Want to know what’s sexy? A thick, full beard. Want to know what’s not so hot? Beneath the beard breakouts and sometime painful ingrown hairs.
While initially thought to be just another trend – just type #beard into any social media platform and see what pops up -- rocking a beard is a lifestyle. In other words, it’s work. Whether you’ve decided to run with it for the upcoming fall season, Tinder pics, or warmth, there are a few things you may want to consider before your new beard grows in.
- Don’t be surprised if your skin reacts badly to new growth. You may notice pimples.
- Beard hair is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, as it’s likely to trap dust, dirt and debris.
- Grooming is essential for pimple prevention.
Fortunately for the fellas, Aidan Gill, a gentlemen’s barber to the likes of Denzel Washington and LeBron James, has some beard breakout tips that may prove useful. His New Orleans shop, Aidan Gill for Men, specializes in the art of grooming.
What habits are causing beneath the beard breakouts?
The answer is simple. “Even when you have a beard, you still have to wash your face well,” Gill tells BlackDoctor.org. Gill says, “Often times, men simply forget to wash their beard thoroughly. And if you live in a city, your beard traps a lot of debris and detritus. So, take your time and clean your face (and neck) properly.”
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Already breaking out? Here’s how to treat your pimple problems:
“Acne is an infection,” explained the master barber. "So, I recommend using a beard wash and a beard balm that penetrates beneath the beard.”
The best part? There are a handful of Black-owned beard care companies at your disposal:
Koils by Nature, beard kit, $45
Perfect for the beard enthusiast on-the-go, this kit contains a beard and face cleanser, shaving foam, and beard butter. Each with the ability to “soothe, purify and stimulate,” leaving your face and beard feeling “clean without stripping your skin of its natural oils.”
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Dr Goat, beard lotion, $20
This concoction comes in two scents: unscented and peppermint with rosemary. Formulated for “all beard and skin types,” the lotion promises to moisturize and relieve symptoms of dry skin, while adding shine and sheen, for an easy comb through.
Luster’s SCurl, beard balm, $7.99
Dubbed an “excellent beard moisturizer,” SCurl’s beard balm is 100 percent natural. It's created with olive oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter. It boasts properties that prevent dryness, nourish, and softens stiff hairs.
Are beard breakouts an indicator that the beard life may not be for you?
If you’ve always wanted to give it a go, Gill says go for it. “Think of your beard as a net that catches everything from pollen to dust to diesel fuel, which then enters the skin/infects the pores. It’s not congenital; it’s all comes down to cleanliness and hygiene.”
In short, put as much care into keeping your beard clean and maintained as you would any other body part.
