We all know that we shouldn’t allow UV rays from the sun to reach our unprotected skin. Not only can this cause sunburn, peeling, brown spots, loss of elasticity and premature wrinkles, but it can also increase your risk of skin cancer.
But do you have the same level of risk if you have a beard?
Will My Beard Protect Me from the Sun?
It’s been thought that men with thick, bushy, full-coverage beards – think the Viking beard style – are protected from the Sun’s rays. However, a study conducted at the University of Sothern Queensland found that while a bushy beard did offer some form of protection from UV rays, the amount of protection offered wasn’t enough to make it a viable alternative to sunscreen.
A Viking beard can be a great confidence-booster, but when it comes to UV ray protection, it’s important not to become overconfident and slack on the sunscreen.
The Bearded Guy’s Guide to Sun Protection
- Apply sunscreen to your beard, not just the skin around it, regardless of the length and thickness of your beard. This will help to prevent sunburn in less thick areas – it doesn’t matter how small gaps are, UV rays can find a way in
- Always apply cream in a circular motion, as this will help it to reach the skin underneath the beard. If you have a particularly long beard, you may even want to spread the sunscreen on using a brush
- Think twice before growing a new beard on holiday; the skin underneath will tan much slower than the rest of your face, which could look very uneven if you shave it off again
- Always remember to pack your razor or beard trimmer so you can keep on top of the edges of your beard to help keep your tan lines as neat and even as possible
- Moisturise your beard and your skin after you’ve been in the sun, as the heat can dry out and damage your beard. Use our King C. Gillette Beard Balm or Beard Oil to keep yours in check
