Men's Skincare 101: How to Treat Dry Skin Under the Beard
Finally, you’ve grown the beard. You’ve committed to the look, and it’s actually becoming on you. Those Pedro Pascal and/or Chris Evans compliments are coming in, and you’re feeling your new look. But then, you get the itch, the flakes, the tightness. And those things? They’re not normal.
Dry skin under the beard is a serious grooming issue that can mess with not just the aesthetic of your beard and your vibe, but also with your confidence. Unfortunately, too many men shrug it off, simply attributing it to the price to pay for having majestic facial hair. Again, it’s not. And here in the Philippines, where we constantly battle with humidity and UV exposure, your beard and skin are going through a lot. Here’s a harsh take: your simple soap isn’t just going to cut it, folks.
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What Causes Dry Skin Under the Beard
Dry skin under the beard (sometimes referred to as “beard dandruff” or “beardruff”) isn’t just something you can brush off. It stems from a combination of poor skin hydration, clogged follicles, over-washing, harsh products, or underlying skin conditions. Because of the humidity in the Philippines, combined with the daily pollution and other environmental factors, your pores can get clogged and cause irritation or fungal flare-ups under the beard.
Then there’s the heat and the sun. UV exposure dries out skin and can cause redness and flakiness, especially in areas shielded from direct air—like your beard area. But there can also be medical conditions. Seborrheic dermatitis and eczema often present themselves in areas with lots of sebaceous glands, like—once again—your beard. So if the flakes don’t go away even after regular washing, then this guide could help you out.
Don’t Overdo Beard Washing
Opinions on regular hair shampoo for beard wash vary. Generally speaking, however, your good old reliable hair shampoo should be fine to use on your beard. But when you get beard dandruff, then it’s time to consider other options and get a beard-specific formula that won’t strip away your natural oils. There are beard washes that are sulfate- and paraben-free, and those that contain hydrating ingredients, such as aloe vera, glycerin, and tea tree oil.
Another thing: you don’t need to shampoo your beard every day. Some men swear by a once-a-week habit, while experts recommend two to three times a week. But some dermatologists also advocate for daily washing, as long as you make use of a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. It takes time to find a routine that works for your beard hair and skin, and the frequency of washes may vary, but it also depends on your cleanser. Lastly, water temperature. This applies not just to beard hair but even your scalp. Hot water strips your skin and scalp of oils, which can worsen dryness. Use lukewarm water and rinse thoroughly to avoid product buildup.
If you’re in the stubble phase of beard-growing, experts recommend using a gentle exfoliating scrub about once or twice a week, before using your moisturizer, beard oil, or balm. During this phase, you shouldn’t skip the SPF – going for SPF 30 or higher is best, especially given our climate.
Bath & Body Works' Ultimate Beard & Face Wash
As mentioned, some beard-sporting men have sworn by using hair shampoo, with a few complimenting Head & Shoulders as a go-to beard wash. Beardruff situations, however, call for stronger reinforcements, and that means reaching for beard-intended products. Bath & Body Works’ Ultimate Beard & Face Wash, worth P1,050 for 118 mL, is infused with vitamin B5 and aloe and is formulated as a gentle cleanser for regular use. This dermatologist-tested beard wash smells of lavender and sage, providing a relaxing start or end to your day.
Bed Head for Men by TIGI Go Beard or Go Home: Clean Up Shampoo and Nourishing Beard Oil
Another option is seeking out the Bed Head for Men by TIGI Collection. Their Go Beard or Go Home: Clean Up Shampoo and Nourishing Beard Oil is currently on sale at Hair MNL. Priced at P999, this duo set is meant to address the product buildup that eventually leads to beard dandruff. It comes with the Clean Up Shampoo (250 mL) and the Fuel Around Nourishing Beard Oil (50 mL), both featuring fresh, aromatic fragrances that guarantee you will feel confident throughout the day.
Hydrate the Skin, Not Just the Beard
Beard oil alone, unfortunately, is not enough. Yes, it can treat the beard and make it look smooth and lessen frizz. But beard dandruff can also occur because you’ve neglected the skin underneath. So, what do you do? After towel-drying your beard (don’t rub, just pat gently), apply a few drops of beard oil or conditioner. Massage it into your beard in slow, circular motions, ensuring that the nourishing formula reaches the skin underneath.
