You may have grown a thick Viking beard that you've always wanted, but you're too ashamed to show it off. Why? It's all because under your facial hair is itchy and flaky skin, causing beard dandruff.
These embarrassing white flakes are persistent, but you can stop them. Today, you will discover the underlying causes of a flaky beard and the ultimate dandruff treatment for a healthy beard.
Reasons for the return of facial hair dandruff
Have you ever had scalp dandruff? Like this dreaded condition, beard dandruff or beardruff is mainly caused by accumulated dead skin cells combined with dry skin, cold weather, and other factors.
Yes, the hairs on your chin can also develop dandruff, causing flakes and itchiness. It can be frustrating, especially for men who maintain a well-groomed appearance. But knowing the different causes is one step closer to keeping dandruff at bay.
Contact dermatitis
Do you have an itchy, painful rash on your beard after using new medicated shampoo or grooming products? Or after kissing someone with dozens of skincare products applied to their skin? Well, you might have contact dermatitis.
This is when your skin is irritated by certain ingredients in the product, which your skin is sensitive to. As a result, it creates flakes of skin on your once-healthy beard, making it uncomfortable.
Dry skin
You are experiencing dandruff flakes but haven't made contact with irritating products. If so, dry skin is another cause of beardruff.
If you stay in places with winter or dry climates, you'll likely get dry skin. It can also be the type of skin you have. Because of the lack of moisture, it exacerbate your facial skin, thus, producing dandruff on your once-healthy beard.
Yeast infection
Another cause is yeast.
Yeast is a natural presence on our skin that usually doesn't cause problems. However, if a certain part of your body stays moist and lacks proper airflow and sunlight, the yeast can grow out of control.
When it comes to your beard, a healthy amount of sunlight can help keep yeast growth under control. But as your beard grows longer, it may restrict the sunlight that reaches your skin, leading to fungal growth.
Asides from warm and moist environments, what are other causes of this fungal condition?
- Medical conditions
- Cuts from shaving
- Poor diet
- Stress
- Chemicals from skincare products
Seborrheic dermatitis
The last probable cause of beardruff is seborrheic dermatitis. This condition is caused by Malassezia, a type of yeast that breeds in your sebaceous glands, AKA oil glands. So if you have oily skin, you might be prone to this condition.
All of these skin conditions can cause beardruff. Thus, it's essential to consider all of them and incorporate the best grooming habits to fight off your flaky and itchy beard.
The secret to curing and preventing beardruff
Beard dandruff is relentless. Fortunately, the solution is having a beard care routine.
#1. Cleanse
Whether you have dry or oily skin, it's good practice to wash your beard. Washing your facial hair and skin removes dirt, oils, and other impurities that can aggravate and cause beard flakes. But the question is how often? Do it every single day.
Plus, you mustn't wash with hot water as it will only cause dry skin. Cleanse your beard with warm water and a gentle cleanser rich in active ingredients such as aloe vera and sodium coco-sulfate for a smooth and soft beard.
#2. Hydrate
Washing your beard not only removes all the dirt but also strips off the natural oils from your skin. So you need to bring back that skin barrier with the help of beard oil.
Introducing a few drops of beard oil into your simple routine can nourish the hair follicles and moisturize the skin. This will help combat skin dryness and fungal growth, both major causes of beardruff.
#3. Groom
If you comb your hair in the morning, why not use a beard brush to groom your facial hair too? To level up your beard game, use a beard straightener. It will shake off that persistent beardruff, dirt, and dead skin cells.
Complete your beard grooming kit
With a great beard comes great responsibilities—such as fighting beard dandruff. But it's not a problem without a solution. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing a regular beard care routine, you can keep beard flakes at bay and maintain a healthy beard.
Remember to cleanse, hydrate, and groom regularly to keep your beard healthy and looking good. With proper care and attention, you can proudly show off your thick Viking beard without embarrassing flakes or itchiness.
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