Let’s be real: the million-plus strong r/SkincareAddiction subreddit is an absolute gold mine of skin care tips and advice. One Reddit-approved ingredient that’s been grabbing our attention lately? Azelaic acid.

It’s not just a passing trend, either — it’s got the dermatologists’ seal of approval. “Azelaic acid is a fruit acid derived from grains such as wheat, rye, and barley,” says board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Peterson Pierre, MD. “It’s been around for years, and is fantastic for acne and rosacea because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It also helps improve the appearance of pores, tone and texture, and eliminates whiteheads, blackheads, and pigmentation.”

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Dr. Peterson Pierre of Pierre Skin Care notes, “Scalp hair and facial hair are very similar and require the same care. Hair in Black men tends to be dry and brittle and therefore, requires extra moisture…to keep it looking and feeling its best. [The hair] is also very curly and is prone to getting trapped under the skin, so proper hair care and skin care are vital to minimize these issues.”

From essential oils to naturally-derived moisturizers, look for quality beard oil ingredients that have been tested and formulated with your hair texture in mind. Ask your barber for beard oil recommendations, and once you get a feel for how the ingredients interact with your skin and hair, choose your favorite. Often, Black-owned grooming brands offer products with uniquely-tailored formulations that work. “Be sure your product includes at least one of the following: coconut oil for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties; tea tree oil for its antimicrobial activity; argan oil to help strengthen the follicles; hyaluronic acid, [and finally] ceramides, and shea butter, to moisture, hydrate, repair and protect the skin barrier,” adds Dr. Pierre. “And if you have sensitive skin, steer clear of added fragrance as this can cause skin irritation.”

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Face wash comes in a variety of forms including gels, creams, and foams.

“If you have oily skin, you’re probably better off with gel cleansers, but if you have dry and sensitive skin, a creamy hydrating cleanser will be a better option,” dermatologist Peterson Pierre of Thousand Oaks, California, based Pierre Skin Care, told Greatist.

Finally, don’t let anyone tell you you’re being lazy if you don’t wash your face every morning. Too much face washing actually can rob your skin of its natural oils.

It’s better to just wash off any accumulated dirt nightly, which also helps to stretch your budget by making your bottle of face wash last longer.

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While the research on cica cream’s benefits is promising, it’s far from conclusive.

Studies on wound healing, collagen production, and inflammation have been done in animals, notes Dr. Peterson Pierre, a dermatologist with the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Westlake Village, California.

He adds that there are no high-quality, peer-reviewed studies proving cica cream’s benefits for eczema, psoriasis, or acne.

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