A beard can really make a man. Sure – the clean-shaven look can turn heads too, but a strong, impactful beard? It maximises masculinity, turns heads, and instantly gives a man gravitas.
Yet beneath the surface, there’s a lot more going on than most people realise. Instead of being exposed to the air and able to shed and regenerate like the rest of our body, facial skin and follicles are covered. What’s actually going on under there? And how can you take the best care of your skin, without compromising the beard? Here’s your total guide.
What is going on under there?
- Oil and sweat are building up: Your skin is producing sebum (oil), and with sweat from working out, running between meetings, or just living daily life, oil can get trapped under the beard hairs. Not ideal.
- Exfoliation slows down: Once the pores are clogged, it becomes harder for the skin to shed dead skin cells naturally. Flakes might appear, and itchiness (often called “beardruff”) might start.
- The moisture balance shifts: Hair absorbs oil, which sounds good until you realise that the skin under your beard hair may be left considerably dryer than on the rest of your face.
- Bacteria and yeast thrive: In addition, the warm, covered environment can encourage microbial growth, sometimes causing irritation or acne-like bumps – bumps you feel, but sometimes can’t actually see.
- Circulation and stimulation: Growing a beard can slightly stimulate the skin through the hair follicle activity, which is why some people feel tingling or itching in the early growth stages.
It’s a lot. We get it. But don’t reach for the razor just yet. There are simple things you can do to keep the face and skin in great shape – while the beard stays right where it is. To keep the skin under a beard healthy, hydrated, and free of irritation, work these few, simple habits into your routine:
Beard-enhancing habits to start now
1. Cleanse properly
- Wash the beard (paying special attention to the skin underneath) with a gentle cleanser once a day. Avoid harsh soaps that strip natural oils, as they can cause dryness and flaking.
2. Exfoliate regularly
- Use a mild scrub or chemical exfoliant (like a BHA or gentle enzyme product) once or twice a week. This helps prevent ingrown hairs, bumps, and “beardruff,” which ultimately will prevent itching and irritation from ruining your life.
3. Condition and moisturise
- Beard oil is the go-to: it hydrates both the hair and the skin beneath. Look for lightweight products with nourishing natural ingredients inside. Particle’s Beard Oil – an all-natural blend of nourishing oils including Avocado, Apricot, Argan, Jojoba, Hemp, and Castor Oil softens, styles, and nourishes your beard, leaving it looking and feeling its best. If the beard is longer or coarse, a beard balm can lock in moisture and add softness.
4. Brush or comb daily
- It’s not just hair on our heads that needs brushing: comb through your beard once a day with a beard brush, and you’ll help to distribute oils, lift dead skin, and keep circulation going. This also trains the beard to grow neatly and reduces tangling. Great if you’re going for a more executive look. Don’t skip this step if your beard is short – it’s never too soon to cultivate healthy habits.
5. Trim smartly
- Regular trims prevent split ends and help reduce ingrown hairs. Use clean, sharp tools to avoid irritation or infection, and if you’re nervous to pick up the beard trimmer yourself, hit up your nearest barber. They’ll be delighted to help you keep things tip-top, and might even deep-condition it too.
6. Support from the inside
- Staying hydrated and eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, walnuts, flaxseed) supports skin health. The US Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink 3.7 litres of water every day to stay healthy – this is way more than people commonly consume. Increase your water intake and you’ll likely find that your skin, hair, and overall sense of well-being boost upwards once you’re properly hydrated.
The Takeaway
There are a lot of complex biological processes going on underneath your beard. Give the skin in that area the same care you’d give the rest of your face, and you’ll soon reap rewards. No more blocked pores, itchiness, or flakes – just impactful, suave looks that turn heads, and keep attention for the right reasons.
