Your beard is a product of years of maintenance, and the state of your scruff certainly reflects that. Even though you may have the rugged, full facial hair you’ve always dreamed of, that doesn’t mean the skin under your beard has received the same royal treatment.
If you’ve noticed your beard has been producing dandruff, or the area has been quite itchy, it could be a sign of dry skin. Luckily, this issue is a relatively easy fix. Take a look below for some tips and tricks on how to deal with the dry skin under your beard.
What Causes Dry Skin?
There are a variety of things that can cause dry skin. Understanding the source of your issue will help you treat it best.
Damaged Skin Barrier
It is no secret that there are layers to your skin. Each layer is specifically designed to keep unwanted toxins from entering your body, with the top layer acting as the first line of defense against environmental pollutants and moisture loss. When this barrier is damaged, your skin is unable to properly retain water and prevent acne-causing bacteria from giving you unsightly flakes and blemishes. In order to protect your delicate skin barrier, it is essential to use a moisturizing face cleanser, as well as a facial cream that contains ceramides and peptides, which firm and replenish your skin.
Cold Climate
A cold climate is one of the main causes of chronically dry skin. Frigid temperatures cause moisture loss, leading to skin damage, flakes, and more. Avoid further irritating your skin by skipping the steaming hot showers, which can dry you out further, and more importantly, do not skimp on the sunscreen. The winter cold does not shield your skin from the harsh effects of UV rays, so daily SPF application is imperative.
Harsh Ingredients in Your Face Products
Most drugstore skincare products contain synthetic ingredients that can easily give you a bout of dry skin. Sulfates and parabens are among the worst offenders. You always want to opt for natural ingredients in your face and anti-aging products, especially if you’re struggling with dry skin under your beard.
Best Ingredients for Preventing Dry Skin Under Beard
If you want to avoid dry skin, make sure you're using skincare products that contain these hydrating, nourishing ingredients.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble compound and one of the central ingredients in many dry skin products. Its skin softening and moisture retention properties help repair the skin barrier and calm irritation.
Glycerin
Glycerin is another great emollient and humectant. This lipid-derived ingredient is intensely moisturizing, making it ideal for face creams. Glycerin is known to have anti-aging properties as well, helping you iron out some of those pesky fine lines and wrinkles.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is commonly used as a cooling agent, giving those suffering from burns or irritation quick relief. Rich in antioxidants, this ingredient works well for healing and nourishing the skin, and is often seen in post-shave ingredients such as aftershave and beard oil.
Taking Care of Your Beard
Over time, your beard collects oil, dirt, and debris, which can affect the state of your skin. Keeping your beard groomed and in order will lessen the likelihood of developing acne, and it will make the process of going for a full shave less abrasive on your skin. There are a few basic ways to make sure your beard, and therefore your skin, will stay in tip-top shape.
Wash Your Beard
Your beard is hair after all, and the skin under it deserves the same treatment you’d give your scalp. Give your beard a thorough cleansing and conditioning at least twice a week. This allows you to remove any excess oil your strands may be harboring, making way for even growth and a full appearance.
Trim Regularly
If you’re a perfectionist, you probably get irritated at the thin, scraggly ends of your beard when you’re in between grooming sessions. Those who are looking for plentiful growth should aim for a trim every 6-8 weeks, while those who are looking to tame things a bit more would benefit from a monthly snip.
Keep Things Moisturized
Unfortunately, you cannot maintain a soft, moisturized beard without hydrating your skin. Using a face cream first, then a specialized beard cream, plus a natural beard oil will make you the envy of the whole office.
A Simplified Face & Beard Routine
Treating your dry skin doesn't have to be complicated. This basic routine will go a long way to treat your skin right.
Cleanser
Your cleanser is the foundation of your entire routine. It preps your skin for every step that comes after, and if your face cleanser does not work for you, neither will the rest of your products. Opt for a moisturizing, foamy cleanser as your everyday, go-to face wash.
Exfoliate
This often neglected step is the key to clear, soft skin and healthy beard growth. An exfoliating scrub should be used no more than 1-3 times a week to prevent damage and irritation. Exfoliation is a great way to add a bit of luxury to your nighttime skincare regimen.
Face Cream/SPF
A good moisturizer should never be taken for granted. If you skip any other step after cleansing, this should not be one of them. Applying SPF during the day and moisturizer at night protects your skin from inflammation and excessive dryness, giving you a clean, sophisticated appearance every time.
Spot Treatments
If you suffer from acne or dark spots, go ahead and add your treatments at this point. Applying treatments after your moisturizer ensures less product waste and skin irritation.
Beard Oil
Ending your routine with beard moisturizing products has the potential to significantly elevate your look. A cushiony conditioning cream followed by a soothing, natural oil will give your beard shine and luster like never before. Here at Brickell Men’s Products, we have the perfect beard oil for you to end your routine with.
Our Beard Oil is rich in antioxidants, backed by the hydrating power of Algae Extract and Vitamin E, while Argan Oil and Aloe Vera work to soften your skin and beard. The 100% all-natural formula and invigorating blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender botanicals is the best beard oil for men who have been looking for a solution to scratchy, unruly scruff.
Finding a moment for some self-care is seldom something your busy schedule affords you. However, taking just a little bit of time each day to properly care for your skin and beard will do wonders not only for your appearance, but for your confidence too. With Brickell Men’s Products, dry skin can easily become a thing of the past, leaving plenty of room for a smooth and well-hydrated future.
