Beard dandruff can be a surprising and embarrassing problem to have. With careful washing, conditioning, and installing a shower filter to protect your skin, this flaky issue can be a short-lived problem.
Below, we explore some common reasons the condition gets started and highlight some ideas on how to get rid of beard dandruff.
What is beard dandruff?
Scalp dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis in medical terms, is a very common problem. Most of us have dealt with it at one time or another. As dandruff easily forms in areas where skin meets hair growth, it makes sense that an area of thick facial hair like a beard might also be a good place for it to start.
Like dandruff on the scalp and eyebrow dandruff, beard dandruff creates flakes caused by a buildup of yeast on the skin. These flakes can increase in number and size quickly, making them difficult to brush out consistently.
The only way to truly deal with embarrassing dandruff flakes is to prevent them in the first place.
What causes beard dandruff?
Before we understand how to prevent beard dandruff, we must first learn how it forms on the skin. Skin conditions, hygiene habits, and environmental factors all play a role in developing dandruff.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Dry skin: When our skin becomes dry and loses natural oils, the dehydrated skin becomes a ripe breeding ground for yeast. Some people are more naturally prone to dry skin, while others live or work in a harsh environment.
- Environmental factors: Harsh weather conditions and changes in humidity and temperature during the year can affect the moisture level of your skin. The humidity level in our home can also cause skin to become dry and dandruff-prone.
- Skin conditions: Underlying skin and immune conditions can create an environment in the beard that is perfect for dandruff growth.
- Age: Our skin naturally becomes more dry as we age. As the epidermis becomes thinner and we have less natural oil in the skin, beard dandruff can develop as a side effect.
- Harsh water: Consistently showering in water rich in minerals and sediments can strip the skin of natural oils over time. Filtering water with AquaBliss can reduce harsh water from affecting the health and look of your skin.
How to reduce beard dandruff?
If you find yourself brushing more and more flakes from your beard, it might be time to take action. Follow some basic steps to lessen current dandruff and prevent it happening in the first place.
1. Wash your Beard
Sounds simple, right? It isn’t always so obvious to people who grow a beard that their washing habits need to change. Just as we wash our hair separately using our fingers to scrub debris, dirt, and oils away, the same washing attention is necessary for a beard.
Take the time to shampoo your beard, and gently massage the skin under your beard for a thorough clean. As you want to retain the natural oils in your skin while still keeping it clean, follow some of the following simple rules for beard cleaning:
- Use soft cleansers - harsh soaps can encourage dryness
- Massage the skin; don’t scrub.
- Wash with a beard shampoo for best results
2. Condition your Beard
Beard conditioners are often sold with a focus on styling and softness. But moisturizing products like these can also effectively protect your skin from dryness and dandruff. Your skin can also be affected If you accidentally use too much beard conditioner or oil.
Some signs you may have gone overboard include:
- A greasy texture to the hair
- Your beard has a wet look
- Fingers feel oily after touching your beard
3. Dry your Beard properly
Towel drying your beard stops you from dripping over the bathroom floor but can leave your hair damp for a long time after a shower. A damp environment like this is an ideal place for yeast and bacteria to grow.
Use a hair dryer in a cool setting to thoroughly dry your beard after each wash. This helps to eliminate potential areas for dandruff to grow and also makes it feel so much more comfortable.
4. Brush your Beard
A long beard, like long hair, can easily get tangled and create an environment for dirt and skin cell build-up. By regularly brushing your beard, you can prevent the build-up of problem areas and keep your beard looking smart.
5. Use Beard Oils, Balms, and other Beard Products
Beard products are not just about creating a shape or style for your facial hair. Oils, balms, and leave-in conditioners all work to moisturize your skin, reducing dryness and areas where beardruff could start.
Not only this but many beard oils and balms smell delicious!
See a Dermatologist
In severe cases, stubborn dandruff issues can be tough to clear or even a sign of something else going on in the body.
If your dandruff persists after changing your routine and using filtered water, consult your dermatologist for an examination. It is also crucial to see a medical professional if your dandruff accompanies other symptoms, such as:
- Bleeding skin or sores in the area
- Pain, swelling, or signs of infection
- A dramatic increase in dandruff or very noticeable scales
Can a shower head filter help prevent beard dandruff?
The water we shower with is generally filled with mineral deposits and sediments that are not kind to our skin. As tiny mineral sediments we can’t see with the naked eye come raining down onto our skin, natural oils are quickly lost, and our skin can suffer from dryness.
By filtering these deposits from our water with a shower head filter like AquaBliss, we can:
- Reduce skin dryness and irritation: The hidden minerals and sediments in tap water can irritate the skin over time, leaving us open to irritation, itching, flaking, and an abundance of dandruff.
- Prevent mineral build-up in your bathroom: Cleaning mineral deposits from your bathtub or shower can feel impossible. Especially buildup, which has been there for years. Using a filter for your shower water prevents these minerals from reaching your skin and bathtub.
- Create more soap lather: Have you noticed how much soap lather can differ with location? It can be difficult to create a soap lather when washing with hard water. Filtered water creates a rich lather, helping to clean your beard and save a surprising amount of money on shower products.
Things that make beard dandruff worse
Dandruff can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, whether it is on the head or in your beard. Some actions and environmental changes can actually make beard dandruff worse, including:
1. Strong cleansers
People suffering from dandruff can mistakenly think they need to use a stronger cleanser to clean their skin/beard.
While cleaning is important, overdoing it with harsh cleansers or drying, alcohol-based products can make things a lot worse. Scrubbing too hard with fingers, sponges, or brushes can also aggravate already sensitive skin.
2. Not washing your face/beard
A beard can easily trap dirt, skin cells, and oil. As they accumulate on the skin, bacteria and dandruff conditions can continue to thrive. Washing your beard independently and paying special attention to the skin underneath can keep dandruff away and help you maintain great skincare.
3. Changes in weather
Some climates provide a challenging environment for skin year-round. At the same time, areas with changing seasons can trigger skin issues with sudden weather changes.
Dry, cold, and windy conditions can exacerbate dry skin, leaving skin vulnerable to flaking and soreness. Similarly, the hot, humid conditions of spring and summer can create an ideal environment for dandruff, with excess oils, sweat, and dirt quickly building up on the skin.
How to prevent beard dandruff
Prevention is always better than cure. Keep beardruff away from your beard by:
- Washing and brushing your beard regularly
- Using gentle, effective cleansers and conditioner
- Showering in filtered water, free from problem mineral deposits
- Dry your beard with a hair dryer when it gets wet
- Take the time to apply moisturizing oil or balm
Final Thoughts
Our skin goes through a lot, and conditions like dandruff can quickly affect your confidence. Paying attention to your hygiene, skin care, and the water you shower with can reduce the chances of beardruff appearing.
Helping with much more than just dandruff, adding a premium shower filter like AquaBliss to your bathroom can protect your skin, prevent build-up in your bathtub, rejuvenate your hair, and bring back luxurious soapy lather to your shower time.
Needing no tools for simple installation, upgrade your bathroom with AquaBliss today.
