Causes of Itchy Beards
Itching due to a new beard can be attributed to a wide variety of causes, ranging from the straightforward to the more complex. The most common culprit is dryness- the skin beneath a new beard can be quite dry and the beard itself can be a potent source of irritation. Other factors contributing to itchiness could include allergens like car exhaust, smoke, or pollens, or things like too much shaving cream, harsh soaps and shampoos, or substances used in styling products. It’s also possible that the oil production of the skin on the face, as well as the oil produced by the beard itself, can make some beards more prone to itching than others.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
When it comes to reducing the itchiness of a new beard, prevention is better than cure. Taking a few simple steps such as using a non-drying cleanser on both the skin and the beard, and making sure to keep it moisturized with a daily beard conditioner or beard oil can go a long way in reducing the irritation. Making sure to exfoliate the skin beneath the beard to remove any flaky skin and help to open up pores ensuring the beard gets the necessary nutrients is also important. Additionally, it’s important to avoid harsh products and make sure to always check the label of any product applied to the beard to ensure it is natural and non-irritant.
Using Shampoos and Conditioners
There are many different types of shampoos and conditioners that can be used to eliminate itchy beards. Generally, Normal to dry hair shampoo is the best choice, as this will help to moisturize the skin beneath the beard and balance out the oil production. Those with particularly dry skin should opt for a shampoo specifically designed for dry skin, which can help to clean the beard and keep it soft and supple. Conditioning the beard is also important, as this helps to keep the bristles hydrated, as well as to detangle the beard which will help to reduce irritation.
Occasional Treatments
Apart from regular beard care, it is also beneficial to give the beard an occasional treatment to help reduce itching. Deep conditioning masks or hot oil treatments can both help to replenish the nutrients in the beard and keep it healthy and soft. Additionally, it may be helpful to use an anti-inflammatory oil like tea tree oil, as this can help to reduce the irritation and keep the skin beneath the beard healthy. Additionally, using a beard balm or wax can help to trap in moisture, making the beard easier to manage and less prone to itching.
Trimming and Maintenance
Regular trimming and maintenance of the beard is also important in keeping it healthy and itch-free. Trimming off split ends and shaping the beard to keep it looking neat can help to reduce irritation. Keeping the length of the beard shorter can also help to reduce the amount of product needed to manage it, as well as helping to avoid catching the beard on clothing which can irritate the skin.
Comfort Your Skin
In some cases, the skin under the beard can become red, inflamed and itchy. In cases like these, it’s important to take care to comfort the skin and keep it moisturized. Making sure to apply a good quality moisturizer after showering can help to reduce the irritation, as well as avoiding the use of any products or soaps that could further irritate the skin. Additionally, dispersing a small amount of lubricating oil on the beard and skin can help to reduce the irritation and improve comfort.
Understanding Your Skin
In some cases, it may be helpful to understand more about your skin and its needs. Some people may have more sensitive skin than others, and this can affect how the skin reacts to the beard. Knowing more about your skin type and using the products accordingly can help to reduce irritation and the likelihood of an itchy beard. Additionally, taking the time to understand the causes of an itchy beard can help to identify and treat the underlying issue, rather than just managing the symptoms.
Keeps the Beard Clean
Dirt and debris can cause or worsen itchy beards and this is why it’s important to keep the beard clean and free from anything that might contribute to irritation. Washing the beard regularly, using a mild cleanser specifically designed for beard care would help to keep the hairs clean and remove any external irritants that may cause or worsen the itching. Additionally, washing the beard thoroughly after applying any products, such as styling wax or pomade, is extremely important. This can help to remove any product residue that may bait or irritate the skin.
Avoid Constant Touching
Constant touching of the beard can irritate the skin and increase itching, so it’s important to try and avoid this. Additionally, environmental factors such as smoke, extreme temperatures, or pollutants, can have an indirect effect on the itching, so it’s important to limit the amount of exposure to these.
Proper Diet and Supplements
Whilst the itchiness of a beard can often be managed with topical solutions, it is also important to ensure that the body is receiving enough of the essential nutrients needed for healthy skin. Ensuring that the diet is high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and zinc, can help to reduce the irritation experienced by the skin and keep the beard looking healthy and itch-free. Additionally, it may be beneficial to consider taking supplements that contain these essential nutrients.
Overview of The Benefits of Beard Oils
Beard oil is an effective way to keep the beard looking and feeling healthy, whilst reducing the risk of irritation and itchiness. Not only can it help to nourish the skin, but it can also help to reduce excessive dryness and restore the natural balance of oil production. Additionally, it can help to replenish the skin’s natural moisturizing system and can act as an effective barrier against pollutants and irritants that can cause itching. Finally, the oil can help to keep the beard soft and manageable, helping to reduce the need for combing, brushing or otherwise manipulating the hairs, which can help to reduce the risk of itching.
Instructions for Applying Beard Oil
Beard oil should be applied on a daily basis, after showering and when the beard is still slightly damp. To use, simply take a few drops of oil and massage it into the beard, making sure to get right down to the skin underneath. Additionally, it can be helpful to use the fingertips to lightly massage the oil into the face in order to stimulate the skin and promote healthy circulation. Finally, using a comb or brush can help to evenly distribute the oil across the beard, as well as helping to remove any knots and reduce irritation.
Overview of Benefits of Beard Balms
Beard balms are a great tool for not only keeping the beard moisturized, but for helping to soothe any irritation and itching. As with beard oil, the balm helps to replenish the natural oils in the skin and keep the beard looking and feeling healthy. Additionally, it can help to reduce any split ends or knots in the beard which can also contribute to itching. In addition to moisturizing and soothing, beard balms can also provide a slight hold to help shape and train the beard.
Instructions for Applying Beard Balms
Applying beard balm is simple, although it does require a slightly different approach to that of the beard oil. Firstly, it is important to use a small amount of balm, usually about the size of a pea. This amount can then be worked into the palms using the hands before massaging the balm into the beard. As with the oil, it is important to make sure to massage right down to the skin to make sure all of the hairs are nourished. For styling, it may be helpful to use a comb or brush, as this can ensure an even coverage and also help to smooth out any knots or tangles.
