Does Accidental Application Of Oily Shampoo On Skin Cause Acne?

Posted on Sat, 7 Mar 2015

Question: If you accidentally put shampoo on your skin can it cause acne since there is oil in it?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Using oily shampoo regularly and causing it to drip to skin can cause acne

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Accidentally putting oily shampoo on skin on single occasion will not cause acne.

Applying oily shampoo on skin regularly or allowing the shampoo to drip along skin on forehead or face and not rinsing it well can cause a condition called pompade acne. Acne happens due to hair follicles becoming plugged with natural oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Oily shampoos also can cause a similar effect in blocking pores and causing comedones (black heads or white heads).

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar