Did you know that around 55% of men all over the world sport facial hair? It's been estimated that over one-third of American men have a beard. In fact over the last few years, beards have seen a dramatic rise in popularity - with different styles like the Van Dyke, Garibaldi and the Balbo style (sported by acclaimed actor Robert Downey, Jr.) seen commonly as you walk down the street.

More than being just a fashion statement, growing a beard actually has quite a few benefits. According to the University of Southern Queensland's research on beard health, beards can help to block 95% of the sun's damaging UV rays. This means that a beard can considerably lower your risk of skin cancer.

Suffer from allergies? Growing a beard can catch dust and pollen and act as a filter to keep pesky allergens out of your nose and respiratory system. Beards also help to keep the skin moisturized by providing an extra layer of protection against the elements.

If you're tired of skin disorders such as acne, put your razor away! Shaving can cause nicks that attract bacteria, and everyday shaving can actually spread bacteria all over your face, irritating the skin and leading to throbbing in-grown hairs, rashes and possibly even infections.

Although growing a beard has tons of benefits (not to mention, a well-groomed beard attracts the ladies - don't take our word for it, see what the NY Times has to say), just about every man who ever tried to grow a beard knows that growing a beard comes with its own set of challenges.

If you've ever experienced beard itch, beard dandruff or beardruff (yes there is a word for it!), whether you're on the stubble phase or proudly sport a full beard, there's just one amazing product you need to alleviate discomfort, support and maintain beard growth - and that product is beard oil.

In the following article we'll discuss what beard oil is, what makes it stand out from other grooming products, the amazing benefits of beard oil, how and when to apply it and more!

What is Beard Oil?
What Does Beard Oil Do?
Top 8 Amazing Benefits of Beard Oil
The Best Time to Apply Beard Oil
How to Apply Beard Oil
What to Look for When Buying Beard Oil
Where to Buy Beard Oil
Key Takeaways

 

What is beard oil?

If you could only invest in one product to nourish, hydrate and maintain your beard - it would be beard oil.  A little beard oil is enough to tame flyaway hair or calm beardruff. And with added essential oils, beard oil serves as a natural cologne - with its woody, manly aroma.

An invigorating blend of both natural carrier oils and intoxicating essential oils, let's take a closer look at what makes a premier beard oil.

Carrier Oils

These are all-natural oils extracted mainly from the nuts and seeds of plants and are primarily used for diluting essential oils. However their benefits go far beyond just being 'carriers' for potent essential oils. Each carrier oil has its own set of unique medicinal properties and some are better than others when delivering moisturizing and healing benefits to the skin and hair. Some of the more popular carrier oils for hair and skin include coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil and moringa oil. Although these work incredibly well for hair - imagine having the pungent smell of coconut oil in your beard!

Argan oil is an excellent choice to hydrate and nourish your beard, as it promotes hair growth and repairs hair damage. Extracted from the fruit of the argan tree, native to Morocco, argan oil is rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, Vitamin A and E and healing antioxidants. In fact, cosmetic companies use argan oil in their top-notch anti-aging formulations and acne products. When it comes to beard care, argan oil makes an amazing non-greasy, natural leave-in conditioner, that adds shine and helps to reduce frizz. Argan oil penetrates deep to promote beard growth and repair follicles, and its neutral odor blends well with essential oils, making your beard smell great!

Essential Oils

When it comes to choosing the right scent for beard oil, your safest bet is to go with a scent that is powerful, clean and masculine. Growing a beard will already make you look manly, but to smell manly there are few things manlier than the smell of freshly cut wood. Cedarwood essential oil will not only make you smell like you just stepped out of the woods but has some incredible properties such as being an excellent antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal and mood elevator.

Combined with the healing properties of argan oil, this beard oil blend will not only make you feel rugged and ready to tackle the day but will help fight beard itch, prevent infections, and nourish and repair the prized fuzz on your face.

Beard oil is ultimately the difference between having a beard that looks like you've forgotten to shave for a few months - and having a soft, untangled, well-maintained beard that you, and those around you, have come to adore.

What does beard oil do?

In simple words, beard oil helps with beard maintenance. Dabbing some beard oil on to your beard will make it feel less scraggly and less dry. As soon as you slather on some oil you'll be able to run your hand through your beard and release tangles and feel your rough straw-like man mane becoming soft and manageable.

But, is beard oil really necessary?

