For many guys, a beard isn’t only an aesthetic choice – it’s a way of life. But if that passion comes with something as uncool as beard dandruff (heretofore recognized as ‘beardruff’ –– trust us, it’s a thing), it can be tempting to call the whole thing off.
Fortunately, there are ways to deal with this frustrating issue. In this article, we’ll go over common causes of beard dandruff, how to treat this pesky condition, and preventative measures that every man should take note of.
Ready to de-flake? Here’s how to get rid of beard dandruff for good.
Common Causes of Beard Dandruff
There are some basics behind the cause of beard dandruff, and they are the same reasons behind dandruff of the scalp. Hair follicles are hair follicles no matter where they are located, it’s just that some areas are more susceptible.
DRY SKIN
Dry skin is an inevitable condition for almost everyone at some stage or another. Dry weather or extreme temperatures, hot or cold, can create the perfect storm for dehydration of our outermost dermal layers.
FUNGUS OR YEAST
Yes, you heard us correctly. The skin has naturally occurring yeast that is kept in check by exposure to sunlight and airy conditions. With a beard, that exposure is substantially reduced, making the skin on the face ripe for fungal proliferation and the dry, flaky skin that comes with it.
HARSH CLEANSERS AND SOAPS
When you use harsh cleansers and soaps not made for the facial area, they can strip away the skin’s natural oils. The result is dry, flaky skin that can feel red, irritated, and itchy. Hands up if you’re a man that thinks Irish Spring is perfectly okay to wash your face with. Top tip: It isn’t.
SENSITIVITY TO SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Some men are just reactive to certain products made for the face and beard. If this is you, consider changing to something unscented and check for common allergens in the ingredients. Add one product at a time so that if you flare up, you know what the culprit is.
How to Treat Beard Dandruff
1. Wash your beard.
Washing your beard regularly is one of the most important steps to maintaining a healthy, flake-free beard. At the same time, you should avoid over-washing since that can be drying. A good rule of thumb is to wash your beard 1-3 times per week.
A few key points to add here:
- Resist the urge to use dandruff shampoos on your beard. These are much too harsh for the hair and skin on your face.
- A better option is to use a cleanser specifically formulated for the beard that won’t strip your delicate skin underneath. A suitable product like JESSE JIMZ Clean Slate is your ticket to a flake-free paradise.
2. Use a Face Scrub 2 – 3 times a week
Exfoliation in moderation should be your new mantra if your beard resembles a snowcone. The key is to do it, but don’t overdo it.
Exfoliating 2-3 times per week is ideal to lift and remove those dead skin cells, annoying flakes, and perfectly prep your skin to welcome beard oils and moisturizers. True Grit Detox Face Scrub contains charcoal to absorb excess oils and peppermint to refresh and revitalize the senses.
3. Dry your beard properly
Gently dry your beard after showering, washing, swimming, etc. You want to avoid letting moisture sit trapped on the skin as this can lead to the dreaded fungal upswing we discussed earlier. You can use a blow dryer on the beard, but keep it on a cooler setting since excessive heat isn’t great for the follicles.
4. Hydrate your skin and beard with a beard grooming oil
Beard oil is a must for every man with a beard, dandruff or no dandruff. Beard oil hydrates the skin and acts as a microbial barrier. It also nourishes and softens facial hair while adding a glossy sheen to the beard. Try JESSE JIMZ Prime Cut grooming oil, which is loaded with natural oils and nourishing extracts.
5. Brush your beard with a beard brush
Not only does brushing your beard exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulate blood flow, it gives you an opportunity to check your beard for any flaky goings-on. Since brushing lifts flaky skin from the face (bringing dandruff to the surface), you’ll want to follow with a cleanser.
6. When Steps 1 -5 don’t work, see a dermatologist
If following all of the above doesn’t work, there may be an underlying skin condition causing your beard dandruff. We recommend seeing a dermatologist.
In summary
Following these steps is your best bet to get rid of beard dandruff for good. Beardruff will be a distant memory if you keep it simple and stick to dermatologically-tested products that deliver.
Here at JESSE JIMZ, we offer grooming essentials that will keep your beard flake-free and in epic condition:
- Clean Slate – Purifying Face & Beard Wash
- True Grit – Detox Face Scrub
- Prime Cut – Nourishing Grooming Oil
