Sebderm Product Lists & Insights

1. Medicated Shampoos and Scalp Treatments

Nizoral (Ketoconazole)

• Brand Example: Nizoral A-D (OTC in 1% ketoconazole), Prescription-strength versions (2%)

• Use: Antifungal shampoo widely discussed for controlling scalp flaking, redness, and itchiness. One of the most frequently cited products in sebderm forums.

Head & Shoulders (Zinc Pyrithione)

• Brand Example: Head & Shoulders Classic Clean, Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength

• Use: Contains zinc pyrithione, which helps combat dandruff and mild sebderm. Many rely on it for routine maintenance when flares are mild.

Selsun Blue (Selenium Sulfide)

• Brand Example: Selsun Blue, Selsun Blue Medicated

• Use: Selenium sulfide-based shampoo that reduces Malassezia yeast and inflammation on the scalp. Commonly mentioned as an alternative to ketoconazole.

Neutrogena T/Gel (Coal Tar)

• Brand Example: Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

• Use: Coal tar helps slow skin cell turnover and can be effective for stubborn scalp scaling. Some dislike the smell, but others appreciate its effectiveness.

Neutrogena T/Sal (Salicylic Acid)

• Brand Example: Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

• Use: Uses salicylic acid to help remove scalp buildup and reduce flaking. Often paired with antifungal shampoos in a rotation.

Loprox Shampoo (Ciclopirox)

• Brand Example: Loprox (prescription)

• Use: Another antifungal agent (ciclopirox) that targets yeast on the scalp. Less common than ketoconazole but frequently mentioned for resistant cases.

DHS Zinc Shampoo (Zinc Pyrithione)

• Brand Example: DHS Zinc

• Use: A gentler zinc pyrithione-based shampoo that some prefer if they find Head & Shoulders too harsh or fragranced.

Sebclair / Sebowash

• Brand Example: Sebclair (cream/shampoo line in some regions)

• Use: Marketed specifically for sebderm with mild antifungal and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Not as widely available but discussed by those seeking specialized formulations.

2. Facial Cleansers and Gentle Washes

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

• Brand Example: Cetaphil

• Use: Frequently recommended on forums for its mild, non-irritating formula that helps maintain the skin’s barrier. Commonly used on the face (and sometimes body) during flares.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

• Brand Example: CeraVe

• Use: Another popular gentle cleanser with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Helps soothe and hydrate without stripping natural oils.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

• Brand Example: Vanicream

• Use: Fragrance-free and minimal ingredient list, making it a top pick for very sensitive skin. Many sebderm sufferers switch to Vanicream during active flares.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

• Brand Example: La Roche-Posay

• Use: Lightweight, low-foaming cleanser that’s often praised for sensitive or irritated skin. Sometimes recommended by dermatologists for facial sebderm.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

• Brand Example: Neutrogena

• Use: Mild cleanser frequently mentioned by forum users who want a budget-friendly, non-stripping option for the face.

3. Creams, Lotions, and Topical Medications

Ketoconazole Cream (e.g., Nizoral Cream)

• Brand Example: Nizoral Cream (ketoconazole 2%)

• Use: Prescription-based antifungal cream for facial or body patches of sebderm. Often used short-term to control yeast overgrowth on areas beyond the scalp.

Ciclopirox Cream (e.g., Loprox Cream)

• Brand Example: Loprox

• Use: Similar to ketoconazole cream but uses the antifungal agent ciclopirox. Frequently mentioned for persistent facial lesions.

Hydrocortisone Cream (Low-Potency Steroid)

• Brand Example: Cortizone-10, generic hydrocortisone

• Use: Over-the-counter low-potency steroid cream. Provides quick relief of redness and itching but is generally recommended for short-term use only.

Desonide Cream (Prescription Steroid)

• Brand Example: Various generics (DesOwen, LoKara)

• Use: A low-strength prescription steroid cream often used for facial sebderm when inflammation is significant. Forum users note caution due to the risk of skin thinning with prolonged use.

Elidel (Pimecrolimus Cream)

• Brand Example: Elidel

• Use: Calcineurin inhibitor used off-label for sebderm. Some find it helps reduce inflammation without steroid side effects. Not universally effective, but often discussed in resistant cases.

Protopic (Tacrolimus Ointment)

• Brand Example: Protopic

• Use: Another calcineurin inhibitor for controlling inflammation. Sometimes used off-label for facial sebderm in people prone to steroid issues.

Clotrimazole / Miconazole / Terbinafine (OTC Antifungal Creams)

• Brand Example: Lotrimin (clotrimazole), Monistat (miconazole), Lamisil (terbinafine)

• Use: Common athlete’s foot or jock itch creams used off-label on small sebderm patches. Some forum members experiment with these if prescription antifungals are unavailable.

MetroCream / MetroGel (Metronidazole)

• Brand Example: MetroCream, MetroGel

• Use: Although commonly prescribed for rosacea, some forum users with overlapping redness find it calms inflammation in sebderm. Less direct antifungal effect, but might help with general inflammation.

4. Moisturizers and Barrier Support

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

• Brand Example: CeraVe

• Use: Contains ceramides and niacinamide. Loved in forums for aiding skin barrier repair without being too heavy. Often used in nighttime routines.

