Long Hair and Acne

Face with acne
Photo: Bigstock
Q: Is it true that long hair and bangs can make acne worse?
 
A: Long hair, and especially bangs can make acne worse. Bangs or long hair that hangs right on the forehead or in the face can infect the raw places on your skin even further because the hair moves from spot to spot when blown in the wind, etc., meaning that you’re spreading the bacteria from one place on your face, neck or shoulders to the next. Also, longer hair is much warmer than short hair, which increases sweat and oil secretion.
 
Hair can also be a vehicle for foreign germs, bacteria, etc. to end up on your face, neck and shoulders. Let’s say that you give a friend a hug, and she also has skin issues. Your long hair will most likely come into contact with her skin, and then later brush against your own face.
 
As people with acne most likely have small open wounds on their face, neck or shoulders due to skin irritation, etc., these “wounds” are super prone to be further infected by alien germs, bacteria, ...
 
Does this mean that having long hair will give you acne, or that by cutting your hair short your skin issue will be resolved? No!
 
Go and see a dermatologist, follow basic hygiene rules, and tie your hair back while keeping your bangs clipped back. Don’t scratch or press your skin and minimize any touching, while using products prescribed by the dermatologist.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Scalp acne
 
Acne and greasy hair
 
Is it safe to get a haircut with scalp zits?
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