The warmer seasons are over. It's time for thick jackets, dark chocolate malts and dry, cold weather. But is your beard prepared for the harsh winter months ahead?
After months, perhaps years, of painstakingly growing your beard, will you just let your beard dry out and get itchy?
We're here to share with you what factors contribute to winter beard itch, the effects and ways to care for your beard. Plus, we'll give away our secret weapon to fight the drying air of the colder months. Let's get started!
The impact of winter on your facial hair
As winter approaches, men notice some changes to their beards. Their facial hair seems to become dry, brittle, and rough.
Why is that? This is mainly because of dry, cold air.
Stratum corneum, the outermost part of your skin, is the main part of your skin that keeps your skin and beard hydrated. While it may comprise dead skin cells, it acts as a barrier over the living skin cells below it.
During the colder months of the year, the air is less humid, causing the stratum corneum to dry out. Thus, your skin tightens, making your beard dry and itchy.
Asides from the uncomfortable tight, and dry skin men can have, cold weather can cause beard dandruff, a flaky and itchy beard issue.
Effects of hot showers on your winter beard
You may indulge in long, hot showers in winter to combat the cold. While that may regulate your body temperature and improve blood circulation, hot water can strip away the moisture, causing your skin to dry out even more.
Warm water also opens up the pores, making it easier for moisture to evaporate from the skin's surface. As a result, the skin may become dry, flaky, and prone to irritation.
This is especially true for men with pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, as hot showers can exacerbate their symptoms.
How to maintain your beard in cold weather
Don't let your beard freeze to death. You want to make sure that you maintain your facial hair in cold weather. How? Let's take a look at some of our foolproof methods to keep your beard hydrated and healthy.
The hydrating power of beard oils
Beard oils are made specifically to nourish both your beard and the underlying skin. Beard oils with natural ingredients like jojoba, argan, coconut, or grapeseed oils give the moisture your beard needs during the harsh winter. It also gives your beard its sheen and softness.
The gentle cleansing of beard shampoos
If you think scrubbing your face clean with harsh soaps will make your dry skin better. It's completely the opposite. Using harsh cleansers on your beard can strip away its natural oils, making it more susceptible to dryness.
So instead, go for a gentle, sulphate-free beard wash. Plus, look for these mild cleansing ingredients.
- Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that helps your skin retain moisture.
- Glycerin attracts moisture to the skin, helping to lock it in and prevent dryness.
- Shea Butter is packed with fatty acids and vitamins, making it an excellent emollient for beard and skin hydration.
- Aloe Vera has soothing properties and provides hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
The best and simple skincare practices
It's not enough to buy proper beard care products. Men should also apply some skincare practices to keep moisture in their skin rather than removing it. Here are some simple yet best skincare practices that promote skin hydration and health:
- Lukewarm showers: Instead of taking scalding hot showers, opt for lukewarm water. This temperature is gentler on the skin and helps retain more moisture.
- Shorter shower durations: Limit the time spent in the shower to reduce the exposure of the skin to hot water.
- Pat dry, don't rub: After showering, gently pat your skin and beard with a towel instead of vigorously rubbing it. This will help preserve the skin's moisture.
- Humidify the air: In winter, indoor air tends to be drier due to heating systems. Using a humidifier can add moisture back into the air and benefit your skin.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Remember that hydrated skin is key to a healthy beard. By investing in the best moisturizing products and practising proper beard and skin care, you can say goodbye to a dry, itchy beard.
Enjoy itch-free beard and skin in winter with Odenson
Winter beard itch is one of the most uncomfortable beard issues. While you may not avoid the cold, you can keep your beard protected thanks to Odenson's beard care products.
Odenson only creates natural, mild and hydrating cleansers and oils that will prevent beard itch as well as cure beard dandruff, beard burns, and frizziness.
Embrace the cold with Odenson. Visit the best beard care store today!
