It is a craze amongst men to keep a beard. Thanks to this latest fad, I get to see some well-groomed men. Majority of the Indian men are full of patriarchal mindsets. Add to it their unkempt selves. And there you get an eyesore for sure.
A man who pampers his beard looks and smells pleasant. That makes me wonder why not all males give a little care to their physical selves. If not for the women around, at least they will appear dandy to themselves.
Whenever I discuss the beard grooming vows with my male friends. Almost all seem to have issues during the beard growing stages. The beard growth phase accompanies an itchy beard phase as well.
What Is an Itchy Beard Phase?
Skin irritation under beard common during the growth phase of the beard causes an itch. Though the itchy beard stage is prominent in the initial stages of beard growth. But it can happen in later stages of full-grown beards as well.
Thus, that brings us to the question –
What Causes the Beard Itch
The itchy beard phase could be due to some reasons as listed below:
1. Variation in the Average Beard Growth Rate
You must have noticed that the rate of growth for beards is different for all. Some men seem to take ages to grow a beard. While for some it happens quick.
In fact, the growth rates differ even for each hair for the same person. That is why you notice hair growth on the chin cleft more prominent than on the side-burns.
Well, that is how complicated human biology is.
The differing rates of beard spurts put pressure on the skin underneath the beard. Consider it different knocking times for each hair.
The upcoming hair pokes the skin and hence causes the irritation. So, the more the new hair sprouting, the more and longer the itch sustains. This should answer the most common query – “how long does beard itch last?” Thus, the itch would continue till you have a growth spurt phase of new beard hair. Doesn’t that sound good? At least there is some solace to the itchy beard phase.
2. Flaky Skin Under Beard
The skin underneath the beard and mustache gets dry causing a sensation of itch. Extreme dryness can also create a situation similar to dandruff. So, if you notice white flakes shedding off your beard. Then, it is time to increase the suppleness of the beard skin. That means the removal of the dead skin cells and nourishing the new skin.
Due to the growth of hair, beard area goes unnoticed. Hence, you tend to not moisturize that area. Over time the skin becomes super dry causing extreme irritation.
3. Rash in Beard Area
You could develop a rash in your beard due to negligence and/or due to poor hygiene. This rash causes an allergy which then creates immense irritation.
The facial hair acts like a tentacle to attract dust, grime, and other foreign objects. If the beard is not washed with proper care. The external matter in the beard can cause havoc on the skin. If left unattended, the allergy can aggravate causing a perpetual itchy beard phase.
How to Stop a Beard from Itching
If you practice the basic principles of skin grooming, you will improve your beard health. The steps are simple but require discipline and consistency.
They are as follows:
1. Cleansing Ritual
A clean beard attracts fewer issues. Thus, it remains in a good condition and looks good too.
You should wash your beard with mild cleansers twice a day. Any herbal soap or a face wash is perfect. But make sure that the cleanser is free of sulfates and parabens. Else, you will end up with skin issues. The overload of chemicals might also hamper your hair growth as well.
Apart from cleansing, you also should scrub your skin. Cleansing removes the particles on the surface of the skin. While the scrubbing draws out impurities from the skin pores. A good scrub also sloughs off the dead skin and thus helps in the formation of new skin.
2. Nourishing and Moisturizing
The moisturizing schedule follows the cleansing and scrubbing ritual. Supple skin is elastic and less susceptible to dandruff and itch.
You can use a nourishing oil and/or a moisturizer on your facial hair. Both work well. Though oils score more on deep down nourishment vis-a-vis the moisturizers.
Use whatever you are comfortable with. But do use either of them to maintain a problem free facial skin.
3. Protection from Infections
A protective serum on the beard seals in the pores and creates a sheath on the skin. Thus, it reduces the chances of catching an infection that can trigger an itchy beard phase.
Many of the beard oils and lotions have an inbuilt skin protector. But you can always use a heavy duty protecting serum for safety.
A serum safeguards both the skin and hair. So, if you end up in a rendezvous with an infection causing elements. Then, the serum will provide holistic protection.
Resources
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Patience is the solution for irritation under beard due to growing hair follicles. You have to get tolerant to the erupting hair. That is the lone solution to the situation.
But the other reasons that cause an itchy beard phase do have some solutions. They are as follows:
1. Beard and Mustache Cleansers
You can use any mild cleanser that the women in your house use. Do not worry, using them will not decrease your manliness. It is a thought process imbibed through patriarchy/ stupidity/ MNC consumption consumerism. Most of the times, it is all the three in unison.
Use your own logic and use products which are good for all humankind.
In specific, these below-listed products are good. They do not contain harmful chemicals but are efficient cleansers.
1.1 Burst of Happyness Castile Soap
1.2 Wood Ash Soap
1.3 Organic Liquid Castile Soap in Eucalyptus Flavor
1.4 Man Arden Beard Wash
1.5 Organic Beard Wash
2. Facial Scrubs
I am a big fan of scrubs. They give a squeaky clean feel and are refreshing as well. Below is a list of curated scrubs that are effective for removing dry and hard dead skin.
2.1 Wow Arabica Coffee Scrub
2.2 Advanced Clinicals Charcoal Face Scrub
2.3 Biotique Bio Walnut Scrub
2.4 Organic Harvest Face Scrub
2.5 SoulTree Walnut Turmeric Face Scrub
3. Beard and Mustache Oil
This one is the most important element of beard grooming. Instead of trying different beard oils, stick to Castor oil. Castor oil is an all-in-one goodie bag. It is an emollient as well as a deep down follicle nourisher.
I have a super simple and fantastic recipe for a beard balm. The recipe uses allergen-free ingredients. Also, my beardy buddies approve it.
If you are not a DIY person. Then, you can skip my recipe and use other oils instead.
You can try any of the below apart from my favorite Castor oil:
3.1 Castor Oil
3.2 Jojoba Oil
3.3 Argan Oil
3.4 Wheat Germ Oil
3.5 Grape Seed Oil
Conclusion
An itchy beard phase is similar to an itchy scalp. For a solution, it is important to know the cause of your itch in the facial hair.
Growing beard phase is a major cause of irritation. Poor hygiene, negligent grooming, and external irritants also cause an itchy beard phase.
The solution lies in proper grooming and moisturizing of the beard skin. The skin underneath the beard and mustache has an impact on the facial hair. So, it is important to take care of the skin underlying the beard to have holistic facial hair health.
Image Source: Pixabay
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