Has your beard started to itch and generate a kind of small white flakes? These are signs that usually indicate dandruff, a hair condition that can also occur in facial hair. Dandruff causes a flaking of the skin that, in addition to being very unsightly and annoying, can generate very intense itching in the beard and irritation of the skin that is hidden behind it. It is important that in this situation, you act quickly and begin to give your facial hair the care it needs to always stay in perfect condition and strong. In this oneHOWTO article, we are going to show you what are all the aspects that you should consider to fight dandruff in the beard and regain its natural beauty and softness.
Why does dandruff appear on the beard
There are several factors that can cause dandruff in the beard, which can occur in isolation or together, and among them are cold weather, stress, and a small fungus called Malassezia furfur. This microorganism lives on the surface of the skin and feeds on sebum, which is why its concentration is higher in those areas of the body that are more oily, such as the scalp, the face and the upper part of the trunk. In addition to these, there are other factors that can increase the likelihood of dandruff developing in the beard, such as the use of inappropriate shampoos or soaps, excessive sweating or genetic components.
Dandruff in the beard is manifested by the peeling skin, which causes the presence of white flakes or flakes in the hair, as well as an itch that frequently accompanies it. As a result of continuous scratching, the skin can become red and create small wounds in that area of the face.
Dandruff beard soaps
As we have pointed out, the use of aggressive or inappropriate shampoos and soaps on the beard can accentuate the problem of dandruff and increase flaking. Facial skin is very delicate and, therefore, requires a specific shampoo that is gentler than the one you normally use to wash your head hair. So the first measure to which you should pay attention to combat dandruff in the beard is to buy a specific beard shampoo that it has a composition that respects the skin of the face and facial hair.
Among all the beard soaps available, the best options are those that are made with 100% natural ingredients and that have a soothing, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant action, which is excellent for eliminating dandruff and relieving itchiness.
How to wash your beard properly
After you have bought the right shampoo, it is important that you apply it and wash your beard correctly. It is best to wash your beard about 2 or 3 times a week and not every day, since then you run the risk of eliminating the natural oils that protect it.
Rinse the beard very well with plenty of water so that there are no residues that can lead to flaking and aggravate the problem of dandruff.
Dry the beard well
In the same way that it is very important to wash and lighten the beard properly, so is the drying process. Dry the beard properly It is essential to prevent moisture from accumulating in the hair and ending up damaging the skin that is hidden under it.
If your beard hair is very short, the use of a clean towel may be sufficient, but if the length of the facial hair is greater than 1 cm, it is preferable that you use the dryer to remove all the moisture. Set the dryer to a measured temperature and power and blow dry your beard without bringing the appliance too close to your face. Drying time will vary depending on the length and lushness of your beard.
Oils to hydrate the beard
Another way to fight dandruff in the beard is to apply some type of natural oil to it that helps to hydrate and repair facial hair and the skin that underneath it. There are oils with excellent properties to show off a perfect beard and prevent flaking and signs of dryness in the dermis. Between the most effective beard oils are the following:
- Jojoba oil
- Almonds oil
- Grape seed oil
- Argan oil
- Tea tree oil
You will only have to apply a few drops of the selected oil on the beard after washing it, giving a small massage so that the product penetrates to the skin. Let the oil dry on its own and don’t rinse it off.
If you want to discover more details about each of the mentioned oils, we advise you to consult the article Natural oils for the beard.
Exfoliate the skin of the face
Not only should you condition and care for the beard as we have discussed so far, but to avoid infections and keep the skin of the face always healthy, it is also essential that exfoliate the face, including the facial hair area, 1 or 2 times a week. Exfoliation is a task that removes all accumulated dead cells, revitalizes the skin, favors the production of sebum and prevents conditions such as dandruff.
Get a specific exfoliating gel for the face and apply it all over the face, massaging in a circular motion for about two minutes. Then, remove with warm or cold water and voila! If your beard is very long, you can use an exfoliating brush to get to the skin underneath.
If you prefer to prepare your own exfoliating lotion, then do not miss the recipes that we show in the article How to make homemade scrubs for the face.
Take care of your diet and reduce stress
As in any other condition, diet and lifestyle influence the cure of dandruff. On the one hand, it is important that eat a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and in foods rich in vitamin B, which is essential to strengthen beard hair, stimulate its growth and prevent suffering from hair conditions such as dandruff. On the other hand, you should reduce or avoid the consumption of foods rich in sugars and fats.
Remember that a proper diet should always be supplemented with adequate hydration (drink between 1.5 and 2 liters of water a day) and a good rest.
Likewise, as we have pointed out in the first section, stress can be a trigger for dandruff in the beard and, therefore, it is convenient that you reduce it and try to stay calm and relaxed.
Home remedies for dandruff in the beard
There are also some natural remedies to remove dandruff from the beard that can give you good results and show off healthy and beautiful facial hair:
- Olive oil: hydrates the skin and hair, in addition to preventing the appearance of scales. Heat up some olive oil and massage the beard as you apply it.
- Aloe vera: it is antibacterial and regenerative. Apply some aloe vera gel to the beard and massage for a few minutes.
- Lemon juice: its acid prevents the proliferation of fungi and bacteria. Squeeze half a lemon and apply its juice to the beard with a gentle massage. Let it rest for about 10 minutes and then wash it off with plenty of warm or cold water.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to combat dandruff in the beard, we recommend that you enter our Weight and Body Image category.