Make sure to apply this immediately after cleansing or exfoliating, but make sure to leave your skin a little damp after towel-drying. Lastly, less is more. Using a bit or a few drops at a time will keep your beard from looking greasy.
Gaffer Manila's Cedarwood & Bergamot Beard Oil
A proudly local beardcare brand, Gaffer Manila’s Beard Oil comes in two variants: Peppermint and Cedarwood & Bergamot. Both priced at P375, they contain 100% natural ingredients and have no DHT blockers, ensuring your beard grows without a hitch. A few drops go a long way with their formula, keeping your beard moisturized and your pores free from clogs.
Sephora Collection Smoothing Beard Oil
Sephora also has its own Sephora Collection Smoothing Beard Oil (P980 for 30mL). With 97% natural ingredients, such as moringa oil extract and rosemary extract, it effectively provides the necessary hydration your beard needs to stay soft.
Use a Beard Brush
During the stubble phase, using an exfoliating scrub ensures your pores stay clear, reduces buildup, and lifts dead skin cells. Once your hair starts to grow, it’s going to be quite difficult to scrub the skin underneath, which is wear a beard brush comes in.
A soft-bristle beard brush (most recommend a boar bristle brush) can easily do the trick. Not only does it help exfoliate your skin, but it also helps distribute natural oils throughout the beard. But you don’t have to do this every day, as it can be too harsh on your skin, triggering even more beardruff than before. For best results? Do this step two to three times a week. And again, don’t skip the oils and moisturizing afterward; your skin will especially need more TLC after exfoliating.
Regularly Trim Your Beard
Especially if you’re growing a big, bulky beard, experts recommend trimming your beard every 10 days. Proper maintenance and regular trimming can prevent frayed ends and tangled strands, both of which can irritate the skin. A full beard shaping could be done once a month to keep you looking sharp.
While you can go at it on your own, plenty of YouTube tutorials exist for this very purpose (whether you’re using a comb and scissors or other tools), there are also professional barbershops that can do the job for you.
Felipe & Sons, Manila’s top barberdashery, offers a Beard Trim for P845. This is a 30-minute-long treatment that fits right into your lunch break. Drop by its main branch in BGC, or its other branches in Makati, Mandaluyong, or Quezon City.
Back Alley Barbershop is Makati’s hidden gem, tucked within Salcedo Village. Its old-school grooming services have earned rave reviews since they opened their first shop in 2014. While its services are also on the more expensive end of the spectrum, loyal customers can attest that it’s worth every peso.
Inside Cubao Expo, Quezon City’s artist haven, is Barber’s Tale MNL. Its BTM Moustache & Beard Care package is reasonably priced at P350. From a basic trim to a full shave, this treatment guarantees a refreshed beard. Plus, they make sure to use shaving tonics and beard oils to ensure not just a fresh cut or trim, but also a healthy beard.
Located in Las Piñas, ARTÉ Manila is one of your best bets in the South. Its Beard Shaping service, for only P400, includes trimming and styling. And as it says on its website, this service ensures a defined, clean, and balanced appearance that will fit your face shape.
Last but not least is the country’s top barbershop chain, Bruno’s Barbers, which has over 70 branches nationwide. If you want a one-stop shop for all your hair and grooming needs, this is the place to go. Aside from offering Beard and Moustache Trim, Bruno’s also offers hair styling and treatment, scalp care, facials, hair removal, hand and foot services, as well as massages.
When to Consult a Pro
If you’ve followed our advice religiously (cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing), but you still see beard dandruff, then it’s time to consult a skin professional. Again, there are numerous reasons why beardruff exists, and it could even be a combination of things. It could mean seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or a fungal issue. All of which a dermatologist would be able to fix with a prescription, whether it’s a medicated shampoo, topical antifungals, or mild corticosteroids.
Some of these medicated shampoos already exist in the market. Experts advise choosing ones that contain one percent ketoconazole, an antifungal medication. Stronger doses, however, may require a doctor’s prescription, which is why seeking their advice would still be best instead of going down the DIY route.
More High Maintenance Than You Think
Growing a beard may seem like a lazy guy’s hack, and for those who don’t know any better, it seems the only thing you need to do is stop shaving altogether. The truth is: it’s not as low-maintenance as you think. Behind every great beard is great skin care. Keeping your beard dandruff-free requires more than just a splash of water and some soap. It requires the right routine and products, regular trips to the barbershop, and a bit of experimenting here and there. It’ll pay off eventually, just as long as you, as they say, trust the process.
