Facial cleansing is an essential part of everyone’s daily skincare routine, even for the bearded. However, when you have a beard, washing your face becomes a bit trickier due to the added dimension of facial hair.
While you can get away with using a facial cleanser on your beard, it could potentially cause dryness if you use it too frequently or if the cleanser contains harsh ingredients.
That’s because most facial cleansers are formulated to remove oil, dirt, and pollutants. However, your beard needs some natural oils to remain healthy and shiny. Stripping those oils away can leave your beard looking dull and feeling coarse.
This step-by-step guide will show you the best way to wash your face with a beard.
5 Easy Steps for Washing Your Face & Beard
1. Choose the Correct Face Wash & Beard Wash
We all have different skin types and preferences when it comes to our grooming routines. Beard or no beard, the complexion has unique needs that must be met. For instance, if you have oily skin, you’d want a face wash that can effectively control oil. Meanwhile, if you have sensitive skin, a gentle, hypoallergenic face wash would be best.
If you have any doubts, speak with your dermatologist or simply head to a grooming store and ask for expert advice. There are specific facial cleansers that’ll work well for your skin type so that you can maintain a healthy complexion. CeraVe also has a terrific page that outlines some ways you can determine your skin type.
Also, consider using a beard shampoo or wash for your beard instead of a face cleanser. Beard shampoos and washes are specifically formulated to clean and condition facial hair without stripping it of its natural oils. They are gentler than most face washes and are packed with beneficial ingredients like natural oils, vitamins, and minerals that nourish and protect the beard.
2. Wet Your Face and Beard
Before applying any cleansing product, ensure that your face is wet. This will help the cleanser distribute more easily and also help in rinsing it off later.
3. Wash & Rinse Your Face First
Apply the chosen face wash to your face, working the product into your skin in a circular motion. We recommend using a circular sponge or hand-held facial brush to gently exfoliate and cleanse the skin. This can help remove dirt, dead skin cells, and other pollutants more effectively while also providing a more precise way to cleanse around your beard and other facial hair. Additionally, using a facial brush can stimulate blood flow and aid in the absorption of the skincare products you apply after cleansing.
Ensure you are thoroughly washing all parts of your face to get rid of the dirt and excess oil that may have accumulated within your pores. Folks with oily skin may want to concentrate more on the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin, as these areas usually produce more oil.
After you’ve thoroughly massaged the cleanser into your skin, rinse it off with warm water. Make sure that all the product is completely rinsed off. You don’t want any residue that could potentially clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
4. Now Wash & Rinse Your Beard
Now it’s time to wash your beard. Apply the beard wash or shampoo to your beard, working it in with your fingers. Make sure to massage the product thoroughly so it reaches the skin beneath your beard.
This is important as it will help remove any dirt or bacteria that may have accumulated there.
Make sure to cover every bit of your beard from the roots to the ends. This will ensure that all the dirt, oil, and dead skin cells hiding deep within your beard are effectively removed. In addition to this, it will also help distribute the beard wash properly, ensuring each hair strand and the skin beneath gets cleaned.
Rinse out the beard and wash thoroughly with warm water. It’s just as essential to remove all product residue from your beard as it is from your face. Leftover product can cause build-up, leading to itchiness, dryness, and even beard dandruff.
5. Pat Dry Smoothly
Once you’ve rinsed off the facial cleanser, pat dry your face using a clean towel. Make sure you’re patting instead of rubbing to prevent accidentally any of your beard follicles from being pulled out or your skin from being irritated.
Leave your beard slightly damp as this is the best time to apply a beard conditioner.
Video Demonstration
Here’s a great video that demonstrates the steps outlined above:
Additional Tips
- Try to avoid hot water while washing your face as it may dry out your skin and your beard.
- If you workout or sweat a lot during the day, consider washing your face twice a day.
- If you need to wash your beard, consider using a specially formulated beard wash to ensure your beard stays hydrated and healthy.