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Facial Hair Beard Care Issues Growing One Grooming Tips
Last updated 03/29/2023
Guys, have you been growing a pandemic beard? Maybe you just feel more comfortable sporting facial hair. Facial Hair Beard Care.
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Skin Issues with Facial Hair
Skin Irritation
Razor burn could be something you experience trying to get that smooth shave. And to avoid the redness and stinging you have shelved the razor. But even growing a full beard you can’t completely stop shaving.
Irritation due to shaving is known as irritant contact dermatitis. Most importantly, dull razors (on electric razor heads too) can increase your risk for this.
Even blades not contouring to your face can lead to this condition. Friction can be caused by just shaving too close.
Shave creams, gels and pre-shave lotions containing chemicals and fragrances can increase your skin sensitivity. This breaks down the skin’s outer barrier responsible for protection. In conclusion, use fragrance-free, emollient creams and moisturizers when you have finished shaving.
What to do:
- Use a four or five blade razor to assist bypassing irritation.
- Your dermatologist could prescribe hydrocortisone cream which soothes itching, redness and burning.
What not to do:
- It’s a bad idea to shave “up” going against the grain of your beard. Instead swipe the razor downward. So, it is less likely to leave skin irritated.
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Ingrown Hairs
Men with curly facial hair can develop ingrown hairs called pseudo folliculitis barbae. This occurs while in the stubble phase. In short, hairs sprout from the follicles first but will curl back into your skin.
As a result, red, raised bumps that are usually unsightly, painful or itchy appear on your skin. If your razor lifts hair before cutting it actually makes this issue worse. Certainly, you can prevent ingrown hairs.
What to do:
- Take care of that beard or scruff. The ingrown hairs develop at the spot you cut your facial hair like your neck.
- Shave after your shower instead of before.
- Use a new razor or an electric razor that has a shave guard. That is to say, this prevents shaving too close to your skin.
- Apply a pre-shave oil to your beard area before shaving those spots. This should be allowed to absorb for 30 seconds. Follow this with an unscented shave cream and work into a lather. After that, a post-shave moisturizer should be used.
- If your neck is a problem, zone laser hair removal could be an option. Furthermore, it’s costly but you could inquire your dermatologist about the procedure.
What not to do:
- It is not advised to press down on your razor or pull your skin taut when you shave. These movements could give a closer shave; however, the risk for ingrown hairs increases.
Thin or Spotty Hair Growth
Your father or mother is most likely the reason for your unhappiness with a beard or mustache that’s very thin. Unfortunately, you weren’t gifted with a thick facial hair gene. And according to the grooming company Braun survey most men want to grow facial hair.
Most importantly, hair loss can also affect your beard. Some men who have male patterned balding (androgenic alopecia) have success with beard transplants from human donors.
And guys may notice they have total or spotty hair loss in their beard area. This could be a symptom of alopecia areata which is an autoimmune disease. For instance, this condition gives a kinda spotty face early in the day after shaving that’s hard to ignore. By noon it’s replaced by a shadow of stubble.
If you have concerns about hair loss in your beard here is some advice.
What to do:
- Consult your dermatologist who can evaluate the cause of your hair loss. You can collect information on options for treating your condition.
What not to do:
- Give up. If you are having issues with your facial hair filling in think about trying another style. In other words, growing two- or three-day stubble could work for your hair growth.
Beard Dandruff
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that can leave unattractive flakes in your beard. This could look like a hygiene issue but it’s not. Some causes are still unknown. However, experts agree on one thing that it is the yeast on your skin known as malassezia.
Some people may have an immune system that causes an over production of this kind of yeast. It appears as a scaly, flakey rash on the scalp, eyebrows, nose, mustache and beard area. Further, there is no cure but here’s how to cope.
What to do:
- Use a dandruff shampoo with 1 percent ketoconazole. Place this on dry skin and leave it on for five minutes then shower. In short, it’s not the perfect solution but will clear the scales. However, dark or light spots can remain for months.
- Another option is shampoos with selenium sulfide and pyrithione zinc that could also be effective. Likewise, your dermatologist could prescribe a topical solution.
