Intensive Aqua Equilibrio – Clay mask for oily scalp.

💧 Balance – A lightweight treatment prevents dryness without clogging pores.

Care & Scalp Purificante Serum – Soothes inflamed skin.

Vitality's Intensive Aqua Purezza Anti-Dandruff Treatment – Hydrates without making the scalp greasy.

Vitality's Intensive Aqua Equilibrio treatment liquid for greasy scalp

Frequently Asked Questions About Scalp Acne

How do I recognize hormonal scalp acne?

Hormonal scalp acne often appears as an oily scalp with small, pus-filled pimples around the hairline. It is commonly linked to menstrual cycles, stress, pregnancy, or menopause.

👉 Learn more and find the right treatment: Hormonal Scalp Acne Treatment

What is cystic acne?

Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne, where large, inflamed nodules or cysts form deep under the skin. It can lead to scarring and requires stronger treatments, such as clay masks and anti-inflammatory products.

👉 Discover deep-cleansing treatments: Cystic Acne Treatment

When does hormonal acne go away?

Hormonal acne may clear up naturally when hormone levels stabilize, such as after puberty or pregnancy. However, for some, it may persist and require consistent care with oil-balancing shampoos and gentle exfoliation.

👉 Find oil-balancing scalp care products: Best Shampoos for Acne-Prone Scalps

What worsens scalp acne?

Scalp acne can be aggravated by:

Stress: Increases cortisol levels, triggering excess oil production.

Wrong hair products: Heavy or overly nourishing products can clog pores.

Overwashing or excessive exfoliation: Can irritate the scalp and cause more oil production.

Headwear and sweating: Moisture buildup promotes bacterial and fungal growth.

👉 How to treat and prevent breakouts: Scalp Acne Care Tips

How do I know if I have scalp acne?

If you experience red, itchy, or pus-filled pimples on your scalp that don’t go away with regular hair washing, you might have scalp acne. It often appears along the hairline and on the face as well.

✅ Solution:

Cleanse your scalp with the right products: Best Shampoos and Treatments

Reduce clogged pores and inflammation: Exfoliating Treatments and Serums

Want to know more?

Book a scalp analysis to receive an individual assessment and personalized treatment recommendations.

Need Personalized Help?

📩 Send us a message, and our experts will help you find the right products and treatments!

✍️ We respond within 24 hours.

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