Growing a beard has become a popular fashion statement. But are you inadvertently damaging your skin in the process?
If you’re a proud owner of a beard, you’re likely aware of the importance of taking proper care of it. While styling and grooming products can help keep your facial hair looking great, the skin underneath your beard needs some lovin’ too.
Although bearded men may be familiar with using regular facial cleansers and after-shave products, there’s more to keeping the skin beneath your beard healthy than slapping on some cream. From exercising proper hygiene to avoiding scented products, understanding what steps to take can help keep your skin looking and feeling great.
Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a Canadian dermatologist, recommends washing your beard with a specialized shampoo specifically designed for facial hair. This type of shampoo is less likely to lead to irritation and contains ingredients designed to combat inflammation. Many facial washes also contain hydrating ingredients that can help keep your skin soft and moist.
When it comes to conditioning, many of the same hydrating benefits can be gained from using a beard conditioner. This is especially true for men with particularly coarse facial hair, as the conditioner benefits from combing through the facial locks arduously. Not only will it make your beard smoother, but it’ll also help minimize any skin irritation.
In addition to using specific hair care products, it’s also important to make sure that your skin is receiving plenty of hydration. Incorporating tougher moisturizing products, such as facial oils or shea butter, can help lock in hydration and protect the skin from drying out. These tend to work best when applied to a damp beard after washing and rinsing. Doing this on a daily basis will help keep your skin healthy and reduce the chances of irritation.
If your skin does become irritated, it’s important to immediately identify the root cause. While some skin irritations may simply be a matter of genetics, many can be caused by a range of products used on the skin or even changing climates and temperatures.
Generally speaking, it’s wise to avoid fragranced products on your beard as much as possible. Ingredients such as alcoholic astringents, harsh detergents, and artificial fragrances can lead to skin irritation and redness. Oftentimes, the cleaner and simpler the product, the better for your beard and skin.
Using Natural Ingredients
Incorporating natural ingredients into your skin care routine can be beneficial, too. Olive oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil have all been purported to help nourish the skin and maintain natural moisture. These can be applied directly, or alternatively, a range of hair care products are sold on the market with these oils included in the mix.
It’s important to pay close attention to facial skin issues, as these may be symptoms of an underlying health or nutrition issue. For example, sudden patches of red and inflamed skin, known as rosacea, may be a sign of an underlying allergic reaction. Be sure to monitor any changes to your skin closely and consult with your doctor if the problem persists.
Observing Proper Hygiene
At the end of the day, the best way to keep the skin beneath your beard healthy is to follow basic hygiene principles. Make sure to wash your beard often and lather it with a gentle cleanser; paying extra attention to food and sweat that may become embedded in your facial hair. You may also need to shampoo your beard twice a week depending on your lifestyle and skin type.
It may be necessary to comb your beard regularly to help evenly distribute facial oils and prevent tangles which can cause skin irritation. Finally, be sure to exfoliate skin regularly. Even if you don’t suffer from skin irritations, giving your face a good scrub every couple of weeks helps to open pores and remove any dead skin cells.
Getting the Right Sleep
Sleep is especially important for overall skin health. Because your body is most active while you sleep, it redirects most of the nutrients it needs towards cell regeneration and restoring skin health. Making sure you get enough sleep helps to reduce inflammation, increase hydration, and reverse any environmental damage to your skin.
Adequate sleep also helps to keep stress levels down, which is essential for keeping your skin healthy. Stress triggers the production of stress hormones, which increases your risk of eczema and skin irritation. Keeping stress levels low keeps these hormones to a minimum, meaning your skin stays healthy.
Preventing Ingrown Hairs
One of the most common skin ailments caused by facial hair is the dreaded ingrown hair. Ingrown hairs occur when facial hair becomes twisted and grows inwards, rather than up and out of the skin. Not only can these hairs lead to mild skin irritation, but in some instances, they can also cause cystic acne.
Preventative measures are key when it comes to avoiding ingrown hairs. Excessive scrubbing can aggravate the skin and cause facial hair to curl inwards, so make sure to use a gentle cleanser during your daily beard care routine. Additionally, resist the urge to excessively fiddle with your facial hair. This can also agitate your skin and lead to painful ingrown hairs.
Eliminating Skin Irritation
Skin irritation is common amongst bearded men but fortunately, it is relatively easy to address. You can reduce facial skin irritation by using a mild facial cleanser or beard-specific shampoo. These specialized products contain ingredients that help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation, so they should be the go-to when cleansing your beard.
If you’ve already started to experience skin irritation, it’s important to look for products that contain soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or green tea extract. Additionally, applying nourishing facial oils and moisturizers can help bring the skin back to balance. These should be used shortly after washing your facial hair to lock-in hydration.
Nutrition and Supplements
Keeping your skin healthy involves more than just external care; it’s important to ensure your body is receiving enough nutrients to maintain healthy cell growth and regeneration. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats is essential to keeping skin looking and feeling healthy.
Certain supplements have also been linked to skin health. Vitamin C helps to promote collagen production, zinc keeps the skin moisturized, and probiotics help to boost the skin’s natural defences against environmental damage. Consider adding these supplements to your daily routine if you believe your diet is lacking in certain vitamins.
Sun Protection
Finally, if you have any facial hair, it’s important to apply sunscreen when outdoors. Remember; the skin beneath your beard still needs protection from the sun. Sun damage to the skin has far-reaching consequences, and can lead to premature wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and, in severe cases, skin cancer. Look for a facial sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 for your daily protection.
Given the importance of skin health, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated and nourished beneath your beard. Fortunately, there are a range of simple steps you can take to help protect your skin and ensure it remains healthy. From washing frequently to moisturizing routinely and consistently wearing sunscreen, these small details can make a huge difference to your skin’s condition.
