How to Treat Dry Skin Under a Beard

It’s one thing to grow a beard, and it is another thing entirely to take care of the skin underneath the beard. This is where most men tend to go wrong. We’ve seen it happen so many times in our barber shop. Men come in, complaining of itchiness, flakiness, and irritation beneath their beards. Well, let us tell you something: dry skin beneath a beard is one of the most common problems out there, but it is also one of the most preventable problems out there. With the right solution, of course. 

If you need expert advice on beard care, contact our barbers at First & Mane for personalized tips and recommendations! 

What is Beardruff, and What Causes Dry Skin?

If you notice white flakes in your beard, then you have what we call “beardruff.” Simply put, beardruff is where the skin beneath your beard dries up and flakes off, and these flakes get caught in your beard. 

Sadly, there are a lot of different reasons for beardruff. One of them is because you are using harsh soaps on your face, which dry up your skin and cause it to flake off and get caught in your beard. Another reason for beardruff is because you are not washing your beard enough. It could also be because you are not moisturizing the skin beneath your beard enough. Experiencing dry skin under a beard is more common than you think, but it is preventable with the right routine.

Deep Cleansing with Beard-Specific Products

So, if you want to get rid of the dry skin that is located underneath your beard, then you need to start off with the right cleansers. What this means is that you need a beard wash, as opposed to a traditional wash. This is because a beard wash is a specialized combination of ingredients that is designed specifically to wash beards, while keeping the skin underneath moisturized. If you’ve noticed that the skin under the beard is dry, this switch can really help. You need to wash your beard two or three times a week. Any more than this, and you start stripping the oils.

Exfoliation is one of those steps that people tend to overlook. Dead skin cells can build up under your beard in no time, leading not only to dry skin but also to beardruff. Our advice is to brush your beard once or twice a week with a soft-bristled brush or scrub. Massage it onto your skin, getting it as low as possible. This not only helps remove dead skin cells, it also improves circulation, allowing moisturizers to penetrate deeper. 

Of course, do not overdo it, or you may irritate your skin easily. If you’re wondering how to treat dry skin under beard, regular exfoliation is a crucial part of the solution.

Choosing Between Beard Oils and Balms

After you have cleaned your beard, you now need to seal in all that moisture you have applied. Our first advice is to try out a beard oil. Believe it or not, it works wonders. Simply apply a few drops of oil onto your damp beard hair, then massage it onto your skin. If you have dry skin, then you may want to consider a utility balm. These help seal in all that moisture, allowing it to penetrate deeper. Simply apply it onto your skin after you have applied oil.

It’s All About Routine

Though not rocket science, getting rid of dry skin under your beard requires a little effort. The solution is quite simple: wash your beard regularly with good quality wash, brush your beard once or twice a week, and moisturize your skin with good quality moisturizer. We have already helped hundreds of clients get rid of their beardruff and dry skin irritation by following these simple steps. If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I keep getting dry skin under my beard?” – just know that with a consistent routine, results will follow. That is as simple as it gets! washing your hair two or three times a week. On the other days, try and rinse your hair with water.

Condition Your Hair After Washing

This is yet another area where men are getting it wrong. This is a crucial step in ensuring your scalp is moisturized and hydrated.

Conditioner is supposed to be used only in your hair ends and lengths, never your scalp. This is because it will lead to buildup.

Finding the Right Product

At the end of the day, every person’s scalp is different. What works for your friend may not work for you. You will have to try a few of the products mentioned here and find the right one for your use.

If your problem still persists even after you have done your best with the special products and the right methods of washing your scalp, it is time to book an appointment with your doctor.

There is no need to complicate the process. With the right ingredients and the right methods of washing your scalp, you will have a better experience and a better head of hair too. If you need personalized advice, don’t be afraid to ask the next time you’re in First & Mane!