How To Get Rid Of Beard Irritation
Beard irritation is one of the most common complaints among men with facial hair. Many people find their beard to be itchy, red and irritated. Uncomfortable and annoying, this condition is often experienced by those who do not take care of their beards properly. Keeping a few simple tips in mind, however, can help prevent and reduce irritation.
The first step in avoiding beard irritation is to ensure the beard is always kept clean. A good beard wash is recommended and should be used at least once a week. Specialty beard soaps are available, but choosing a mild shampoo without any harsh ingredients is usually the best choice. Gently massaging the facial skin while washing will promote circulation, helping to reduce redness.
When it comes to styling, it is important to use a good beard oil. This type of product has several benefits, including relieving scalp dryness, reducing scalp and beard inflammation and preventing split ends. When selecting a beard oil, look for products that contain natural oils such as jojoba, argan and grapeseed. As an alternative, a few drops of essential oil such as lavender or chamomile can also be used.
Those with sensitive skin should be cautious about trying new products. Check the ingredients to ensure that no substances that could cause an allergic reaction are present. If using a new product, try it on a small patch of skin first and wait twenty-four hours to assess any reactions.
When looking after the beard, it is also important to trim it regularly. Leaving the beard too long can cause irritation, so brushing it regularly and trimming it to an even length will help keep it healthy. Men should also avoid over-washing their beards, as doing so can strip away natural oils and cause dryness and irritation.
Another tip is to take time to enjoy a relaxing facial massage on a regular basis. Daily massaging the face with a beard brush or soft towel for a few minutes will help improve circulation and reduce redness. While doing this, lightly running a beard comb along the beard can help remove any flakes or debris that may be stuck to the beard or skin.
Finally, always remember to drink plenty of water. Hydrating the body helps keep the skin healthy, leaving it more resilient and less prone to irritation. Eight glasses of water a day is recommended, but always drink more when feeling particularly dry or thirsty.
Choose the Appropriate Beard Oil
An important part of reducing beard irritation is to use an appropriate beard oil. First of all, it is recommended to search for products that contain natural oils such as jojoba, argan, avocado or jojoba. Run your fingers through the oil to ensure it does not contain any ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction. It is also important to check if the product is scented as some of the perfumes used in beard oils can be quite harsh on sensitive skin.
Beard oils not only help to nourish and protect beards from irritation, but they also provide conditioning and a great scent. To use the oil, put a few drops in the palm of the hand and lightly massage it through the beard. Using the fingertips, lightly brush the beard and make sure to spread the oil evenly, taking care not to leave any patches. After this, a brush can be used to spread the oil through the beard and an optional light combing will help detangle any knots.
Avoid Harsh Products
Beard irritation can be caused by using products that contain harsh ingredients, such as sulfates. These can strip away natural oils and cause dryness and redness on the face. Therefore, it is best to avoid using products that contain sulfates or parabens, such as body washes and face soaps.
Men with sensitive skin should also be sensitive to the temperature of the water. Too hot water will strip away natural oils and damage the skin, leading to irritation. Therefore, it is better to wash the beard in lukewarm water and to avoid any hot or extremely cold water.
Know the Difference between Beard Dandruff and Dry Skin
It is important to take the time to understand the difference between beard dandruff and dry skin. Beard dandruff is caused by a build up of dirt, oil, and sweat on the skin, which causes white flakes to form in the beard. Dry skin, on the other hand, is caused by a lack of moisture and is usually a result of using too harsh products or not hydrating the skin properly.
Beard dandruff can usually be treated with a wash containing salicylic acid or tea tree oil. For dry skin, it is also important to clean the beard but to use a mild shampoo, followed by a good beard oil. It is also necessary to follow the instructions on how to use the product to ensure optimal results.
Opt for Natural Remedies
In addition to using beard oils and specialty soaps, those looking to reduce beard irritation can also opt for natural ingredients. Oils such as sunflower, almond, or coconut oil can all be used to moisturize and soften the beard, while yogurt and honey can help retain moisture.
Those with sensitive skin can also benefit from using aloe vera as it soothes the skin and helps to reduce redness. Simply peel some aloe vera and massage the gel into the beard. It will quickly absorb into the skin and leave it feeling soft and hydrated.
Minimum Hygiene Standards
Maintaining good hygiene standards is essential for reducing irritation and improving the overall appearance of the beard. Washing and lightly scrubbing the beard regularly with a mild shampoo, as well as brushing it with a comb and brushing it with a soft towel is imperative.
It is also important to avoid any products that contain alcohol as this can dry out the skin, causing irritation. Taking the time to hydrate the skin and facial hair as well as drinking plenty of water is vital for reducing beard itchiness caused by excessive dryness.
Nutrition
In order to maintain good health and reduce beard irritation, it is important to have an adequate diet. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy fats such as those found in fish, nuts, and avocado, is a key factor in the maintenance of natural skin oils. It is also vital to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc, as these are essential for good skin health.
Change the Environment
Those with sensitive skin should avoid overly drying environments. Spending too much time in winter weather, air-conditioned spaces or heated rooms can cause the skin to dry out and become irritated. To reduce irritation, it is best to take frequent breaks from the environment or use some form of moisturizer.
Treatment
For those who experience severe cases of beard irritation, specialist treatments may be necessary. It is important to seek advice from a dermatologist or professional to ensure the most appropriate treatment is taken. Various treatments exist for this condition including laser therapy, phototherapy and corticosteroids. These may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation, itching or redness and can often be used in combination with topical creams.
