Yes, minoxidil can make you break out. Though It is not very common.
This is usually nothing more than a minor annoyance but, it can be something that keeps you from continuing to use minoxidil. Some people even stop using the product because of it.
This is a pity because minoxidil is one of the best products on the market for promoting hair growth. Though there has several other options if you want to give up minoxidil for your hair regrowth but minoxidil is considered the best medicine to stop hair fall and regrow hair without any major side effects.
What are the causes of break out?
There are a lot of reasons why someone may break out while using minoxidil. Minoxidil should not be used more than twice a day, and it should not be more than 1ml each time. There is a gap of at least 12 hours between.
The recommended dose is enough to promote hair growth. Thus, if you use too much, there is a chance that you could get too much into your system too fast, which can cause a reaction like this.
In addition, some people react badly to certain ingredients in the product. The solution in this case is switch to foam if you were using the liquid minoxidil, or switch to liquid if you were using the foam version.
Is the break out caused by minoxidil permanent?
No good or bad result of minoxidil is permanent. I mean, the hair growth by minoxidil is not permanent and not even its side effects. Stop using it and the problem will go away. But with it, the hair you gained because of minoxidil will fallout as well.
Will the acne go away by itself?
Most of the time, yes! Even if you haven’t stopped minoxidil, your acne may go away. But, if you are allergic to some ingredients of minoxidil, it will never happen until you stopped using this medication.
You never know if your breakout is caused by minoxidil, if it only showed up after using minoxidil, then I am inclined to believe it is likely related. But there are other factors you must consider as well, because many times acne has no single cause and may actually originate due to a combination of factors or sources. So make sure to ask around or consult with professionals on how to remedy your situation before giving up hope completely.
What is my other options?
I have mentioned previously, you can switch between the form of minoxidil and check. The ingredients of each form of minoxidil are different. So, it could be the best solution for you. If you using liquid version and that causing the breakout, then switch to the foam version. Other hand, if the foam version causing the breakout then switch to the liquid version.
It is very rare that both the version causing the issue for you. But if you are that unlucky person, then don’t worry, because this is not the only medication for hair regrowth.
You can switch to finasteride. This medication is also FDA approved.
And out of these two, there are micro-needling, PRP, low-level laser therapy, saw palmetto and many other treatments are available.
Final Verdict
Does Minoxidil Make You Break Out? Yes, rarely it can. But, it is just some people are allergic to some ingredients in this medication.
So if you are one of those people, then you should stop using it immediately. If you are using the liquid or foam version of minoxidil and you are experiencing a breakout, then try switching to the other form of minoxidil. If that doesn’t work, then I would suggest you consult with your doctor.
But in general, most of the time, if you are not breaking out from using this medication, then there is nothing wrong with you and you can continue using it safely for hair regrowth.
References
- Acne due to minoxidil–https://www.practo.com/consult/acne-due-to-minoxidil-i-am-using-minoxidil-from-1-month-and-facing-small-breakouts-and-itching-of-my-skin-i-also-feel/q
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Minoxidil Side Effects: What Are They and Are They Common?–https://www.forhims.com/blog/minoxidil-side-effects-what-are-they-and-are-they-common