Do you want to grow your Beard, but are you experiencing beard dandruff? Don't worry. We've all been there – it is one of the most common problems with beards. And fortunately, it's really no reason to shave it all off again. Read here how this dandruff occurs, what you can do about it, and how to prevent it in the long run.
What is beard dandruff?
This dandruff resembles dandruff on your scalp. You notice the problem in a few ways. There are white, flat Beard flakes in the Hair – and the more you brush it, the more flakes fall out. You often suffer from an itchy Beard, and when you comb the hairs aside, you may notice that the skin is redder than normal.
How is it caused?
Just like regular dandruff, dandruff in your Beard is caused by a fungus. Don't worry, we're not talking about whole mushrooms, but a microscopic single-celled organism. This fungus, Malassezia globosa, naturally occurs on everyone's skin and lives off our sebum (skin oil). It produces oleic acid, an acid that many people are sensitive to.
Due to the oleic acid, your skin can become Red, itch, and more dead skin cells than normal can flake off. As you scratch, your skin becomes even more irritated and dries out, making the problem worse.
Dandruff, eczema, dry skin, or allergy?
Dandruff is often confused with dry skin, eczema, and contact dermatitis (an allergy). Three problems that have roughly the same symptoms.
- Many men actually have dry skin when they think it's dandruff. A treatment against dandruff makes dry skin worse. If your dandruff doesn't go away or gets worse, try washing less often, use a gentle Beard Shampoo and protect your skin with a Moisturizer.
- Seborrheic eczema is eczema on your Face, and therefore often eczema in your Beard. This can cause flakes in the Beard, but also in your eyebrows or other areas of your Face. Eczema in the Beard is not pleasant and can feel very dry and burning. The cause of seborrheic eczema can vary, so it is advisable to visit a doctor.
- Contact dermatitis is a mild allergic reaction to a substance. If you are sensitive to certain ingredients in a product for Beard Care, you may develop dermatitis. Changing beard products can make a big difference. Therefore, never use hair shampoo for your Beard – it is full of harsh chemicals that can cause sensitivity. Instead, use a special Beard Shampoo.
How do you get rid of beard dandruff?
Do you suffer from dandruff in your Beard? Fortunately, this annoying condition is easy to treat! These steps can help you tackle the problem quickly.
Use a Beard Scrub
A very mild Beard Scrub helps you to immediately remove the worst collections of dead skin cells. Use the mildest Scrub you can find for the Beard or for the sensitive facial skin. Another good way to scrub is by regularly using a Beard Brush. We recommend a Beard Brush with boar bristles, which is ideal for conditioning and cleaning your Beard.
Wash your Beard with Beard Shampoo
A special Beard Shampoo rinses away Beard flakes, removes the fungus and the sebum it feeds on from your skin. At the same time, Beard Shampoo contains essential oils that prevent your skin from drying out. As a result, you will have less trouble with an itchy Beard and prevent scratching.
Care for your Beard with Beard Oil or Beard Balm
Beard care products such as a Beard Oil or Beard Balm create a protective layer on your facial skin and hair. This reduces sebum production, which in turn inhibits fungus growth.
How do I prevent beard dandruff from returning?
If the three tips above help to solve your dandruff, then that's good news. The next step is, of course, to ensure that the problem does not start again. With these tips, you can keep your Beard and skin in top condition.
- Beard Shampoo is by far the best product to combat and prevent dandruff. It removes dirt, sebum, and microorganisms, ensures healthy skin cell growth, and protects your skin from drying out. This should really be your number one product in treating dandruff!
- Keeping your skin hydrated prevents irritation, excess sebum production, and the return of the fungus.
- Beard Care is important! Brushing your Beard a few times a week helps to remove dirt, dead skin cells, and other contaminants.
- A Beard Scrub also helps – but be critical of which product you use, so as not to damage or irritate your skin.
We hope you can tackle your beard dandruff with all the above tips. If you still have questions, for example about suitable products, please contact us. We are happy if we can make you happy. You know where to find us!
Good luck,
Your friends, The Alpha Men