Guess what? Recent research has found that some men have more bacteria, microbes, bits, and bobs of food particles and germs in their beards than dogs have in their fur. Some of the bacteria is what you’d normally find on human skin, but some were more dangerous.
Your beard hair is much coarser and thicker than the hair on the rest of your body. Your face also has many invisible pores that produce oil. A little is good, but if you don’t wash regularly, then that oil combined with germs can lead to a rash, discomfort or an infected hair follicle.
Beards are Sexy
When it comes to attracting women, research has also found that women prefer men with heavy stubble over men with a full beard or those clean-shaven guys….Hmmm? Interesting. Well, now that you’re in the know, how should you keep your beard healthy, happy and yes, sexy?
There’s a lot of different advice out there about how to care for your beard. I’ve done the research and here’s what I found:
• First, start by washing your beard when you take a shower. Use a mild shampoo, like baby shampoo. Your beard will dry out if you wash every day. But, if you work outside or in construction, then you may need to wash every day.
• Use a conditioner that you leave in for a few minutes before rinsing. This will soften your bear, and it will be much easier to comb or brush it.
• You can also soften your beard by rubbing in a little olive oil or coconut oil and leaving it in overnight, then gently wash it out.
• Do buy yourself a good beard brush and comb. The brush helps distribute the natural oils from your skin over your beards. Using a brush also helps exfoliate the skin and keeps it healthy.
If the skin under your beard is red or has red irritated bumps, then:
• Avoid hot water, this makes the skin more irritated.
• Start by using your beard brush to gently brush your beard.
• Then try a gentle exfoliation with a salt scrub.
• You can do this with a handful of Kosher salt mixed with a little olive oil. Rub it in gentle to help open up your pores and rinse with lukewarm water
• If the skin is irritated, you might consider applying a small amount of over the counter 1% cortisone cream twice daily for 3 days.
• If the skin still hasn’t improved, do talk to your dermatologist
If your beard has dandruff
• This can be a sign of several things: That you’re dehydrated, that the shampoo you’re using is too harsh for your skin, or that you need to exfoliate.
• Start by brushing dandruff from the base of the beard out, this will help distribute the natural oils your skin produces throughout your beard.
• Then wash with a milder shampoo and do rub in the conditioner and beard softeners deep into the base of the beard and skin to keep it hydrated.
• You may have to apply a conditioner or softener, such as olive or coconut oil several times a day.
• Be sure you’re drinking enough water.
If you have any tips for Beard care or any suggestions for topics related to Men’s Health, leave a comment.
Take care and take care of your sexy beard.
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