How to Care for Your Skin If You Have a Beard
We recently wrote about why skin care is important and what you need in your daily life . Our sources emphasized that everyone, even a man, should use sunscreen and usually a moisturizer on a daily basis. But one of the commentators asked: what if I have a beard?
This commentator is Platypus Man, and here’s his exact question :
What advice for a beard? I know that the fact that most of my skin is out of sight does not mean that it should be forgotten, but I am afraid that many skin care measures are either complicated by the beard or the beard becomes unnecessary (sunscreen?), or they are actively sick.
“Great question and legitimate concern,” says dermatologist Dr. Fain Frey . It can be difficult to apply products like moisturizer, but you should consider sunscreen anyway.
And the sun is still troubling whether you realize it or not. “Although I’ve never diagnosed sunburn (due to UV-B rays) under a long, bushy beard,” she says, “UV-A rays, long wavelengths that cause aging and skin cancer, can penetrate into the beard and cause long-term skin problems. beard.”
If you have a short beard, it is still best to apply sunscreen – just pretend you don’t have a beard and try to apply sunscreen as best you can. The easiest thing to do is to apply a lightweight sunscreen to your face.
If you have longer beards, you may not be able to get full protection from sunscreen. Here are a few things you can try:
- Try to massage a little
- Stay out of the midday sun
- Paint over the face if possible, for example by wearing wide-brimmed hats.
I also consulted with Dr. Alan Parks , a dermatologist who wears a beard himself. He also recommends using sunscreen with a short beard. He also adds, “From personal experience, I think using a beard conditioner is a good idea as it helps reduce itching and irritation.”
What burning questions do you have? Send all your questions about health or the human body to [email protected] . If you would prefer to ask them anonymously, enter them into the form on bethskw.sarahah.com .