Pampering Yourself on the Road

Bearded men often complain of two problems. First is the discomfort they feel underneath their beards. The burning and itching can make facial hair lose its appeal if it cannot be kept under control. The second issue is the roughness of the beard. Complaints from partners and others about the unpleasant scratchiness may mean less physical affection. Neither of these problems means it is time to break out a razor. There are solutions for each, and the result will be a beard that is more comfortable and more attractive. 

Soothe the Skin

Facial hair prevents the skin from receiving the direct attention it needs to keep it in shape. Just allowing the hair to grow may have started the irritation. There are a number of ways to improve the condition of the skin and reduce redness, itching, and flaky skin:

1. Wash facial hair daily with a gentle shampoo and warm (not hot) water. 
2. Make certain all shampoo and soap is fully rinsed out of the beard. 
3. Rub a little oil into the skin. Beard oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil are all acceptable. 
4. A healthy diet will keep the skin softer. Add biotin for better hair growth. Vitamins A, C, and E improve skin texture and increase sebum production to keep the skin soft. 

Stop the Scratchiness

Facial hair does not have to be coarse, dull, or dry. A full, lush beard is possible with a few simple steps. Following these steps will make the beard look more attractive and make it more comfortable when snuggling with others. 

1. Grow whiskers out a little longer. Beards tend to soften some as they gain length. 
2. Trim as little as possible. Beards look better when the ends are kept neat, but trimming leaves the ends sharp. Stay groomed, but be conservative with trimming. 
3. Apply a leave-in conditioner when showering, or use a hot oil treatment once a week to soften whiskers. 
4. Try beard treatment products like beard balm. It helps to shape and style beards, with the added benefit of preventing strands from spiking out and causing that scratchy sensation.
5. Consume more Omega-3 fatty acids. Foods that contain these fatty acids help to keep hair (including beards) nourished and soft. They help beards grow faster, as well as banishing uncomfortable facial hair. 

Proper beard care requires men to think about their health, their skin condition, and their hair care. Doing all three is easy once a routine is established. A couple extra minutes a day in the shower, grooming in the mirror, and investing in some beard grooming products is really all it takes for most men to have a beard that looks and feels amazing.