The Struggle

I tried everything to control my oily, acne-prone skin for most of my adult life. I thought I finally found a solution in isotretinoin, aka Accutane, but it turned out that I had traded one problem for another. Within a year, I developed new bumps, rashes, and dandruff.

The Search

My dermatologist’s solution was ketoconazole shampoo and a steroid cream. It worked, but my hair felt fried and skin became sensitive. I was on this regimen for 5 years before curiosity got the better of me. A quick search revealed ketoconazole was was an anti-fungal ingredient.

Did I have a fungal problem? Why did I have a fungal problem?

This led me down the rabbit hole of the skin microbiome. I learned that our skin has its own ecosystem of microbes that protects it, similar to our gut, and different factors can help or hurt it. My post-isotretinoin skin was a paradise for Malassezia fungi and my hair care products acted as a food source for them to grow and multiply. I was now struggling with a combination of acne and fungal conditions that constantly inflamed my scalp and made my skin very sensitive.

The Solution

There’s good news to this story! Working with an amazing team, I started OCHRE so no one else would have to compromise between beauty and health. I’ve ditched my medicated shampoos and irritating styling products for softer, healthier hair without any of the bumps, flakes, and rashes. If any of this sounds familiar, give us a shot. I’ve been in your shoes and I’m excited to hear how OCHRE works for you!

Sincerely,
Chris
OCHRE Co-founder