Men like to rock beards for many reasons. It could be for confidence and looks, or comfort and warmth. If you have a beard, or you know someone who has a beard, you know that it can take some upkeep.
But what about the skin underneath?
The unfortunate truth is that facial hair can absorb moisture, taking it away from the skin. This can lead to dryness or itchiness. What’s even worse is that facial hair can catch dirt and oil near the hair follicles, clogging pores and causing acne.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t grow a beard. If you follow the tips below, you can keep the beard and have healthy skin beneath (which can help make your beard even nicer)!
My husband does these and, well, just look at his fabulous beard! >>>
Don’t worry, I’m not accusing you of not washing your beard! But it is crucial to wash it extensively at least once a day.
In the shower, let the steam of the warm water loosen the hairs of your beard, then give it a nice wash with a facial scrub.
If you’re using beard oils, it’s a good idea to do a wash again at night, as these oils can get trapped around the hair follicles and lead to inflammation.
Alternatively, if your beard is extra thick and/or extra long, just treat it like you do the hair on your head!
In the shower, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Be sure to work it into the skin so that you can free up those trapped oils and dirt.
When you shave, you remove the top layers of the skin. This acts in place of exfoliation, removing dead skin cells, allowing your skin to be cleaner, at lower risk of clogged pores, and better able to absorb hydrating products.
But when you have a beard, you’re not shaving this away. As a result, it can build up. This is why it’s important to exfoliate.
To do so, get your beard and the skin beneath it wet with warm water. Then, in a circular motion, apply an exfoliating face wash (a cream-based cleanser with abrasive ingredients designed to actually scrape away the dead skin) to the skin beneath the hair.
Be sure to only exfoliate 2-3 times per week. Doing so more than this can risk the skin becoming too sensitive and vulnerable to damage.
Now that your skin is clean, exfoliated, and clear of built up oils and gunk, it’s time to hydrate!
Find a moisturizer that’s free of fragrances, parabens, and other ingredients that can harm your skin. Work it into your beard and the skin beneath until absorbed.
Like the hair on your head, your beard is fueled by the nutrients and compounds you consume.
That includes collagen.
If you’re taking care of your beard on the inside and the outside, you’ll have the best beard in town!