What not to do:
- According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) petroleum jelly is not helpful. That is to say, it usually makes Seborrheic dermatitis worse.
- Don’t stop treating this chronic skin condition. Thus, the rash usually clears but recurs if treatment is stopped.
Bumpy Beard
Not all bumps in your beard are ingrown hairs or acne. There may sometimes be a benign lesion like a mole or actinic keratosis. Thus, there could be something questionable that needs to be checked out with your dermatologist.
Most importantly, get checked annually for skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. These can be covered by your facial hair. Usually, these lesions aren’t noticed until they become bothersome.
What to do:
- Your board-certified dermatologist should examine all your beard bumps and determine the cause.
What not to do:
- Skip your annual skin exam. Know the ABCDE’s of skin cancer. Be alert to any changes on your skin. Above all, add this to your regular grooming routine, if you haven’t yet, it could save your life.
Blemishes
Acne is the most common skin issue in America, says the American Academy of Dermatology. And it can occur at any age. Particularly, you can boost your chances to develop pimples with your beard.
That is to say, acne happens due to your skin producing lots of sebum and dead skin doesn’t get removed. The oil combines with dead skin cells and the bacteria on your skin’s surface results in breakouts.
What to do:
- Wash your face and beard twice a day with a gentle skin cleanser. Use a topical anti-acne ingredient like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or retinoid. Further, a prescription from your dermatologist for other alternatives can get you in the clear.
- Continue using. These acne medications usually take two or three months before observing its full effect. And your skin requires 28 days to cycle or shed. In other words, your patience is needed for your skin to clear up.
What not to do:
- Beard oils are great for softening sharp quills but can encourage acne if you’re already acne prone. So, it’s best to skip this if breakouts come easily.
- You may think it’s cool to stroke your beard or mustache. Reality check, you’re only adding bacteria there that can lead to acne.
Growing a Beard
It may take you awhile to grow a beard if you’re just starting out. And caring for one doesn’t stop with shampooing and combing. Likewise, you purchase certain products for your skin and hair, choose the right tools for your beard as well.
What you will need:
- Skin cleanser or shampoo for your skin type
- Exfoliating scrub
- Moisturizer with an SPF (while your beard grows in)
- Moisturizer without an SPF (after your beard has grown in)
- Beard oil, conditioner or moisturizer according to your skin type
- Beard comb as well as beard brush
Washing Your Beard
A gentle cleanser can be used. This works well for both your beard and skin.
To sum up, it’s essential to wash your face and beard every day to get rid of:
- Dirt
- Oil
- Germs
- Pollution
- Dead skin
For best results splash lukewarm water to shampoo or cleanse your beard. If you are using a medicated shampoo or cleanser leave this on your skin for a couple minutes, then rinse. Further, make sure to completely rinse your beard to take away all shampoo residues.
The Right Beard Cleanser
Choose a beard cleanser based on your skin type. For oily or acne-prone skin your facial cleanser should include active ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid. And check the label to find non-Comedogenic this verifies that the product won’t clog your pores.
If you have normal skin, you could also use a non-Comedogenic cleanser. Dry skin requires a hydrating cleanser without fragrances that can irritate your skin. Fragrance should be avoided if you have sensitive skin. Above all, labels should say “soap-free” and “fragrance-free” to prevent skin irritation.
Moisturizer for Your Beard
Choose a moisturizer for your beard also depending on your skin type. For acne-prone skin the best product would be a beard conditioner. Beard oil would benefit normal or dry skin. Certainly, for sensitive skin types stay away from fragrance and use a non-Comedogenic moisturizer.
Apply your moisturizer right after washing your beard and blotting your face with a towel. It is best to put on your moisturizer while your skin and beard are still damp. Furthermore, to prevent build-up or a greasy appearance use this product sparingly.
Groom Your Beard
Brush or comb your beard daily to keep knots and tangles from occurring. Trimming hairs may be necessary to achieve your desired style.
Wrapping it up
Men have the ability to grow facial hair. Along with this are other concerns and issues. Most importantly, to stay ahead of these issues beard care needs to be done.
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Mary is the founder of All About Our Skin. Former esthetician and CPC. Enjoys researching skincare and has been studying our skin for the past fifteen years.
