It makes perfect sense to look for dermatologist-tested skincare products since these doctors specialize in the health of the skin. Dermatologists are also hair and scalp experts, so why wouldn’t you look for haircare products that have been tested by these specialists as well?
Although many people think of haircare and skincare as separate categories, they are actually more connected than you may realize. Haircare products come in contact with the skin when they are rinsed out, and leave-in products can transfer from the hair to the skin, or the hair to a pillow to the skin.
Haircare products can also leave a residue on the skin that lingers for hours. If this residue contains pore-clogging ingredients, this may contribute to the development of acne. If this residue contains irritants or allergens, it may aggravate sensitive skin and eczema.
Shampoos contain several key ingredients, including surfactants (cleansing agents), nourishing ingredients that usually replenish moisture, and preservatives to help prevent the growth of microbes and extend their shelf life (especially in hot, humid shower conditions).
Dermatologist-tested shampoos are a smart idea because many non-dermatologist-tested shampoos may contain ingredients that are less-than-ideal for the skin. For example, sulfates are commonly used surfactant ingredients because they are effective and inexpensive. However, they can be potentially drying and irritating to the scalp and skin, and may cause hair color to fade more quickly.
In terms of preservative ingredients, parabens such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben are used in many hair and skincare products. This family of ingredients has become the subject of concern, but not because of potential skin side effects. Rather, questions have been raised about the potential for parabens’ potential to mimic the effects of naturally-occurring estrogen hormones. Some research suggests that parabens may affect fertility, reproductive organs, and possibly increase the risk of certain cancers.
Dermatologist-tested shampoos may offer benefits beyond simply removing excess oil and product build-up from the hair. More advanced formulations may be designed to optimize scalp health. Shampoos (and other haircare products) that can clog pores and/or contain certain irritants and allergens have the potential to interfere with the hair follicles’ function. It is important to optimize the health of the hair follicles to create the ideal environment for hair growth.
Although dermatologist-tested shampoos can be a wise choice, SEEN goes a step further with dermatologist-developed haircare formulations. Our founder, Harvard-trained dermatologist Dr. Iris Rubin, created this line of shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and targeted hair and scalp serums with sensitive and acne-prone skin in mind.
All of SEEN’s fragrance-free products have received the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance™, which means they are safe for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Fragrance-Free Shampoo, Fragrance-Free Conditioner, and Magic Serum have also received SkinSAFE’s coveted “Trusted Choice” seals.
In addition, a dermatologist-graded clinical study found that 70% with body acne improved and 52% with face acne improved after using SEEN Shampoo and Conditioner as a regimen for eight weeks. This shows that non-medicated SEEN can help those whose hair products are contributing to acne.
All of this proves that it makes sense to look for dermatologist involvement when shopping for haircare. Although dermatologist-tested shampoos, conditioners, and styling products provide an extra sense of security, dermatologist-developed haircare formulas designed with the health of your hair and skin in mind provide even more reassurance.