Well, if you've got great genetics and have always had a thick growth without any dryness or dandruff then you might just be able to get away without beard oil.

But how many of us are that lucky?

You see, it's not just about having healthy facial hair growth, it's also about having healthy skin beneath. By using beard oil, your facial skin will be protected from environmental factors like air pollution and variable weather and your hair follicles will thank you for the nourishment.

With regular use you'll be able to eliminate split ends, beard dandruff and itchiness, and appear more polished and presentable.These are some of the reasons why most men find beard oil to be their ultimate savior.  

Let's take a detailed look at the top 10 amazing benefits of beard oil:

1. Beard Oil for Dry Skin and Itching

So you've started to grow a beard and it's been about a month. If you feel the need to constantly run your hands through your beard and scratch, scratch and scratch, you're experiencing the all too common beard itch. For some men this is the 'do or die' time for their beard; some bearded warriors push through but for some the itching gets to the point where you feel like literally pulling your (beard) hair out.

This is the when beard oil can come to your rescue and liberate you from all that infuriating itching. Trust us, the itching will end and beard oil will help to tame it down - but let's quickly explain why the itching happens in the first place.

Beard hair follicles are nested in sebaceous glands - glands which produce an oil (sebum) which covers the follicle. As you start to grow your beard, and it starts to get longer, the amount of sebum produced is not enough to coat the follicle and keep the skin above it moisturized. This causes dryness and itching.

Beard oil enters as a savior to nourish and coat the hair follicles, moisturizing the skin beneath the beard, and providing much needed relief to calm that itch.

2. Beard Oil for Dandruff

Beard dandruff, more popularly known as beardruff, happens when the itching gets to the point where the dry skin flakes off and starts to fall on your shirt. It's white flecks of dandruff - but it's on your beard.

The best way to tackle beardruff is to not allow it to happen in the first place. Using beard oil just when you're starting to grow your beard will eliminate and keep early itching at bay, and since the skin beneath your beard will be moisturized, there will be no dry skin left to flake off.

But just like dandruff can strike anytime in your hair, the same can happen in your beard. Even if you are a seasoned beardsman, you can still get dry skin in the winter time, while facing the elements, using harsh skincare products or even with certain medical conditions.

One key point to keep in mind is that your beard hair is very different from the hair on your head. The hair follicles are entirely different, so never ever use products meant for your scalp on your facial skin! Facial skin is very sensitive and harsh hair products rob natural oils that cause dryness and beardruff.

Keeping your beard moisturized with a high quality beard oil will keep the skin below it happy and ensure you steer clear from beardruff.

3. Beard Oil for Patchy Beards

Are you trying to grow your beard but notice that there are some bald spots where no hair seems to grow? The last thing any man wants is a patchy beard. Unfortunately, some of this has genetics to blame but there are also quite a few other contributing factors to a patchy beard such as dry skin, beard dandruff (beardruff), acne and other skin conditions.

The primary reason bald spots occur is because if the skin above where the beard grows is not healthy and is inflicted with a skin condition, hair follicles beneath have a hard time growing and thriving.

Therapeutic-grade beard oil is made with ingredients that are known to have healing, medicinal properties. The oil can moisturize facial skin and penetrate deep to alleviate symptoms that prevent hair follicles from flourishing, such as itchiness, dryness, dandruff and more. By going to the root of the problem, beard oil promotes healing within the hair follicles which ultimately leads to a healthier, less patchier growth and a fuller beard.

4. Beard Oil for Styling

Tired of scruffy hair sticking out of your beard? Adding beard oil to your everyday routine will tame your beard, and make it soft, supple and manageable.

But, when compared to over the counter hair styling products beard oil does so much more than that.

Harsh chemicals in off-the-shelf beard styling products can do a lot more harm than good. They might help you style your beard, but they don't come anywhere close to helping it grow and feel nourished.

In fact some of these chemical additives can actually irritate the skin beneath the beard, and strip the hair follicles of their sebum coating, leading to itchiness, dryness and lots of frustration.

If you see hair or beard styling products with ingredients you can't pronounce - run the other way. These strange sounding names are usually parabens, phthalates (DMP, DBP or DEP), formaldehydes or formaldehyde releasing chemicals (Benzylhemiformal, Diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, Quaternium-15 among others) which are notorious toxins.

