We all know that feeling. You leave the house with a clean-shaven face and notice little pimples pop up where your beard grows. What we call "beard acne" are actually razor bumps, which is also known as ingrown beard hair. When you shave, the hair follicles become inflamed and you develop pimple-like bumps. Beard acne and razor bumps are more common in men with curly and coarser beard hair.
Even if you don't shave, you can still get beard acne. The hair can trap dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria close to the skin. All of these things clog pores, causing acne.
Don't worry, you can prevent beard acne by following these simple steps.
1. Wash Your Face
The first step in beard care is using a face wash. Washing your face twice a day, especially where your beard hairs grow, is essential to preventing acne.
Face cleansers contain powerful ingredients such as salicylic acid that clear your pores, resulting in fewer breakouts. When choosing a facial cleanser, be sure to find a gentle cleanser suitable for the face. Using something else such as a body bar soap can irritate the skin.
2. Don't Touch Your Face
Washing your face is often not enough to prevent beard acne. Refrain from touching your face, especially your beard. Your fingers hold germs and even dirt that can clog your pores. All of this can lead to breakouts. If you have to scratch an itch, try using the back of your hand or your shirt instead.
3. Use Clean Towels
How often do you change out your bathroom towels? After showering and washing your face, always use a clean towel. Germs and dirt accumulate on towels, causing breakouts. Experts suggest using the same towel no more than three times before switching to a new towel. You should also hang up your towels to dry after using them.
4. Drink Water
Increasing your water intake has a link to healthy skin hydration levels. If your skin is hydrated, you won't naturally produce as much oil and sebum. When your skin overproduces oil and sebum, these substances can clog your pores, causing beard acne. For best results, men should drink 3.7 litres of water a day.
5. Use Beard Conditioner
On the topic of skin hydration, you should always use a beard conditioner every day. If you don't use a beard conditioner, your skin can become dry and itchy. Your skin will overproduce oil and sebum, causing breakouts. And with an itchy beard, you're touching your face more, which also introduces dirt and germs into your pores.
Use beard conditioner — not beard oil. Some beard oil formulas contain comedogenic ingredients that can clog pores and irritate the skin. Beard conditioners leave your beard feeling soft without clogging your pores.
Prevent Beard Acne With the Right Products
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