What To Do If Your BF's Beard Irritates Your Skin

You may love the look of your guy's unshaven, scruffy beard, but wait until you make out and your skin is left raw, red, and peeling. I'm guessing you and your skin might have some differing opinions on that stubble after that. If your boyfriend's beard is irritating your skin and you're wondering what to do about it, there are definitely some things you can do to help heal that beard burn. The struggle is totally real.

"Beard burn" happens when stubble rubs against your skin and irritates it, creating post-makeout raw, tender skin — which is basically as not cute as it is painful. In theory, the easiest thing to do would be to just get him to shave before kissing you (and shave close and all the way), but maybe he doesn't want to, or you just really like the look of it and are willing to make that painful sacrifice (or, you know, maybe never kiss him again). But you don't have to get that drastic — there are several things you can do to help prevent beard burn, or repair your skin if it's already happened. Stubble is hot...but not hot enough to completely destroy your skin.

1. Moisturize Pre-Makeout

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, $14, Amazon

This step can be irrelevant, because I mean, who really plans when a makeout sesh is going to happen? But if you happen to be that intuitive, then make sure you apply a thick moisturizer on your chin/mouth area to help mitigate the effects.

2. Avoid Exfoliating

Don't exfoliate before making out, because that leaves the skin more raw and vulnerable.

3. Go Easy On Cleansing

Yes To Cucumbers Gentle Milk Cleanser, $8, Amazon

OK, so you've gotten beard burn: now what? Avoid harsh cleansers (use a gentle milky one, instead), or even avoid cleansing the area altogether until it heals.

4. Apply A Wet Washcloth

Hold a cold, wet washcloth to the affected area for a few minutes to help calm it down.

5. Use Vaseline

Vaseline Original, $3, Amazon

It'll help calm down the redness and keep it hydrated while healing.

6. Try Cortisone Cream

Cortisone 10 Intensive Healing Cream, $9, Amazon

If the above hasn't worked, try applying a one percent, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to help speed recovery and ease the pain.

7. Avoid Scented Moisturizers

Earth Science Almond-Aloe Moisturizer, $9, Amazon

Any moisturizer with fragrance or even SPF in it could irritate your skin further, so steer clear until it's healed.

Want more fashion and beauty tips? Check out the video below and subscribe to Bustle on YouTube!

Images: Target; Aja Koska/E+/Getty Images; Isla Murray/Bustle