According to the American Cancer Society, professional-grade hair smoothing treatments containing keratin can "contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasing chemicals," that can in turn increase the levels of formaldehyde in the air and "could be a potential hazard."

If you'd rather not lather your face with toxins, switch to beard oil. Beard oil is a much better alternative to styling gels and sprays and a much healthier way to easily groom and style your beard, and also make it smell great.

At UpNature our proprietary beard essential oil blend comes cold-pressed, raw and unfiltered, contains no additives, and is specially formulated to make you look, smell and feel your best!

5. Beard Oil for Fragrance

There's nothing more refreshing than stepping out of the house in the morning with the woody and musky smell of a clean, well groomed beard. Trust us, you'll think so too, once you try beard oil.

Having your man-mane smell amazing is one factor you might perhaps overlook when it comes to using beard oil - as compared to the many other benefits beard oil offers.

But as you're engulfed in manly scents and ready to tackle the world, remember that the fragrance in beard oil comes from powerful essential oils which is the reason why your beard smells great and has a fresh, clean feel.

Unlike harsh colognes and alcohol-infused perfumes that can irritate and overpower, the essential oils in beard oil are actually working for your beard, rather than against it. 

If you see the word 'fragrance' on a beard oil brand, steer clear and look for something that contains a natural carrier oil, such as argan oil, and 100% all natural essential oils, that not only impart aroma, but have healing, medicinal properties.  UpNature's premier beard oil contains cedarwood oil which is a natural antiseptic and mood lifter.

6. Beard Oil for Acne

The main reason acne occurs is because the hair follicle gets clogged, causing blocked pores and inflammation. Beard oil goes deep in the hair follicle and helps clear blockages responsible for causing acne eruptions.

You might think that since beard oil has an oily base it might perhaps trigger your acne and make it worse. In reality, beard oil will only cleanse, moisturize and sustain the skin beneath your beard, as it does not interfere with sebum production and does not clog up pores - reasons why acne occurs in the first place.

In fact, the carrier oil and essential oils in beard oil have excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory healing properties which further help to clear out infections and control redness and inflammation. This helps to alleviate acne symptoms and reduce breakouts.

If you have acne, experts recommend to apply beard oil in the morning right after a shower or face cleansing routine rather than at night before sleeping. Make sure you try a little initially to test for any allergic reactions. More importantly, you must not cut any corners with the quality of beard oil you buy. Steer clear of beard oils that contain silicone or alcohol or any other synthetic ingredients that can trigger acne, and only go for 100% natural, additive-free beard oil.

7. Beard Oil for Sensitive Skin

Do you have ultra-sensitive skin that breaks out in a rash? Unless you have an allergy, you might get a beard rash caused by coarse, jagged hair, razor bumps or dry, sensitive skin.

A 2011 research study documented that almost half of the American population declares "having "sensitive" or "very sensitive" skin."

If you sport a beard and use beard grooming products you'll always be concerned about how your facial skin might react to certain products. There are some key steps to follow if you have sensitive skin. First, don't use hot water on your beard. Hot water can irritate and dry out the skin. Second, stay away from harsh shampoos (especially those with sulphates that are known for stripping natural oils), and only use gentle shampoo, that too only twice a week.

Third, don't be fooled by over-the-counter conditioners that claim to soften hair. Conditioners are notorious for being high in silicones and only give the illusion that your hair or beard is soft, when in actuality, they're causing build up on the hair shaft which leads to your hair becoming weak and brittle after a while.

Fourth, use beard oil! Using an all-natural beard oil will seal in moisture and protect the hair shaft. Coating the hair shaft with enriching oil will prevent breakage and eliminate dryness - the number one culprit for itchy, sensitive skin. Beard oil is perhaps the best and most nourishing product you can add to your beard care arsenal if you have sensitive skin.

8. Beard Oil for Saving Time and Money

Tired of budgeting and shopping for new blades every month?

According to an article published in the 1972 Spartanburg Herald, Dr. Herbert Mescon, former chairman and professor of the Department of Dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine stated that in his approximately 55 years of shaving, "the average man will spend roughly 3,350 hours, or 139 days" shaving. That's almost one-third of an entire year that could have gone towards learning a new hobby, working out, reading and more! Not to mention how much money could have been saved over the years buying razor blades, that could possibly turn out to be quite expensive, depending on the brand of blades bought.

