Have you noticed a little more itch in your beard? You could be doing a lot of thinking lately or you may be facing what many of your bearded brothers have faced before; dandruff. Beard dandruff, also known as "beardruff," is a condition where skin flakes, similar to dandruff on the scalp, appear in the beard area. It's essentially a form of dandruff that affects people with beards. Like dandruff, it's caused by a buildup of dead skin cells, which can be exacerbated by a number of factors. In this blog we are focused on all things Beardruff, what causes it and what to do about it, so if you're ever facing this situation you can handle it quick.
Causes of Beard Dandruff
- Malassezia Fungi: Just like dandruff on the scalp, beard dandruff can be caused by a type of yeast known as Malassezia. This fungus is a natural inhabitant of the skin but can overgrow and trigger an inflammatory response, leading to flaking.
- Dry Skin: Dry skin can cause the skin cells in your beard to become dry and flaky, leading to dandruff. (Better Man Beard has products to fight this off!)
- Poor Hygiene: Not regularly washing your beard can lead to a buildup of oils, sweat, and dead skin cells, which can cause dandruff.
- Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to certain products, such as beard oils, balms, or shampoos, can cause beard dandruff. (This is why Better Man Beard products are all natural!)
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: This is a common skin condition that causes scaling, itching, and red skin. It often affects areas where there is a lot of oil production, including the beard area.
Getting Rid of Beard Dandruff
- Regular Cleaning: Wash your beard regularly with a mild shampoo or a product specifically designed for beard care. This will help to remove excess oil, sweat, and dead skin cells.
- Exfoliation: Use a beard brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently exfoliate your beard a few times a week. This can help to remove dead skin cells and prevent buildup.
- Hydration: Keep your beard hydrated by using a beard oil or balm that is suitable for your skin type. This can help to prevent dryness and flaking. (Better Man Beard has a slew of products that are all natural and built especially for this reason!)
- Avoid Irritants: If you find that a certain product is causing beard dandruff, stop using it immediately. Instead, opt for products that are gentle and non-comedogenic. (Remember… Better Man Beard products are all natural!)
- Diet: Some people find that their skin conditions, including beard dandruff, improve when they eat a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Medical Treatment: If beard dandruff is severe or persistent, it may be a sign of a more serious skin condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis. In these cases, it's best to see a dermatologist for treatment.
- Avoid Over-Washing: While it's important to keep your beard clean, over-washing can actually dry out your skin and exacerbate dandruff.
Remember, everyone's skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you're struggling with beard dandruff, it may take some trial and error to find the best solution for you. We hope that this beardruff blog was helpful. If you end up trying one or more of our suggestions, please share it with us on social media or in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to check out our events page on our website. Our events are always a blast and it’s a great opportunity to show all of our products in person and to meet Justin (the man himself!) and to get expert product tips, demonstrations, and samples. It’s always a blast to see our great products in action for yourself. Hope to see you around. No matter what you do this year, we hope you have a wonderful year from Better Man Beard