When you think of dandruff, the first thing that comes to mind is your hair. But did you know that men’s beard can also develop dandruff and related issues? The most common cause is a skin condition called Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD), which is characterised by the presence of dry, flaky skin on the beard area, says Dr Monica Chahar, Chief Dermatologist and Director-Skin Decor, New Delhi. According to her, this condition is caused primarily by an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia, coupled with the excess production of sebum (skin oil).
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Chahar shares further insights into why beard dandruff occurs and ways to manage it.
Causes Of Beard Dandruff
When it comes to SD, it’s incidences peak during three age periods namely the first three months of life, during puberty, and in adulthood between 40-60 years of age, states a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology.
"SD is more prevalent in immune-compromised patients such as HIV/AIDS patients , organ transplant recipients, and patients with lymphoma," the research paper adds.
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According to Dr Chahar, some of the most common causes of beard dandruff include:
- Dry, flaky skin
- Excess oil production
- Yeast overgrowth, especially a yeast called Malassezia
- Hormonal imbalances, such as those that occur during puberty or pregnancy
- In addition to these underlying factors, there are several things that can trigger beard dandruff, including:
- Stress, which can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult to fight off dandruff-causing bacteria and yeast
- Allergies to certain foods, pollen, or other environmental allergens
- Certain medications, such as steroids and beta-blockers as they can dry out the skin
How To Get Rid Of Beard Dandruff
Many different strategies can help manage beard dandruff and associated discomfort. These include:
Gentle cleansing
Choose a mild, sulphate-free beard shampoo to cleanse your facial hair. Harsh cleansers can strip away natural oils and exacerbate dandruff. Washing your beard every 2-3 days can help prevent excessive oil buildup.
Regular exfoliation
Gently exfoliate your beard area with a soft-bristle brush or a specialised beard exfoliator once every 15 days. This helps remove dead skin cells and prevents them from accumulating as flakes.
Moisturise
According to Dr Chahar, hydration is key, which is why after washing your face, applying a beard oil or balm to lock in moisture and prevent dryness is crucial.
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Antifungal treatments
For severe cases, the dermatologist recommends using an antifungal beard shampoo containing ingredients like ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione. These ingredients help control the overgrowth of Malassezia, she says.
A balanced diet
A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids can improve the health of your skin and beard. Include foods like salmon, avocados, and leafy greens in your diet.
Stress management
Stress can worsen skin conditions, including beard dandruff. A study published in the Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie, stress was the primary triggering factor responsible for seborrheic dermatitis, as reported by the patients themselves. A stressful event was in fact found in the majority of cases, the study highlighted. Dr Chahar recommends incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise into your routine.
Avoid hot water
Hot water can strip away essential oils from your skin, says the doctors. She advises using lukewarm water when washing your beard to prevent drying it out.
Bottomline
Beard dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis can be extremely discomforting and problematic. While grooming is essential, it is also important to keep a check on one’s stress levels and pay attention to the kind of products you’re using. In addition, regular cleaning and disinfecting of the beard grooming tools, such as combs and brushes, can also help prevent the buildup of bacteria that can exacerbate dandruff, concludes Dr Chahar.