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream/Lotion

• Brand Example: Vanicream

• Use: A go-to for ultra-sensitive skin. Free of fragrances, dyes, lanolin, and parabens, making it popular for controlling irritation and dryness associated with sebderm.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra

• Brand Example: La Roche-Posay

• Use: Lightweight but soothing moisturizer that many with facial sebderm find non-irritating. Some also note success with Toleriane Sensitive or Toleriane Fluid variants.

Eucerin Redness Relief / Eucerin Daily Hydration

• Brand Example: Eucerin

• Use: Offers products with calming ingredients aimed at reducing facial redness, which can be helpful during active flares.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

• Brand Example: Aveeno

• Use: Oat-based formulations can provide soothing benefits. Often used on body areas affected by sebderm.

Physiogel Hypoallergenic Lotion

• Brand Example: Physiogel

• Use: Another brand frequently praised on forums for its gentle, barrier-supporting qualities, especially in regions where it’s more readily available.

Burt’s Bees Body Lotion Milk & Honey Normal To Dry Skin

• Brand Example: Burts Bees

• Use: Natural Ingredients that can reduce redness and tightness. Not highly recommended. Used on affected areas in small amounts.

5. Natural and Alternative Remedies

Raw Honey

• Brand Example: Manuka honey or raw, unpasteurized honey (various brands)

• Use: Used in masks or diluted washes for natural antifungal and soothing properties. Many anecdotal forum success stories revolve around honey masks for the face/scalp.

Tea Tree Oil

• Brand Example: Often the 100% essential oil from brands like NOW, Tea Tree Therapy, etc.

• Use: Diluted in shampoos or carrier oils due to its antifungal and antiseptic properties. Can be irritating if used at too high a concentration.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

• Brand Example: Bragg is often mentioned

• Use: Diluted ACV rinses are popular for the scalp. Some use gentle ACV toners on the face. Claims range from pH balancing to mild antifungal effects.

Aloe Vera Gel

• Brand Example: Lily of the Desert, Seven Minerals, or Holika Holika (K-beauty brand)

• Use: Soothing, cooling effect for irritated skin. Commonly layered under a moisturizer to calm redness or itch.

Oregano Oil

• Brand Example: NOW Oregano Oil or Gaia Herbs

• Use: A potent antifungal sometimes diluted and applied topically, or taken orally in capsules (with caution). Mixed reviews on effectiveness and skin tolerability.

MCT Oil

• Brand Example: Bullet Proof MCT Oil

• Use: Some use MCT oil as a moisturizer or scalp mask due to its lauric acid content. Only use brands that have C8 MCT oil.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

• Brand Example: Nutribiotic

• Use: Used by a niche group in DIY scalp or facial toners for potential antifungal properties. Mixed anecdotal reports of success or irritation.

Propolis Ointments

• Brand Example: Various beekeeping supply brands, Apis (some local/regional)

• Use: Bee propolis-based creams and ointments championed by those who see an anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing effect. A more specialty alternative.

6. Miscellaneous / Supportive Products

Salicylic Acid Products (e.g., Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid)

• Brand Example: Paula’s Choice, Stridex (in pads), The Ordinary SA products

• Use: Mild chemical exfoliation to control flaking and unclog pores. Used sparingly on sebderm-prone areas to reduce scale buildup.

Niacinamide Serums (e.g., The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%)

• Brand Example: The Ordinary, Paula’s Choice, etc.

• Use: Niacinamide can help with redness and barrier function. Some find it calming, others report sensitivity. Always test carefully.

Sunscreens (Mineral-Based)

• Brand Examples: EltaMD UV Clear, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral, CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen

• Use: Gentle, fragrance-free sunscreens often recommended for daily protection, as UV can sometimes trigger or worsen inflammation. Helps protect sensitive skin, especially if you have any overlapping rosacea.

Micellar Water (e.g., Bioderma Sensibio H2O)

• Brand Example: Bioderma Sensibio, Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

• Use: Gentle cleansing option for days when skin is highly irritated. Used by some as a quick refresh without a full wash.

Humidifiers / Air Purifiers (not a product applied to skin, but often mentioned)

• Brand Examples: Honeywell, Levoit, Boneco (various types)

• Use: Many people mention that dry indoor air exacerbates scaliness and itch, so running a humidifier can help maintain skin hydration.

Important Notes

1. Rotation Approach:

Many forum users emphasize rotating between different medicated shampoos (e.g., ketoconazole one week, zinc pyrithione the next) to reduce the risk of resistance or diminished effectiveness over time.

2. Patch Testing:

Sebderm-prone skin is often sensitive. Nearly all experienced forum members recommend patch testing new creams, cleansers, or natural remedies to avoid full-face or full-scalp irritation.

3. Overlap with Other Conditions:

While the list focuses on sebderm alone, some with overlapping conditions (like rosacea or psoriasis) adjust product choices—especially with regard to potential irritants like certain essential oils, acids, or steroids. However, the base principle of gentle products and mindful usage remains the same.

4. Personal Variation:

What works beautifully for one person may worsen another’s symptoms. Forums are full of conflicting stories about the same product. Always proceed with caution, especially if it’s a strong antifungal or an essential oil.

5. Dermatologist Consultation:

While forum anecdotes offer helpful insights, discussing treatment with a dermatologist is wise for severe, persistent, or atypical cases. Prescriptions like ketoconazole 2% shampoo, ciclopirox cream, or short-term topical steroids can be very useful, but professional guidance ensures safer usage.