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According to a recent study from the Hirslanden Center in Switzerland, males's beards bring more germs - a few of which could be damaging to health - than the hair of canines.

Sounds pretty gross, right? Well, bearded guys shouldn't stress right now. It ought to be noted that this particular research study was extremely small and the sample groups weren't equivalent; 18 men were evaluated versus 30 pet dogs. The researchers based their conclusion on the reality that every guy tested had high counts of bacteria residing in their beards, while just 23 of the pets had the very same levels. So while there were more canines with high germs counts than males, percentage-wise, 100% of men had actually high counts compared to about 77% of the canines.

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The cleanliness of beards has actually long been a topic of argument, as people question things like whether beards carry more traces of poop than a toilet. For the record, it holds true that beards carry germs, however it's not necessarily a cause for major concern.

That does not mean you must neglect taking care of your beard, however. In order to keep a delighted, healthy beard (and skin in the location), you require to put in a little bit of work. We spoke to grooming professionals and a skin doctor to share their best beard suggestions. Read on to learn what they had to state.
" We have normal organisms that reside on our skin, and I think a mistaken belief a lot of the time is that these organisms, consisting of bacteria, are bad," Dr. Forum Patel, a New York-based skin specialist, told HuffPost.

In her opinion, it's not always precise to state people, or specifically their beards, are dirtier than pet dogs, "due to the fact that we're exposed to various environments."

" We have a great deal of bacteria that survive on our skin," she added. "However we require it there, it's there for a factor."

In fact, the bacteria that survive on our skin become part of what's called the skin's microbiome. A number of these germs have actually been found to be rather handy; one research study suggested they can help protect against cancer, while another said that germs might help speed up the healing procedure.

Still, you need to wash your beard.
This one may look like a no-brainer, however cleaning your beard is important for getting unwanted bacteria out.

" Men needs to be washing their beards as often as they wash their hair," Patel told HuffPost. "They need to be treating it much like the hair on their heads."

For example, she stated, if somebody sweats enough during a workout (or other activity) that they require to wash the hair on their head, "the exact same applies to your beard."

Mikka Gia, owner and head barber at The Groomed Society in Toronto, Canada, suggested cleaning a beard 2 to 3 times a week utilizing a beard hair shampoo.

" Beard hair shampoos are usually milder than hair shampoo, as facial skin can be rather sensitive," Gia stated. "For benefit, there are beard shampoos or washes that are produced usage on both the face and hair."

If you're incredibly stuck and not able to wash your beard for whatever factor, Xavier Cruz, owner of Barba Men's Grooming Boutique in New york city, stated to give your beard "a good brushing."

" This certainly isn't a replacement for washing, but it assists for the moment," Cruz stated.

Try a beard oil.
After washing your beard, Gia suggested, use a bit of beard oil, as it "promotes hydration and adds shine and control."

The secret is not using too much, as it can lead to oil buildup on the hair and skin, which might lead to a greasy-feeling face, Gia stated. Remember, you can constantly add a bit more as you go. She added that she prefers shampoos and oils with natural components that are easy to pronounce.

( Amazon customers actually appear to enjoy this $13.25 beard shampoo by Teacher Fuzzworthy's and, at today's cost, $12 Honest Amish beard oil.).

The best time to use beard oils, according to Cruz, is right after washing.

" This enables quick absorption, as the cuticle is still open from the warm wash," he said.

Make certain you dry your beard.
You might not think about taking a blow clothes dryer to your beard, but it may in fact do you some great.

As Patel kept in mind, one issue with beards, especially when they're on the thicker, denser side, is that it's truly hard to dry them.

″ You have a damp environment, and if you're not actually drying it after cleaning, that can harbor a great deal of organisms, despite if they're going to trigger issues or not," Patel stated.

Basically, Patel agreed a damp beard is a ripe environment for bacteria to flourish.

Always remember to shave with the grain.
Stop shaving versus the grain.
By now we know that the majority of the germs on our skin are safe. However, there is a possibility they can cause infections, especially from incorrect shaving, Patel said.

If you're utilizing a bad razor or "do not have the very best shaving method," Patel said you're producing micro-cuts in the skin, potentially offering the germs an entry indicate case an infection.

" When we speak about these organisms, they remain in 3 different categories: germs, fungus and viruses," Patel said. "Generally, when the skin is intact, those things are safe. As soon as there's some sort of micro-cut or damage that [can be] brought on by shaving, that's when it becomes an issue.".

And for the record, the best way to shave to avoid undesirable micro-cuts or inflammation is with the grain.

One common issue Patel said she sees in bearded clients is folliculitis, which is essentially an inflammation of the hair roots. Men are more vulnerable to it since they tend to have more facial hair and their hair follicles are coarser than those females might have.

" Since of that, just having hair grow back in the skin forms this innate swelling," Patel stated. "Sometimes that can get contaminated with the germs that reside on our skin.".

Trim routinely.
This point is more for the look of the beard than tidiness, but Cruz noted that routine trims "are simply as crucial as hairstyles."

" Beard hairs can split much like hairs on the head," he said. "It's required to trim those ends to keep them healthy. We suggest a biweekly trim.".

If you're dealing with a flaky beard, attempt some dandruff hair shampoo.
Aside from the bacteria that live on our skin, there's also a type of yeast present. That yeast, which Patel said is usually normal, results in dandruff.

" Due to the fact that the bearded locations are so dense, those locations are more prone to getting dandruff, which can truly aggravate your skin if it's not treated effectively," she said. "I particularly inform my clients to pick up Head and Shoulders and use that not only as a hair shampoo however likewise a face wash and over their beard.".

This method may not be a service for everybody, but if you believe it may help you, it's finest to seek advice from a skin specialist like John Shaver.

Both long and brief beards need maintenance.
Cruz and Gia agreed that long and short beards need to be cleaned and groomed. However, Gia kept in mind that long beards do require a little more maintenance.

" Shorter beards still require maintenance, but washing and oiling can take less time as the beard is shorter and closer to the face and [likely needs] less product," Gia said. "If you routinely groom and keep your beard, you'll look excellent, no matter the length.

Do not be afraid to ask a barber for aid.
If you're new to the entire beard care thing, Gia stated the very best thing you can do is ask a barber for suggestions.

" Find an excellent barber who knows beards, deal with shapes and items," Gia stated. "Inquire to show how to wash and oil your beard. Likewise inquire about how much hair shampoo or oil to use, particularly if you're uncertain of how much to apply.".

As soon as you've got a regular, Gia said, stay with it "and you'll constantly have a pleased face and gorgeous beard.".