A beard on the other hand, requires minimal maintenance, and does not need monthly replacement kits. Initially you might need to invest in a beard trimmer and need to shave your neck and cheeks occasionally, but that's nothing compared to the cost in time and money demanded by regular, everyday shaving.

Having a high quality beard oil in your grooming kit will literally last you a few months or more depending on your beard length, as a little goes a long way, and will ensure your man mane is well nourished and presentable.

The best time to apply beard oil

Now that we've covered the major benefits of beard oil, let's take a look at the best practices for beard oil application.

According to some experts, the best time to apply beard oil is right after washing your face. This would usually be in the morning right after your face cleansing routine or shower, just when the pores in your skin and the hair follicles are open so they can easily absorb all that wonderfully nourishing oil.

However some swear by applying the oil right before they head to bed at night, giving the natural oils time to really absorb into the skin without being affected by outdoor elements.

Our suggestion - see what works best for you. Apply the oil in the morning after a shower or face cleaning routine for a week and then switch to a nighttime routine.

The timing should not really matter that much as long as you are particular about applying the oil regularly.

How to apply beard oil

When applying beard oil, more important than when you apply it, is how you apply it. One thing you must ensure is that your beard is lightly coated in oil from the root to the tip.

A few drops is really all you need, and if you live in a cold or particularly dry climate, this everyday moisturizing routine is critical to care for and maintain your beard.

Even though natural beard oil has a non-greasy feel, don't be tempted to use more than what's needed. Here's how much you should ideally be using based on your beard length:

Stubble: 1 to 2 drops
Beards that are 1-2 inches long: 2-4 drops
Beards that are 3-6 inches long: 4-6 drops
Beards longer than 6 inches: 7+ drops (to ensure roots are penetrated and all strands are coated)

If you're applying the oil in the morning, right after a shower, make sure to towel-dry your beard (oil and water don't mix), but just enough so that your beard is slightly damp allowing the hair follicles to absorb more of the oil.

Start by taking a few drops of beard oil in your cupped palm. Rub the beard oil distributing it evenly in your palm and work your way down from the roots to the end of your beard strands. Gently, massage the skin beneath your beard and work your hand in a downwards motion from your cheeks to your chin.

For longer beards take a beard comb and gently comb your beard to spread the oil, so that it can get to hard to reach places that you might've missed. Repeat daily for best results.

What to look for when buying beard oil

With beards being all the trend these days, there are quite a few beard oil manufacturers mushrooming in the market and selling beard oil ranging from unbelievably cheap to pretty pricey.

So what do you need to look for when buying beard oil? Well, the more important question is what you should not be looking for and ingredients you should steer clear of - there are some cheap imitation beard oils in the market that have synthetic additives that do absolutely nothing for your beard or facial skin.

These include silicone, alcohol and fragrance, which are known to cause irritation, dryness and build-up and do more harm than good. If you see that there are no ingredients listed on the bottle then that is a definite red flag.

A high quality beard oil contains high quality ingredients and these don't come cheap. However one bottle goes a long way so in the long run maintaining your beard using beard oil is a lot cheaper than shaving any day!

Where to buy beard oil

You may find beard oil in health stores and perhaps even in some drug marts today but there are quite a few high quality and yet affordable beard oils available online from reputable sellers who stand behind their products.  

At UpNature our beard oil is 100% pure, gentle and natural and blended from GMO Free sources. There are absolutely no toxins and no additives.

A large 4 oz (118 ml) bottle contains cold pressed, virgin, organic argan oil (Argania Spinosa), sunflower Oil (Helianthus Annuus) and pure Texas cedarwood essential oil (Juniperus Mexicana). The oil is completely unfiltered and undiluted and is 'therapeutic' grade.

We follow stringent manufacturing processes and our beard oil is made with love and packaged & bottled in the USA!

Key Takeaways

1. If you could get just one product to nourish, moisturize and maintain your beard and facial skin it would be beard oil.

2. Pure and natural beard oil contains high-quality carrier oils such as Argan oil and medicinal essential oils - no synthetic additives.

3. Use beard oil to moisturize, eliminate split ends, protect from the elements, control acne, itching and beardruff (beard dandruff) and more.

4. A well-groomed and styled beard feels and smells great and is proven to attract the ladies!

5. When buying beard oil make sure it is 100% pure, GMO Free and contains absolutely no toxins and no additives.

Don't look like you forgot to shave. Grab a bottle of beard oil.

Already using beard oil? Let us know in the comments if it's working for you!