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Barc: Unique Skincare Line for Men of Color

Barc Skin-Care For Men of Color Co-Founder Robert Brace

What is Barc? Barc is the authentic outer shell that everyone sees, a symbol of what's inside, and a new range of products that help men feel good in their skin. Founded by Christopher Hayes and Robert Brace, the men's skincare line Barc was specially designed to address the needs of men of color. Barc is sold through specialty and boutique chains across the country and on their website www.getbarc.com. Barc delivers tested, high quality results that take men's skincare to the next level with products such as Bump Down (for razor bump relief) and Game Face (facial moisturizer lotion with SPF 15).

Barc Co-Founder Robert Brace breaks down the skin issues and gives advice for the COCOAHOMME, men of color with distinguished grooming.

HOMME: What is your industry background?

Brace: I have always been interested in skincare because of my own personal quest for products that work. Inspiring men of color has always been important to me. I was an ordained minister in Harlem for six years. Much of my time was spent building community programs to uplift and inspire Black and Hispanic men and youth. During this time I discovered that the first step in building self-esteem is addressing how you feel about yourself. Not feeling comfortable in and with your skin can be detrimental to your confidence. Confidence, as we all know, is an extremely important ingredient for success.

HOMME: Why did you create a skincare line for men of color?

Brace: Eighty five percent of men of color use skincare products daily to combat a variety of skin conditions from ashy skin to dark spots and ingrown hairs. There is presently no complete skincare line that meets this groups specific skincare needs. Barc clients before discovering our products are usually frustrated because of the lack of quality products available for their specific needs. Many are stuck using female products, some even develop their own concoctions by mixing products. Most companies that focus on men of color usually limit their products to the shaving category. We felt that a complete range of quality skin-care products for men of color was long overdue.

Barc Bump Down Razor Bump Relief ($18)

HOMME: Do men of color experience more of a problem with razor bumps?

Brace: Absolutely. Ingrown hairs or razor bumps affect up to 80% of men of color, especially those with coarse hair. The hair shafts of men of color are usually curved. After shaving, the beard's sharp pointed hair may curl back into the skin, piercing the wall of the hair follicle. This causes a reaction resulting in painful, unattractive bumps and skin discoloration from irritation.

HOMME: Please describe how your product Bump Down actually reduces razor bumps.

Brace: Bump Down takes a holistic approach to fighting razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

• Glycolic acid, a naturally derived alpha hydroxy acid, exfoliates the skin by removing dead cells from the surface of the skin and releasing ingrown hairs.
• Bump Downs anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients fight the infection and inflammation associated with razor bumps.
• Chamomile extract soothes and calms painful and irritated skin.
• Glycerin moisturizes dry flaky areas, keeping the skin adequately hydrated.

HOMME: What products help with breakouts/acne?

Brace: Barc's All Over Face+Body Wash helps fight breakouts by deep cleaning skin without drying it out.

HOMME: Please share skincare tips for the COCOAHOMME?

Brace: The simplest, practical pieces of advice:

• Avoid products that contain alcohol.
  Many products on the market contain alcohol which breaks down the skins natural surface layer of moisture. This leaves the skin more exposed to environmental damage, causes dry, ashy skin and leads to skin irritation.
• Always use sunscreen.
  Sunscreen protects your skin from sun damage and helps fight dark spots. Many people of color do not like using sunscreen because it leaves white or blue streaks on their skin. Barcs Game Face Face Lotion is an alcohol-free moisturizer with a translucent SPF for sun protection without streaks.

By Ellen Rosner Feig

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