How to Tackle Beard Dandruff

Everywhere you look, men are sporting the lumberjack beard trend. In reality, beards are not as easy to maintain as they may look. They require consistent care and upkeep and they come with their own set of challenges. One of the most common is beard dandruff. 

The microbe Malassezia globosa typically causes skin flaking in the beard. Everyone has this microbe but when it combines with hair follicles and oil on the skin dandruff starts to appear. 

Grab a Dandruff Shampoo

Dandruff flaking, or seborrheic dermatitis, is a common occurrence among people of all ages. These little scaly flakes of skin are typically on the scalp, but they can also occur in the beard area ending up as tiny flakes on clothing or elsewhere. What's probably the best way to treat beard dandruff is with a shampoo that contains one of the following: 

• Salicylic acid
• Selenium sulfide
• Zinc pyrithione
• Ketoconazole

Use as directed on the bottle and avoid any shampoo that says not to use it on the face. Shampoos usually offer the fastest results.

Moisturize the Skin

Dandruff also depends on body chemistry and environmental exposure. So keeping the skin clean of any environmental toxins can help. Once clean, be sure to moisturize the skin under the beard and not just the face around the beard. Look for products that don't clog pores. There are hypoallergenic beard moisturizers designed just for this problem. In addition, using a humidifier during dry months can help combat skin dryness.

Use Caution With New Skin Products

Sometimes using a new lotion or body wash can cause skin breakdown and irritation, affecting sensitive skin and leading to breakdown and flakes. Redness, irritation and itching are subtle signs. When trying a new skin product, watch for these changes and additional flaking and discontinue use if any of these occur. 

Get in There and Scrub Away

While dandruff can occur on any hair length or type, the problem starts on the skin's surface. Sebum and oleic acid buildup can quickly lead to flaking under the beard, as well as the surrounding skin. When showering, get in there and really scrub the beard area with a good anti-dandruff shampoo to wash away dead skin cells, reducing the amount that falls out of the beard. Then moisturize afterward while the skin is soft and moist.

Getting beard dandruff under control doesn't have to be difficult. Keeping the area clean by using dandruff shampoo regularly is a good starting point. Use a hypoallergenic beard moisturizer to keep the skin happy, too. In just a few days you'll be spending a lot less time brushing flakes from your shirt and more time showing off that gorgeous beard.

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