The scalp is frequently affected by the common skin ailment known as dandruff. It is well recognised for resulting in red, flaky skin that itches frequently. You’ll probably be able to see skin flakes in your hair if you have scalp dandruff. Some people refer to seborrheic dermatitis as dandruff. your dandruff may also affect your beard (if you have one) and cause beard dandruff.
White flakes and irritation in your beard can result from the same thing happening to facial hair. Learn more about the causes of beard dandruff and how to treat it by reading on.
What triggers it?
Almost everyone’s skin is home to the bacterium Malassezia globosa. This particular species of fungus thrives in places with a lot of sebaceous glands and high levels of oil, including your face and scalp.
Sebum, an oil produced by your sebaceous glands, is broken down with the aid of the fungus. Oleic acid is a byproduct of this process, which might irritate certain people’s skin. Additionally, you probably have more M. globosa bacteria and more oleic acid if you have naturally oily skin.
Additionally, some individuals’ skin has a quicker rate of cell turnover. This relates to how frequently your skin cells renew themselves. A cell turnover cycle typically lasts 30 days. A buildup of dead skin cells may occur if the process accelerates.
If the skin beneath the beard flakes is not red or inflamed, you may simply have dry skin. In other instances, a buildup of oils and skin cells might result from not washing your beard frequently enough.
No matter what’s causing your beard dandruff, you might discover that it gets worse in hot, humid settings and in cold, dry weather.
How do I remove it?
To get rid of beard dandruff, you must devise a strategy to remove dead skin cells and manage excess oil to stop the growth of new flakes. For the majority of people, this entails routine exfoliation, washing, and moisturising. No matter what routine or items you use, keep in mind that it can take a week or two before you start to notice benefits.
Exfoliating
Dead skin cells, particularly those responsible for dandruff, can be eliminated by the exfoliation process. By using a beard brush, you can make this the initial stage of your process. Choose one with gentle bristles. A beard brush will assist in spreading your skin’s natural oils as well as removing dead skin cells. Your beard’s hair may become softer and easier to manage as a result.
Gently massage the skin behind your beard with the brush before cleaning it. Make sure not to scrub your beard too vigorously. That might exacerbate dandruff.
Washing
Wash your beard the same way you wash your hair if you haven’t already. The same shampoo that you use on your scalp can be used. But you might wish to choose a dandruff-treating medicated shampoo. Look for the following elements in a shampoo to prevent dandruff:
tea tree oil,
pyrithione,
zinc,
coal tar
selenium sulphide
Apply the shampoo to your beard gently. Ensure that it touches the skin underneath. Before rinsing it, wait a minute or two. Using water that is too hot might dry up and irritate your skin even more.
Remember that conventional shampoos made for your scalp might be too harsh for your face, particularly if you have sensitive or dry skin. Try a cleanser made exclusively for beards, like this one, if shampoo seems too drying.
Moisturizing
It’s essential to moisturise your beard if you want to get rid of dandruff. After shampooing, moisturising helps to restore and preserve your skin.
You probably think of lotion when you think about moisturising. It can be challenging to apply to your beard without leaving a lot of residue, though. Select a beard oil instead. One is available on Amazon.
A simpler, noncomedogenic oil, such as argan oil, may be preferable if you have acne-prone skin because it won’t clog your pores.
After cleansing, immediately follow up with your moisturiser. A few drops of oil should be rubbed in between your palms and massaged into the skin beneath your beard, all the way to the ends. Try one or two drops at first to prevent further buildup. If you feel that you didn’t cover all of your beard, just add more.
How can I stop it from happening again?
It’s crucial to stick to your routine after getting rid of beard dandruff, especially when it comes to cleaning and moisturising. Keep an eye on how your skin feels on a regular basis. Does it itch or feel tight? More beard oil should be added. Remember that in cold, dry weather you might want to apply a heavier moisturiser.
Once your dandruff is under control, you can reduce how often you use a medicated shampoo to once or twice a week.
Conclusion –
Although beard dandruff is a widespread issue, it is simple to address with the use of a routine. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to take care of both the skin and the hair on your beard.
Consult your doctor if, after a few weeks, you’re still not feeling better. A topical steroid therapy or antifungal shampoo may be prescribed for you. Once your dandruff has disappeared, maintaining your routine will prevent it from coming back.