Caring for your beard helps keep the hair and the surrounding skin soft, groomed, and healthy. Unfortunately, pimples and breakouts are a common side effect of growing out facial hair. Try these tips to prevent beard-related acne and learn when you should see a dermatologist about the issue.

Cleansing Your Beard

Bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt that collect in a beard can lead to breakouts. We recommend removing as much of this debris as possible by washing with a gentle facial cleanser in the morning and evening. We also recommend beard shampoo, which removes pimple-causing substances without stripping your hair and skin of its natural oils. When your beard is first growing in, you should also exfoliate each day to prevent ingrown hairs. This is best done with a beard brush when the hair is dry.

The Importance of Moisture

Although you may not want to moisturize acne-prone skin, doing so prevents the overproduction of oil that results from dryness. Try a beard oil or balm made from natural ingredients. Argan oil is a good choice because this ingredient is non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog pores. As for balm, which is more like a leave-in conditioner, look for products with shea butter. This ingredient can help kill bacteria that contribute to breakouts.

Lifestyle Changes

You can also make simple changes that improve your beard hygiene to help prevent pimples from forming. For example, change your pillowcase every few days and avoid touching your beard too often. When you shave and trim around your beard, use a new razor and shaving cream to avoid irritating the skin. Also, eating a healthy diet comprised of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins gives your body the nutrients it needs for healthy skin.

If you’re still experiencing acne around the beard area after taking these steps, make an appointment with The Dermatology Clinic in Baton Rouge. We can diagnose and treat acne issues and develop a routine to help clear those beard breakouts. Call us at (225) 769-7546 today.