Cleansing
Having a beard means taking extra care of your skin. To help keep the skin healthy, start by effectively cleansing the face and neck twice a day using a mild facial cleanser. It is important to remove dirt, oil and old skin cells so they don’t accumulate under the beard. A gentle cleanser or even an exfoliating scrub can be used to properly cleanse your skin. Avoid using overly harsh cleansers that may lead to unnecessary dryness and damage.
Moisturizing
Once your face is cleaned, be sure to use a grain-free moisturizer for hydration. Allowing your skin to be dry is the quickest way to encourage irritation and cause dandruff. Moisturizing helps to keep from clogging pores and encourages healthy cell growth.
Beard Oil
Beard oil helps to nourish the skin and keep it from becoming dry and flaky. Regular use of beard oil helps reduce premature graying and deeply conditions the beard. It can also reduce itchiness and irritation that can otherwise come with having a beard. Look for an oil that is lightweight and provides a good balance of hydration without leaving an overly oiled feeling.
Regular Trimming
Regularly trim the beard with proper tools and techniques is a great way to keep the skin healthy. Make sure to use a sharp and clean pair of scissors and/or a trimmer and take precautions against nicking the skin. When trimming, go slow and adjust the slight angles that create the desired beard, use of a guard can help achieve a smooth line.
Cover Up
Be sure to cover the skin when outdoors, the sun’s rays can cause dryness and premature aging, leading to irritation and dryness. If going outside during a colder season, cover-up too, as the cold air can strip away natural oils on the skin.
Healthy Habits
Leading a generally healthy lifestyle is key for any ailment. Be sure to eat a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep. All of these habits can help foster healthy skin while having a beard.
Regular Visits to a Professional
It’s recommended to visit a professional groomer and/or a Dermatologist to get the best advice and tips on how to properly groom, maintain and care for your beard and how to protect the skin underneath. Professionals can also diagnose any issues and suggest the best products for optimal skin health.
Conditioning
Using a good beard conditioner helps to soften and hydrate the beard to prevent dryness and breakage. Look for conditioners which contain natural ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and/or argan oil to help protect the skin and hair. Additionally, using a conditioner that contains menthol can help soothe the skin and give a cooling sensation.
Style and Shaping
Styling and shaping the beard can help maintain balance and provide structure, which are especially important once you go longer than stubble. But, don’t be afraid to experiment with your style by using trim tools or using waxes, balms and butters that offer flexibility and help you style. However, it is important to note that different products can provide different levels of protection and conditioning.
Protect From Allergens
Beards can act like a filter covering the mouth and nose, trapping debris, dirt and allergens, which may cause skin irritation and acne. To avoid skin irritation from allergens, it’s recommended to rinse the beard daily with a gentle face wash and a warm rag to help remove dirt, debris and allergens.
Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
It is important to choose the right beard shampoo and conditioner as they help to reduce breakage and split ends. Opt for products specifically designed for beard hair, that are free of sulfates and parabens, as they can strip the natural oils from the beard and skin. Shea butter and jojoba oil are key ingredients that can help keep the beard healthy and nourished.
Beard Oil Application
When applying beard oil, always begin by working it into the roots of the beard and skin, massaging it in a circular motion. This will ensure that the oil gets through the entire length of the beard, and will help to nourish the skin. It is recommended to use several drops of beard oil depending on the size of the beard. Use more for thicker beards and less for shorter ones.
Regular Haircuts
Having a beard does not mean to stop getting haircuts. It is important to keep your beard trimmed regularly to maintain its shape and prevent split ends. Regular trims will also help to keep the beard looking groomed and presentable, and also will keep the skin underneath healthy as possible.
