Is Your Beard Oil Causing Breakouts?

Beard oil is incredibly popular right now. It is designed to help replenish your skin’s natural oils that are lost as a result of cleansing your beard and can also help to condition your beard itself. There are countless beard oil brand and types now available, but not all formulas are created equal. If you’ve noticed pimples, redness, or irritation since you’ve been using a particular beard oil, it may contain ingredients that aren’t right for your skin.

Which Beard Oil Ingredients Cause Acne?

Some ingredients commonly found in beard oils are comedogenic, meaning that they clog pores. “Comedo” is the word used to describe a clogged hair follicle, with “comedones” being the plural. Open comedones, called blackheads, are clogged “capped” with blackened debris. Closed comedones, or whiteheads, are what come to mind when most people think of a pimple. They are usually filled with white or yellowish pus, caused by a bacterial infection.

Some of the most common comedogenic ingredients found in some beard oils are:

Almond oil
Coconut oil
Coconut butter
Soybean oil
Safflower oil

Most beard oils also contain essential oils which may be irritating to sensitive skin types. If your skin becomes red and itchy or stings and burns, it could be due to an allergic reaction to one or several essential oils in your beard oil. In some situations, the oil only causes an allergy when exposed to sun so keep this in mind if a rash or acne occurs only after sun exposure.

What Are the Best Beard Conditioning Ingredients for Sensitive Skin?

Many men use beard oils to help keep their skin hydrated and their facial hair soft and groomed. Some of the best ingredients to look for in these types of products, especially if you have sensitive skin include:

Argan oil. Argan oil is an excellent ingredient for dry skin. It is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins A and E. You can look for beard oils that contain this ingredient, or use argan oil on its own. Look for pure 100% Moroccan argan oil such as PAORR.
Evening primrose oil. This oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which can help to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduce inflammation.
Jojoba oil. Jojoba oil also helps to reduce inflammation while moisturizing the skin. It is rich in vitamins E and B.
Tea tree oil. Thanks to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, tea tree oil can be an effective ingredient for acne-prone skin.

Sensitive skin types may also do best with an unscented beard oil, as many fragrances – both natural and synthetic – can irritate sensitive skin. You can read more about different types of oils and their skin benefits here.

How to Apply Beard Oil

Start by cleansing your face using the right products for your Baumann Skin Type®.
Dry your beard.
Apply a few drops of oil to clean hands and rub together.
Gently run your hands along each side of your beard, then down the front and underneath.
Smooth your beard with a comb to put the hair back into place and achieve the desired look.
The frequency that you use beard oil will depend on your skin type and needs. Start by applying the oil every other day or every third day to see how your skin reacts.

Bottom Line

The right beard oil can help to keep your skin and hair hydrated, smooth, and comfortable. Read the ingredients list before choosing an oil to find a good match for your skin type. If you’re not sure what your skin type is, you can find a Skin Type Solutions physician partner in your area to take the quick and easy Baumann Skin Type quiz.

Don’t forget to follow Baumann Cosmetic on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more skincare tips and advice from Dr. Baumann!

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