So you’ve read that a healthy How to Properly Moisturize and Hydrate Your Beard beard is one that’s hydrated and moisturized. But what exactly does that mean? And how do you achieve it? Does it mean you can slather some regular face moisturizer on your beard and make it awesome that way? Will that even work? The answer is a mixture: plenty of no mixed with a minimal yes.
Using Regular Face Moisturizer on Your Beard
When you’re new to bearding, the huge range of advice and products can be confusing. It may initially make a lot of sense to think applying a face moisturizer to your beard will help. After all, it’s cheap, quick, and simple. But for a truly spectacularly sexy and silky beard, you’ll be better off using specialized beard grooming products and leaving the face moisturizer for your skin only.
Why It’s a “Yes and No”
The Yes Side
A regular face moisturizer or lotion can provide a few benefits to your beard, mostly by assisting the skin beneath it. A top-notch beard begins from within, so healthy, happy, and hydrated skin makes for the basis of a healthy, happy, and hydrated beard. Overall, face moisturizer shouldn’t hurt your beard, provided it’s a quality product and free from harsh chemicals. Moisturizer can work reasonably well on a stubble-length beard. But again, it must be free from nasty, drying chemicals – and you wouldn’t believe how many face moisturizers contain these.
The No Side
Facial moisturizers are designed for skin, not hairs. The two things have very different needs. Moisturizer isn’t much use for any beard longer than stubble. You should be using a specialized beard oil and beard moisturizer instead. A face moisturizer does pretty much nothing good for conditioning your whiskers themselves to look and feel spectacular. If anything, it will leave them clumped, greasy, dull, and weighty, which makes brushing difficult and styling with a nourishing beard balm almost impossible.
Some cheaper moisturizing products contain ingredients that can actively harm facial hair, especially parables, mineral oils, alcohol, formaldehyde, artificial colors, and petroleum-based products. When you have a beard, some lotions and moisturizers can even combine with skin flakes, dirt, and bacteria to block your pores and follicles, creating a beard acne problem.
Will Face Moisturizer Damage My Beard?
Overall, no. At least it shouldn’t – unless it contains the nasty chemicals we just mentioned. It just doesn’t care for your beard the way proper beard grooming products will.
What is Regular Face Moisturizer Good For?
You should definitely keep some face lotion in your bathroom cabinet because it’s great for looking after your exposed facial skin. Moisturizing can keep that skin from drying out, cracking, and flaking, while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and evening out complexion.
Can I Put Body Lotion on My Beard?
Don’t bother. Sure, we understand the temptation because body lotion is designed for being applied to thicker, coarser skin where plenty of hair might grow. But if you put this stuff on your beard, expect clumped and clogged whiskers that look dull and lank. You’re also more likely to develop greasy skin, clogged pores, and beard acne.
In summary, while face moisturizers might seem like a quick fix for a hydrated beard, they’re not the ideal solution. For the best results, stick to products specifically designed for beard care. This will ensure your beard looks and feels its best, without the risk of damaging your precious facial hair.
A Great Moisturizing Routine for Beard & Face
Step 1: Wash
Use a dedicated beard wash that will cleanse your prized whiskers and the skin beneath without stripping away the natural moisture and sebum oil from both. Regular shampoo or soap acts like paint stripper to make skin look like the cracked mud plains of Death Valley.
Step 2: Pat Dry
Use a towel to pat your beard until it’s almost dry. Don’t rub because that tugs on hairs and encourages knots. And don’t blow dry your beard because it will dehydrate badly – skin will crack and flake, while hairs will become brittle, weak, and prone to split ends.
Step 3: Beard Moisturizer
This is one of the key magic ingredients in the process. It’s not your regular moisturizer. It’s designed to strike that balance between moisturizing skin and hairs, leaving both soft and easily manageable, with no greasy residue. A pump or two is all you need. Then lovingly rub it into your beard and down to the skin to create that barrier to lock in the hydration.
Step 4: Beard Oil
This elixir adds the sheen and glow that makes it impossible for the women to keep their hands off your face forest! Plus it doesn’t hurt if it has an alluring scent as well. After the beard moisturizer, rub a couple of drops between your hands and stroke your beard right down to the skin. It’s designed specifically to work happily with both skin and hairs. It should tackle that itchy flaky beard ruff, add the nourishing power of pure carrier oils, provide a glossy shine, soften any wiry or coarse or dry hairs, tame flyaway, and make your beard easier to brush and style. Again, no residue, despite it being an oil.
Step 5: Brush, Brush, Brush
No combs! They don’t spread oil and moisture evenly. Plus they tug. An all-natural wild boar bristle beard brush has been the #1 choice of beard misters for ages. It will caress your thatch into shape, spread oil perfectly, and gently but firmly remove any flakes, dirt, and debris.
Step 6: Beard Balm
For that oh-so-important styling and shaping, as well as that final touch of nourishing protection to hold the moisture of the beard oil and beard moisturizer against the hair strands, all day long.
Step 7: Regular Face Moisturizer
Apply regular face moisturizer on your cheeks, forehead, nose, and around your eyes only. Don’t forget your neck, if you shave closely there.
In conclusion, while regular face moisturizers have their place in your skincare routine, they aren’t the best option for maintaining a healthy, hydrated beard. Investing in specialized beard grooming products and following a proper routine will ensure your beard stays soft, manageable, and looking its best.
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy hydrated beard requires more than just slapping on regular face moisturizer. While face moisturizers can help the skin beneath your beard, they are not formulated to address the unique needs of beard hair. By investing in specialized beard grooming products and following a proper routine, you can ensure your beard remains soft, manageable, and looks its best. A dedicated beard wash, proper drying techniques, beard moisturizers, oils, and balms, along with regular brushing, will provide your beard with the care it needs. Remember, the best beards don’t come from cutting corners; they come from following the best advice, using the right tools, and adopting a consistent routine.
FAQs
Can I use regular face moisturizer on my beard?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Regular face moisturizers can help hydrate the skin beneath your beard but are not designed to condition beard hair. For best results, use products specifically formulated for beards.
What’s wrong with using body lotion on my beard?
Body lotion can make your beard clump and clog, leading to dull and greasy whiskers. It can also cause greasy skin, clogged pores, and beard acne.
What’s the best way to dry my beard after washing?
Pat your beard dry with a towel until it’s almost dry. Avoid rubbing, as this can tug on hairs and cause knots. Do not blow dry, as it can dehydrate your beard and skin.
Why shouldn’t I use a comb on my beard?
Combs don’t spread oil and moisture evenly and can tug on your beard hairs. An all-natural wild boar bristle beard brush is a better option as it spreads oil perfectly and removes flakes, dirt, and debris gently but firmly.
Do I need to use both beard oil and beard moisturizer?
Yes, using both can provide the best results. Beard moisturizer hydrates both skin and hair, while beard oil adds shine, softness, and tackles beard ruff. Together, they keep your beard healthy and manageable.
How often should I follow this beard care routine?
For best results, follow this routine daily. Consistency is key to maintaining a healthy, hydrated, and great-looking beard.