“Along with women, men are also becoming beauty and image-conscious, resulting in an increased demand for beard grooming products. The increased popularity of beard as a style statement among men has propelled the sale of beard grooming products over the years. The demand for beard grooming products is expected to grow further with increasing awareness of the different beard grooming products available in the market,” according to BusinessWire.

However, despite the modern popularity of facial hair, consumers sporting beards, mustaches, and stubble are far more likely to experience common skincare problems like bumps, dandruff, and dry skin. 

But, luckily for bearded consumers, skincare products featuring the exfoliating hero ingredient glycolic acid are an effective solution to keeping the skin underneath and around facial hair healthy, smooth, and evenly pigmented.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae, or the red, inflamed bumps that appear on the skin underneath and around the beard area, are an all-too common skincare issue for those with facial hair.

“One of the most common issues I see as a dermatologist is acne, which, in the beard area, is called pseudofolliculitis barbae,” said Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “This occurs when hairs that are shaved or plucked get trapped under the skin, causing a cascade of inflammation.” These ingrown hairs can show up as little red bumps, pustules, or painful cysts,” explains Allure.

For dealing with beard breakouts,  glycolic acid is the perfect skincare ingredient to attack current bumps – and prevent future issues. 

Topically applied glycolic acid exfoliates the skin surface rapidly, dissolving the bonds holding dead skin cells together. As glycolic acid effectively sloughs away the dead skin cells, oil, bacteria, dirt off the surface of the face, the raised appearance and redness of bumps, pustules, or cysts will also be quickly reduced and minimized. 

In short? A weekly exfoliation with glycolic acid is key to maintaining healthy facial skin – and a great-looking beard.

Additionally, glycolic acid is key for keeping the skin underneath facial hair properly moisturized. Facial hair often exacerbates dry skin and dandruff, as it makes itmore difficult for hydrating products to sink into the skin – not the beard. Over time, this lack of moisture can lead to dehydrated skin that fails to exfoliate properly. As dead skin cells build up on the surface of the face, dandruff and flakes can form, creating unpleasant, embarrassing, and downright itchy side effects for consumers.

However, a weekly use of a glycolic acid skincare product can help solve this issue. When applied, the small molecule size of glycolic acid allows the Alpha Hydroxy Acid to deeply penetrate the skin barrier and drive new cells to the surface of the face. These new cells are healthy, and thus more easily able to retain moisturizing products. 

With regular, gentle chemical exfoliation, beard-wearing consumers can keep their skin healthy and hydrated. 

As facial hair continues to trend for male consumers, so will the need for products designed to maintain the skin beneath the beard. Targeting common problems like acne, irritation, dandruff, and dry skin is an excellent way for product planners and formulators to tap into the burgeoning beard care market, with extra stylish results.

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