Some Simple Solutions to Avoid Breakouts
As seasons and trends change, so does the way guys decide to style their hair and facial hair. With November quickly approaching, and the ever-popular “#Movember,” or “No Shave November,” guys across the country will be trying to sport a bearded look. Alternatively, maybe you are ready to have a more “mature” and “rugged” look that you can show off for the fall and winter months. Either way, trying out new looks and styles is never a bad thing and should be exciting!
New Looks, New Routines
For any guy who has never tried this look before or others that are transitioning from a clean-shaven look, acne can be an issue that was not expected. Sometimes guys faces can react badly when significant changes come into play like growing a full beard. Sadly, beard-related acne can be an issue that pops up that was not expected to be included in this “new look.”
Although growing a beard can be a complicated and intricate process, it does require some attention to fend off any unwanted blemishes. Your beard should not be considered as a type of shield to these issues, and steps should be taken to avoid this annoying effect.
Breakouts: Ingrown Hair vs. Acne
When a guy starts to grow a beard, it can be difficult to define if it is an acne breakout or ingrown hairs. Both can feel the same and be just as painful. However, their causes are different.
For someone who is religious about having a clean shave as their usual routine, the process of growing a beard can be a bit traumatic for the skin. If a man has a curlier hair texture, this can increase the issues.
What about a regular acne breakout? That can come down to an issue of increased oil that is caused by the beard. Oil, dirt, and bacteria can get trapped beneath the beard and cause breakout issues for the skin.
Luckily, either scenario that could be happening or be caused when growing a beard can be prevented!
What is The Secret? Exfoliation!
Your first thought may have been, “I have a beard. How in the world can I exfoliate my skin when all this hair is covering it?!” The short answer to your question is, you can!
One of the most beneficial things you can do when you are wanting to exfoliate your skin below a beard is using a brush. The best and most useful brush is the kind with Boar Bristles. With these types of brushes, the bristles can reach the skin and wipe away old skin cells.
A Good Brush Suggestions: Beardbrand’s Boar’s Hair Brush
One brush that many claims are the “best” for use with a beard is the Boars Hair Brush by Beardbrand. These brushes are an excellent option for brushing the beard and exfoliating the skin. This aspect will assist in reducing and eliminating any breakouts and keeps the skin fresh and clean even when you cannot see it directly.
Daily Combing: A Vital Addition to Your Routine
Although brushing with a Boar’s Hair brush is an exceptional way to exfoliate beneath the beard, combing the beard is also a vital aspect that will keep any dirt and grime off of the skin. The brushing should be done at least once a day.
A Good Comb Suggestion: Kent Hand Mande Beard and Moustache Comb
When searching for a comb for your daily routine, it is essential to get one that contours the face. It is vital only to use a comb that is set aside for your beard, and not the same comb used for the hair on your head!
Shampoo is Not Only for Your Face
Now that you have added exfoliating, combing, and brushing to your routine, you are good to go! But, wait. Are you still suffering from breakouts and feel like you may not “have the skin” to grow a beard? Do not lose hope yet!
Most people do not realize that washing the hair on top of your head with shampoo is just as important as doing the same for a beard. How you decide to complete the shampoo and manage the routine is all up to individual preference.
There are different options when it comes to shampooing your beard. There are excellent choices for beard soaps, as well as using palm oil to help in moisturizing, and also a lot of lather and suds for cleaning your beard.
A Great Beard Soap Suggestion: Lucky Tar’s Handmade Pine Tar Soap
If you want to go a step above a beard soap, then you want to try a beard shampoo next! It will all come down to the texture of your hair. When you shampoo a beard, frequent shampooing can cause the beard to become frizzier. If this occurs, it is best to help reduce the frizz by also conditioning the beard.
A Great Beard Shampoo Suggestion: Billy Jealousy’s Beard Envy Kit
The kit by Lucky Tar includes a beard shampoo, a beard trimmer, and an excellent boar’s hair hairbrush. This option is a great kit for someone who is starting to grow a beard or needs to update their routine and add some fantastic products.
Sometimes Starting Over Can Be for The Best
Now you have tried everything. You’ve combed and shampooed, soaped and brushed, and you still have consistent issues with breakouts. Although it may not be the ideal solution, there is one more thing you can try. Start over.
No, it is not the most exciting idea and may cause you some reservation, but it could help for the next time you try and grow a beard. Shaving off the beard entirely and working to repair and revitalize the skin could be the solution you need.
After shaving off the beard, and the acne and breakouts are gone, this could be the ideal time to try and grow the beard again. Now that you have added steps to your daily routine and can care for the skin under the beard better, this time around could go seamlessly.
Shave it Now, Grow it Again Soon
Many men have found that if they start off growing a beard and have a good routine in place that includes soaping, shampooing, combing, and brushing, the issues they had before are non-existent. A majority of men that have problems with acne breakouts when they grow a beard have found that having a routine already in place that covers all the basics of cleaning and grooming, the second time around goes nothing like the first. They have no breakouts, or very minimal. Moreover, they are prepared to do the steps with the right products and can grow a beard and have soft skin at the same time.
Have some more suggestions that are great for easing any acne under your beard? Let us know! We love hearing from others on their success stories, tips, and tricks.
