Best Face Washes for Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment
Where people get all information for their health, there is also a group of people who are unaware of the basic knowledge about their own health. They don’t know about their skin conditions and how to treat them.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a form of dandruff on the face with an itchy feeling. As for the seb derm treatments, there are not many efficient choices because every one responds to it differently depending on their skin’s chemistry with the active ingredients in the treatment.
The best treatment can be face washes for seborrheic dermatitis treatment, with good facial cleansing properties, helping to reduce seb derm.
What is Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis, a common condition of skin, mostly occurs in winter but some people have it throughout the year. This condition is somehow similar to malassezia yeasts but it is not a fungal infection.
Seborrheic dermatitis is different from malassezia in the way that it is an immune response to the yeast while malassezia is an infection. In some conditions it can be an immune response with a little yeast overgrowth.
The skin response results in red, flaky skin with inflammation, being the same as scalp dandruff. You can also use some strong exfoliants for better results but the best would be to control the condition like reducing flakiness. You can also use best face washes for seborrheic dermatitis for gentle and efficient effects with little or no side reactions.
Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Because of its appearance, most people confuse it with other conditions like eczema which have almost similar inflammatory reactions. The main difference is the dead skin cell with flaky skin appearance on face while eczema appears all over the body such as hands, elbow and eyelids.
Common seborrheic dermatitis symptoms are;
- Around the nose folds and nostrils
- Can be around facial hair like beard etc
- Around the eyelids and eyebrows.
These are the areas where sebaceous glands are present in more concentration and more oil is produced around these areas.
There is no need for seborrheic dermatitis treatment if you have no itchy feelings and do not realise of having any problem around your face unless it is causing distress.
Effective treatments for Seborrheic Dermatitis
I had encountered seb derm between October 2023 to January 2024 and it was enough to make me mad that I consulted a dermatologist, although the treatment didn’t go as expected but now I can share all my journey with you, helping you to make a better plan.
Topical steroids
Nowadays, steroids are the most used active ingredients, either it is your health or skin. Same for the seborrheic dermatitis treatment, steroids is the most discussed topic, but personally I do not like them at all for my skin.
As I carry sensitive skin, I try to avoid them, because of that bad skin luck type.
Steroids inhibit yeast growth, effectively suppressing eczema and seb derm, but if you stop using it, you get a more severe and worsened condition called topical steroid withdrawal.
Calcineurin Inhibitors
Calcineurin inhibitors have similar functions to steroids. Protopic (tacrolimus) and Elidel (pimecrolimus) are common examples of Calcineurin inhibitors.
I had used Elidel in my early skincare journey, it worked but with some potential side effects;
- A similar reaction as steroid withdrawal, called as rebound reaction.
- It causes a burning sensation which I felt during sleep as well.
Because of their functional similarities to steroids, I stopped using calcineurin inhibitors just after a couple of weeks.
It may suit your skin but if it is going to mess with your skin just stop using it, no need for prolonged use.
Are Antifungal Shampoos the Best Face Wash for Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Anti-dandruff shampoos are quite helpful because seborrheic dermatitis is a natural immune response to fungus over-growth on the skin.
Following antifungal agents and actives are the main ingredients of most of the antifungal face wash, creams and shampoo.
- Clotrimazole
- Miconazole
- Ketoconazole
These all belong to the imidazole family that is used to treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot, jock itch, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, cradle and cap. According to my observations, I have always found these ingredients very effective, but I’ll avoid using them all over my face.
I will suggest you do patch tests of these azoles, although they all work best for fungal issues but your seborrheic dermatitis might respond to them differently.
The best face wash for seborrheic dermatitis: anti fungal properties
I have divided the list into two: one for the cleansers for antifungal properties and the other for the cleansers that are gentle for sensitive skin.
Using only antifungal cleanser can cause dryness on your skin so I will recommend you to use some regular cleanser alternatively or twice a week topping your seborrheic dermatitis face wash.
Clever Soap 1% Piroctone Olamine Face Wash With Salicylic Acid
One of the best brands that make quality cleansers for seborrheic dermatitis and other similar conditions of skin. It contains salicylic acid which makes it more reliable for oily skin.
To provide a soothing effect to skin, Clever Soap 1% Piroctone Olamine Face Wash With Salicylic Acid contains aloe vera extract combating dry side effects of salicylic acid.
For antifungal properties this cleanser contains piroctone olamine just like Head & Shoulders shampoo.
Clever Soap 3% Sulphur Face Wash
Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, sulphur also provides antibacterial benefits as well for seborrhea.
Clever Soap 3% Sulphur Face Wash has great exfoliating properties which help reduce dark spots and control breakout while evens the skin tone as well.
V55 MAX Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil and Sulphur Soap Scrub
V55 makes this soap bar containing sulphur, salicylic acid and tea tree oil.
I do not prefer using tea tree oil but here we apply it only on affected areas. Tea tree oil has anti microbial properties while salicylic acid offers gentle exfoliation. That is why it is a good recommendation for seborrheic dermatitis treatment.
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Treatment
T Gel shampoo by Neutrogena that contains coal tar as an active ingredient, combating seborrheic dermatitis.
Tar based shampoo decelerates skin cell proliferation aiding conditions like eczema.
Selsun Suspension Anti Dandruff Shampoo
Selsun is an effective anti dandruff shampoo and is worth using for dermatitis seborrheica treatment. It has active ingredients including selenium sulfide, that directly acts on itchiness and redness and provide relieving effects.
The best face wash for seborrheic dermatitis: gentle cleansers
Here is the list in the following for the best face wash for seborrheic dermatitis which are simple, gentle and effective for the skin
Dermatica Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser
I recommend Dermatica’s glycerin based cleanser if you are dealing with sensitive skin and looking for a product with lesser side effects.
The reason for including it in face wash for seborrhea treatment is it is very gentle for sensitive skin with non irritating and non drying properties.
SOS Cleanse Facial Cleanser
If you want a simple and gentle skincare routine, you should go for SOS. This brand makes products with minimal ingredients and they are wonderful.
Just like this SOS Cleanse Facial Cleanser has only eight ingredients and provides very soothing cleansing for seborrheic dermatitis face treatment. Especially in the morning when you don’t need a deep one.
Aveeno Calming Oat Cleanser
The best products always come from Aveeno. Aveeno Calming Oat Cleanser is a non-foaming face cleanser like SOS cleanser.
The reason why I am recommending it for facial seborrheic dermatitis is that it hydrates the skin and keeps the skin’s natural moisture barrier preserved with calming and fragrance free properties.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Water Based Cleanser
Dr Sam’s Flawless Water Based Cleanser is the best face wash for dermatitis seborreica treatment because of its gentle and effective properties for cleansing impurities without drying the skin.
Its jelly-like texture makes you fall in love with it.
Hyram Centella and Green Tea Hydrating Gel Cleanser
One reason for listing Hyram Centella and Green Tea Hydrating Gel Cleanser in the best face wash for seborrheic dermatitis is that it is very gentle for sensitive skin with cost friendly prices in just £6.
Bonus ingredients for seborrheic dermatitis
Generally, zinc containing products like zinc bar soap and zinc pyrithione mostly occur in searches, which I also suggest for its calming and soothing anti-microbial effects. Avoid strong exfoliants, they can be too harsh for your skin as scrubbing can leave flakiness on the skin. Use gentle yet effective exfoliants for your skin to baby your skin and use lukewarm water, do not use exfoliating tools and cloths.
