A well-maintained beard can be a fashionable way to take your look to the next level and express your individuality. Beards can even add more definition to your jawline. But beneath that stylish facial hair, you might experience some not-so-fashionable beard acne. And while these little beard bumps may remain hidden in your beard, they can still cause irritation, and when left untreated, are a recipe for worsening acne.
Working beard care into your skincare routine is much easier than you might think! We’ve prepared some beard care tips so you can experience the look you want, without discomfort or aggravated acne.
But first, it’s important to understand a bit about beard acne.
What is beard acne?
Beard acne is a condition where you develop pimples under your facial hair. The bumps tend to come with redness around your hair follicles.
Ingrown hairs occur when your hair curls and pokes back through your skin. With so much hair in one tight area, beards are a very common area to experience ingrown hairs and accompanying irritation and itching. So, how can you help prevent and treat the acne in your beard?
How to get rid of acne under beard
The first step in dealing with beard acne is to evaluate your overall skincare routine. If you are just dipping your toes into the skincare world, a great place to start is by learning about skincare for men.
Here are some specific beard and skincare tips to teach you how to deal with pimples under your beard.
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Regularly wash your beard.
One of the causes of beard pimples is bacteria, so washing your beard daily helps reduce the likelihood of those unwanted beard bumps. When you’re washing your face in the morning and evening, spend a bit of extra time to ensure your beard is washed while you’re scrubbing the area.
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Don’t overlook a comb.
A beard comb can help spread products like moisturizer, conditioner, and beard oil through your beard. Combing also helps detangle your beard, which helps prevent ingrown hairs.
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Cleanse and moisturize.
Cleansing the skin under your beard helps wash away dirt, oil and debris that can contribute to the formation of acne. Avoid a harsh cleanser that can irritate your skin. The ideal choice is the Ultra-Gentle Cleanser from the ProactivMD® 3-Piece System. It’s formulated to leave skin feeling clean, and not stripped of moisture.
Hydrating the skin underneath your beard is essential. Just like moisturizing is one of the basic building blocks of a skincare routine, it should be a building block in your beard care routine. Properly maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier beneath your beard helps prevent your skin from producing excess oil, which can lead to acne. Try the Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer in the ProactivMD 3-Piece System. It’s built to help absorb excess oil with mattifying elements, so your face and beard get the hydration without the oily look.
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Adjust your shaving technique.
Shaving when you have acne can end up further irritating your skin if you don’t use the proper technique.
Try shaving after you shower, so your skin is clean and clear. Even more importantly, change out your razor blade each time you shave. Razors that aren’t fresh can carry acne-causing bacteria. Pre-shave oil can make shaving a less irritable experience.
The bottom line
Beard acne can be one of the most frustrating skin conditions for men growing a beard. Follow these tips and give your skin the most powerful acne-fighting products by finding the proactiv® acne treatment system that’s right for your unique skin so you can grow the beard you desire, without the irritation or acne.
