Beard or No Beard? The Impact of Facial Hair on Your Skin's Health

Dr Marc-André Doré, dermatologist

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

The decision to grow a beard or remain clean-shaven is often a matter of personal preference, but many people wonder if facial hair has any impact on their skin's health. As a dermatologist, I've had patients ask me whether sporting a beard is beneficial or detrimental to their skin. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of having a beard and how to maintain healthy skin, regardless of your facial hair choices.

The Pros of Having a Beard

Natural protection: A beard can provide some natural protection against the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, reducing your risk of developing skin cancer. However, it's still essential to use sunscreen on the exposed areas of your face.

Moisture retention: Facial hair may help retain the skin's natural moisture by reducing water evaporation from the skin's surface. This can be particularly beneficial during cold or dry weather when the skin is prone to dryness and irritation.

Less irritation: By not shaving, you can avoid potential skin irritation caused by razor burn, ingrown hairs, and shaving-related inflammation.

Dermago - Homme avec barbe

The Cons of Having a Beard

Trapped dirt and oil: A beard can trap dirt, oil, and sweat, which may lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts if not properly cleaned.

Skin conditions: Certain skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis and folliculitis, can be exacerbated by facial hair. These conditions can cause redness, itching, and inflammation around the hair follicles.

Some Tips!

Maintaining Healthy Skin with a Beard

Whether you choose to grow a beard or not, it's essential to take care of your skin. If you do have facial hair, follow these tips to maintain healthy skin:

  1. Cleanse regularly:

    Wash your beard and the skin underneath with a gentle cleanser to remove trapped dirt, oil, and sweat.

  2. Exfoliate:

    Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a beard brush to remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs.

  3. Moisturize:

    Apply a facial moisturizer or beard oil to keep the skin underneath your beard hydrated and nourished.

  4. Trim and groom:

    Regularly trim your beard and groom it with a comb or brush to prevent tangles and keep it looking its best.

Ultimately, the decision to grow a beard or remain clean-shaven is a personal one. Both choices can be compatible with healthy skin, as long as you take the necessary steps to maintain proper skincare. If you're experiencing skin issues related to facial hair, consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider for personalized advice.

References:

Parisi, A. V., Turnbull, D. J., & Downs, N. J. (2019). Shading from facial hair: Does it provide protection from the sun or increase the risk of skin cancer? Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 184(3-4), 471-475. https://doi.org/10.1093/rpd/ncy288

Vaughn, A. C., Pourang, A., & Clark, A. K. (2016). Facial hair: It's impact on skin health. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 9(6), 49-55. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4922632/

Alexander, C. M. (2012). Shaving and hair growth. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 132(3 Pt 2), 448-454. https://doi.org/10.

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