Skin and Beard Issues for Outdoorsy Kilt Wearers

Skin and Beard Issues for Outdoorsy Kilt Wearers

Most people associated kilts with weddings and other formal events, yet the truth is that they are freely worn in a wide array of occasions, including churchgoing, smart social occasions, and fancy dinners. Kilts are often worn outdoors, which can result in specific skin conditions such as chafing on sunnier days . To look your best and don your kilt with confidence, follow these tips and keep skin in tip-top condition, even during all-day outdoor events.

Chafing Prevention

If you’ve ever experienced the excruciating pain of chafing, you probably would do anything you could to avoid it. Chafing is actually very common, occurring mainly in the upper thigh when legs rub together in warm, humid weather. Because this condition is so painful, prevention is infinitely better than cure.

Tackle this issue from within first, drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to the event, thus keeping skin hydrated and reducing the concentration of salt (a known irritant) in your sweat. Keep thighs moisturized with a quality organic moisturizer; dry skin is more prone to chafing.

On the day of the event, feel free to choose between body powder and petroleum jelly to reduce friction. Powder is the more comfortable and less greasy option, but you will have to bring an extra supply for top-ups, since it tends to disappear after an hour or two in the sun. Petroleum jelly, on the other hand will last for various hours, requiring just one top-up application if at all.

If you already have chafing, clean the affected area well by washing your thighs with an antibacterial soap and apply an over-the-counter cream containing oils, emollient agents, antibacterial and antifungal agents, and a mild anesthetic. Often, tried-and-tested rash creams will have all these ingredients so don’t be reticent to use one you may already have at home.

Beard and Facial Hair Care

Few styles quite flatter a kilt as much as a well kept beard; once you have decided on your perfect length and style, key elements of grooming include regular washing with a specialized beard cleanser, and towel drying (pat gently to avoid frazzled strands and split ends). To look best for a wedding or other swish soiree, don’t scrimp on a good beard oil, which adds a beautiful sheen and softness, as well as a pleasant fragrance. Use a beard brush to comb unruly areas, using a moisturising balm to keep unruly hairs in place. Finally, ensure important areas are neat and trimmed. To tackle ear and nose hair, scissors are safest, since waxing and plucking can lead to infection. If you wish to shape your brows, consult a beautician at least for the first time, since over plucking can result in eyebrows which are too thin.

Skincare under the Sun

The sun’s UV rays can age skin, causing it to wrinkle and lose firmness well before its time. These days, there are a plethora of men’s skincare lines aimed to keep your skin hydrated and replenished. Daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing is key. Aim to have both a morning and night-time routine, using specific creams and serums for the sensitive eye area and opting for a day cream containing SPF. Reapply your sunscreen every 45 minutes or so, since your body tends to sweat off any product you apply fairly quickly. Don’t neglect other exposed area; for instance, the calves can suffer from sunburn and drying out in sunny weather, so ensure you are well hydrated from head to toe.