Black Friday Sale - Get 30% Off With Code BLACK30

Magazine

The Ultimate Guide to Beard Bald Spots

author
Posted by

Grace Michaeli

The Ultimate Guide to Beard Bald Spots

Not all beards are made equal. Some men are bushier than others. However, some, suffer from the infamous beard bald spots, that might make that shaggy look less desirable (to say the least). Truth is, patchy beards are often the result of genetics. It may have to do with an inherited lower number of facial hair follicles or susceptibility to medical conditions. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept it. 

In fact, there’s plenty that can be done. But before we uncover the not-so-hair truth, you should know how bald spots are caused, what treatments are available, and what mindset it is best to adopt when dealing with them. Let’s untangle the situation! 

 

Not all beards are made equal. Some men are bushier than others.

Not all beards are made equal. Some men are bushier than others.

 

The Bear(d) Truth

There could be a number of reasons why you have a patchy beard. One common cause is that you simply haven’t given it a chance to grow out. Hairs grow at a different rate and a beard in its early stages may look uneven. But given enough time, you might just acquire that bushy lumberjack look. Genetics also play a big part – some guys simply have fewer hair follicles. Men naturally differ from one another, and this includes the thickness of scalp hair and beards. Some beards are naturally thinner than others. There is nothing that can be done about it, except learning to play the hand – or hair – you were dealt.

Beard bald spots, however, can also be the result of a medical condition, like Alopecia Barbae or ringworms. A ringworm is a relatively rare skin infection caused by certain fungi. Known as Tinea Barbae when it affects the beard, it most commonly occurs in humid climates. You might contract it from other people, animals like cats, dogs, as well as damp places like public showers.

Alopecia Barbae is a common autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakes its own cells – in this case, hair follicles – for disease and attacks them. Alopecia Barbae is a variation of Alopecia Areata. It usually begins suddenly, with small circular patches along the jawline. In some cases, it leads to complete loss of facial hair. There is no consensus on the exact causes for this condition, but psychological and physical stress are often associated with it. Because it is more common in those related to people with autoimmune conditions (type 1 diabetes, lupus, and psoriasis),  genetics are considered another major factor.

 

Alopecia Barbae is a common autoimmune condition.

Alopecia Barbae is a common autoimmune condition.

 

Under Your Beard

But not to worry, hope isn’t lost. Skin health plays an important role in the health of your scalp and facial hair. Healthy skin is the result of a number of factors, including your skincare routine and lifestyle. Physical and psychological stress may cause dehydration and irritation of the skin. This leads to weakened hair follicles and makes the hair thinner, shorter, eventually causing it to fall out. It can also make your skin and autoimmune system less efficient in fighting bacteria, thus make it more susceptible to infections and viruses. Make sure to maintain your skin hygiene, to prevent skin oil buildup, as well as dead skin and product leftovers.

All of which means that healthy skin is vital to healthy facial hair. Determine their causes and take action to reduce physical and psychological stress. A good night’s sleep is not a waste of time: it reduces stress and provides a source of vital energy for healthy follicles. Establish a skincare routine to clean, nourish, and hydrate your face. A clean, irritation-free, and well-nourished skin will result in healthier follicles and more vigorous hair growth.

 

Healthy skin is the result of a number of factors, including your skincare routine and lifestyle.

Healthy skin is the result of a number of factors, including your skincare routine and lifestyle.

 

The Solution

We designed our Particle products specially to make your skin healthier and stimulate hair growth. Alopecia Barbae itself is not yet treatable, but a regular skincare routine and a healthy lifestyle can reduce the symptoms of the condition significantly. These include a skin-oriented diet rich in zinc and biotin supplements.

Treatments vary from one patient to the next and may include steroid creams and steroid shots. Typically, treatments attempt to block or suppress the aggression of the immune system towards hair follicles. It’s best, however, to treat these with the help of your physician and dermatologist. 

 

We designed our Particle products specially to make your skin healthier and stimulate hair growth

We designed our Particle products specially to make your skin healthier and stimulate hair growth

 

Bald Spots – the Bottom Line

Beard bald spots can be a condition that requires medical assistance. But since leading a healthier lifestyle and maintaining balanced skin are always positive, it’s simpler to incorporate them into your life. First, determine that you indeed do have a condition. Then, with professional medical care, try to determine the possible causes. In any case, embrace your face! Treat it with care, nourish your skin, and you’ll see the results. Reduce unnecessary health risks, groom your hair and establish a skincare routine. It’s always the right answer!