A man with beard looking at the mirror.

Rocking different beard styles can put your confidence game to the next level. If you’re one of those fortunate men who can grow enough facial hair, then you just might be a step ahead of the rest of the male population since men with facial hair have been rated as more attractive than clean-shaven guys.

However, growing a beard isn’t easy. It can come with its own set of problems such as beard dandruff, dry and flaky skin, irritation, acne, and brittle hair. Worry not, mates! Your whiskers may have some special skincare concerns, but we’re here to help keep it as low maintenance as possible.

Things to Keep in Mind When Maintaining Your Beard Styles

Simple works. You don’t need a meticulous routine to maintain healthy-looking skin. Of course, your routine will vary from others with specific skin types. If you sport a chin strip/strap or an anchor beard, washing your face shouldn’t be much of a challenge.

Skincare should always be a priority (and it’s not complicated at all).

Generally, taking care of your skin will only entail discipline to wash your face as often as needed. For example, dry skin types are recommended to wash their beards every three days to avoid drying the skin further, but oily skin types may need to wash more often to prevent acne. Combination skin types can wash their beard every other day. Of course, if you had a particularly sumptuous meal that you wouldn’t want lingering on your beard, go ahead and wash it ASAP.

Choose a skincare system that’s formulated for men (it’s time to ditch the old habits).

Soap and water won’t cut it anymore. Nor would using your girlfriend’s facial cleanser — even though it’s most easily accessible in the bathroom. Stress, pollutants, and genes will contribute to your skin’s condition, so you will need a skincare system suited for men and for your skin type, such as POND’S Men facial cleansers that specifically address men’s skin needs.

If you have acne or dark spots, you might want to consider using products that treat pimples and fade dark spots, such as POND’S Men Acne Solution Anti-Acne Facial Wash and Master Facial Scrub Active Brightening With Papaya Extract And Zero Oil.

Practice caution when choosing products to avoid irritating your skin.

Each guy’s skin type is different from the rest, so what works well for your friend might not necessarily give you clean, healthy skin. For guys with oily skin, choose products that contain salicylic acid to keep oil at bay and prevent pimples, and niacinamide to minimize the appearance of pores and correct uneven skin tone. If you have dry skin, choose products with ingredients that draw moisture to the skin to hydrate it, such as hyaluronic acid.

Regardless of skin type, always use SPF to protect your skin from UV rays, which can cause premature skin aging. When choosing from the many , it’s always good to do a bit of research.

Choose a gentle shampoo that is specifically formulated for beards.

Don’t use the same shampoo that you use on your head because it can dry out the skin on your face and possibly lead to beard itch. This could be common with guys who sport balbo and boxed beards. Those with mutton chops are no exception.

Facial hair has a thicker and coarser texture, and it also dries out quicker. Since the face can’t produce enough oil to keep your beard from getting dehydrated, you will need a beard wash that contains ingredients that won’t strip away the skin’s natural lubricant.

Exfoliate Regularly

Whatever your beard style is, it’s important to exfoliate regularly to , dull skin, and ingrown hair using a good men’s facial scrub. Just be careful not to exfoliate too much because that can lead to dry, itchy skin. If you have sensitive skin, use a facial scrub containing soothing ingredients like cucumber extract. 

You can keep your skin clean and prevent it from getting dull with POND'S Men Energy Charge, which energizes tired, haggard skin with coffee bean extracts and cooling menthol. For bearded fellas, it’s a great facial wash if you want to look and feel fresh.

Brush It Well

Different men have different beard styles. But one thing remains the same – you need to brush it often. Beard brushing using a custom comb can help spread the skin’s oils and naturally remove dead skin cells. It can also stimulate blood flow for better and healthier beard growth.

Brush it daily, at least once a day, using a good quality comb made of wood, horn, or metal. Use short strokes at first, and then from the root to the tip. Ideally, you’ll brush in the direction you want the beard to grow. Don’t comb through snags, which is common for those with hipster beards, to avoid breakage.

Shave Carefully

If you like your stubble at a certain length or want to go from hipster to gunslinger, you can always trim or shave.

Take a shower or wash your face before shaving to soften the hair. This also helps avoid razor burn. Using a good razor blade, apply light, gentle strokes. Shave along and against the grain because facial hair grows in different directions. 

Shave slowly and gently to avoid razor bumps and . Don’t forget to use a soothing aftershave if you have sensitive skin. Or, if you have cuts and nicks from shaving, you can use Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to act as a sealant and slow down the bleeding. 

Use Beard Oil to Moisturize Your Facial Hair

We get it. You probably don’t feel the need to prioritize this in your personal care routine. However, if you’re keen on keeping that beard looking good (so that you look and feel good), this needs to be part of your day. Beard oils are made of carrier and essential oils that mimic the oils that are naturally produced by the skin. They are designed to help with grooming by hydrating beard hair, preventing dryness, and promoting growth.

In some ways, sporting a beard is a privilege not all guys can have, which is why if you can rock it, you better make the most out of it, especially with so many great beard styles out there. Follow these tips to ensure your beard stays healthy and great-looking.