Dandruff in beard: How to get rid of beard dandruff

What causes beard dandruff?

 

There are many causes of dandruff in the beard, and some can even be more serious such as fungal or bacterial growth. Here are some of the most common culprits of beardruff:

 

• Dry skin: Sometimes, it’s just a simple case of dehydrated skin. Often cold weather, harsh cleansers, or lack of hydration can cause dry skin under the beard. 
• Excess oil production: Your skin naturally produces sebum which is an oily substance that moisturises and protects your skin. An imbalance of sebum can lead to your skin flaking.¹ 
• Poor beard hygiene: Failing to wash and care for your beard can trap dirt, dead skin cells and bacteria. This, in turn, can lead to skin irritation and dandruff in the beard.² Now that we know a few of the main causes of beardruff, let’s take a look at the difference between facial hair dandruff and scalp dandruff. 
  

Facial hair dandruff vs. scalp dandruff

 

Although beard and scalp dandruff have similar symptoms – flaky skin, itchiness, and redness – the causes of these two types of dandruff are different. For example, the skin on your face is more sensitive than your scalp, meaning beard dandruff often requires a gentler, and tailored type of care. 

 

Scalp dandruff is usually caused by excessive oil production, whereas beardruff often stems from dry skin under the beard or irritation from grooming products. While both conditions can be aggravated by conditions such as fungal growth,² beard dandruff is more likely to be worsened by environmental factors, such as cold weather or harsh soaps.³

How to prevent beard dandruff: Essential tips to remember 

 

If you’re wondering how to get rid of beard dandruff, the key is to follow a consistent and effective grooming routine with products that are tailored to your skin. 

 

Here are some practical steps to combat flaky skin under the beard and keep your luscious beard looking its best!

 

1. Exfoliate regularly
   One of the best ways to prevent facial hair dandruff is to exfoliate your skin. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and prevents flaking. For more exfoliation tips, check out this guide on the art of exfoliating for men. 
   
   
2. Keep your beard and skin clean
   If you want to know how to stop beard dandruff, washing your beard with a mild beard shampoo, or a sulphate-free cleanser helps to remove the dirt, excess oil, and bacteria that may contribute to beardruff. 
   
   
3. Moisturise with beard oils and balms
   Dry skin under the beard is one of the main causes of dandruff, so keeping your skin hydrated is essential. Beard oils containing jojoba, argan or coconut oil can help lock in moisture; similarly, beard balms provide extra hydration and can help soothe irritation. Apply these products right after showering, when your skin is still slightly damp for better absorption. 
   
   
4. Choosing the right shaving and grooming routine
   If the skin underneath your beard is extremely irritated, a clean shave might be the best option. That way, you can restart your beard journey whilst maintaining healthy skin. 
   
   But when you make this decision, you also need to look for the right type of shaver. For example, the Philips Shaver i9000 Prestige Ultra is perfect for men who want the option of a close, comfortable shave, while still being gentle on sensitive skin. With 360 rotating blades to catch hairs in any direction, and SkinIQ technology which adapts to your face for a personalised shave, the Philips Shaver i9000 Prestige lifts the hair gently from its root to cut it precisely up to -0.08 mm root-level, without cutting your skin. For an ultimate closeness that lasts all day!
   
   Finding the right tools when you decide to shave your beard is a vital part of your routine because it can impact your skin in many ways – so make sure you’ve got the right shaver for you!
   
   
5. Avoid harsh products
   Many shampoos and soaps contain sulphates, alcohol or artificial fragrances that can strip your skin of its natural oils, worsening dry flaky skin under the beard. 
   
   So, when you’re searching for products for your beard care routine, look for gentle, fragrance-free beard products. 
   
   
6. Maintain a healthy lifestyle⁴
   You may not have known, but your diet and hydration levels play a big role in skin health; what you eat, and how much water you drink can help reduce inflammation, dryness and irritation.⁵ For those wondering how to prevent beard dandruff, consider drinking plenty of water for hydration, and reducing your intake of sugar and processed foods which can trigger inflammation. 

 

We know that beard dandruff can be frustrating, and trying to find answers on how to stop beard dandruff can be overwhelming. But using this guide, you can start to build the right routine, and can easily learn how to maintain a healthy, flake-free beard. By exfoliating, moisturising, and using the right shaving tools, you can prevent beard dandruff and keep your facial hair looking its absolute best!

 

Sources:
¹ Sebum, Medical News Today

² How to treat beard dandruff, WEBMD 

³ How to treat and prevent beard dandruff, L’Oreal 

⁴ Beard Dandruff, Nivea 

⁵ Diet and Skin Aging—From the Perspective of Food Nutrition, PMC