A woman has shared surprising before and after results of using anti-dandruff shampoo to get rid of pimples - with one skincare expert revealing whether or not there may be any side effects to the unusual TikTok hack.
TikToker @barbiedreamz recently posted a video showing the progress her skin had made after she used a simple beauty product to help combat her acne.
“The way this works,” she wrote, adding that she was wearing no makeup, but just had ‘lashes and filters’.
Advert
She used an anti-dandruff shampoo as a cleanser for her skin, and saw ‘immediate results’ by day two.
After one week, the TikTok user claimed her acne was ‘almost completely gone’.
After a number of clips started going viral - with more than 11.5 million TikTok views for ‘dandruff shampoo for pimples’ - one skincare expert has explained why the hack seems to work, and whether or not it’s a good idea to try out for yourself.
Advert
Rachael Robertson, skincare specialist and founder of Bedew Skin, said: “This has been circulating for a long time as a method for treating fungal acne and there are cases such as this one where improvements can be seen.
“The reason it can work is due to the formulation of anti-dandruff which is targeted at treating excess shedding (dandruff), pityriasis versicolor (a type of fungal infection) and seborrheic dermatitis (a form of eczema that usually effects the scalp).”
As for if it works on all forms of acne, Roberson said: “It’s estimated that between 12-27% of acne cases are fungal and so those with other types of acne will not experience the same result so using an anti-dandruff shampoo on other types of acne will likely worsen the issue.”
Advert
She continued: “The easiest way to explain the difference is to know that ’typical’ acne (acne vulgaris) starts with a blocked follicle caused by sebum, dirt and bacteria. Fungal acne is a fungal infection in the follicle caused by an overgrowth of yeast. Do not overthink this though!
“The yeast is already on our skin naturally and the overproduction can be triggered by things such as heat, humidity, sweat, tight clothes and certain medications. In terms of being able to know the difference physically, fungal acne is typically itchy and bumpy appearing in small clusters of whiteheads and pustules.”
While Robertson said is was ‘great’ that the hack seemed to be working for some people, she admitted she wasn’t quite sure about long term use.
Advert
“If this method has worked for you in the short term, then great,” she said.
“However it’s not something I’d recommend to my clients, especially if it’s for their face.
“I’d recommend going for a product prescribed by your doctor and formulated specifically for fungal acne. This way you get the benefits of the treatment without exposing your skin to the not so favourable ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoo such as foaming agents that dry and irritate the skin which causes further issues.
“It is much more beneficial to see your doctor for treatment and incorporate it into a balanced, consistent, simple skincare routine.”
Advert
Robertson added: “Long term use of this on fungal acne can cause the skin to look aged, dull and dehydrated and may trigger other conditions in the skin.”
Jess Hardiman