Our Best Face Masks For Guys With Beards

As men become more and more advanced with their skincare, there are certain questions that have popped up over the years, from whether or not a toner and an after-shave lotion are the same thing to why guys have larger pores than women. But, one of the most interesting topics our Kiehl’s Customer Representatives have encountered have to do with face masks for men. Or, more specifically, how to use a face mask if you have a beard.

In addition to being a way for men to easily switch up their style, facial hair can also help protect the skin from environmental aggressors and free radicals that can cause everything from breakouts to dryness and irritation. Because it isn’t as exposed to the elements like the rest of your face, that skin typically is less damaged. Meaning, for some men, provided they are using SPF and moisturizer in those areas, a face mask is most likely not a necessity.

However, if you find your skin beneath your beard is breaking out, feeling dry, or always itchy, then you can definitely benefit from using a treatment. The problem is, it might not feel like the most intuitive of skincare habits, especially if you’ve got a beard on the fuller side. How do you even get it under there? What mask should you use? There are a lot of variables that go into using a face mask with a beard, but don’t let that confusion prevent you from trying one out. To help you be the master of beard masking, follow our step-by-step guide to using a face mask when you have facial hair.

Pick Your Mask

The first step is to figure out what kind of mask you even want to use. In order to figure that out, you need to first decide what exactly you want it to do in the first place. In order to do that you need to identify your skin type and what the concern is.

If you’re feeling bumps and breakouts, you’re going to want to look for an oil-controlling, pore-cleansing mask like the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask . It’s made with Amazonian White Clay to help draw out impurities from skin’s surface that can clog pores and cause breakouts.

Dry, flaky skin causing problems? Try the Avocado Nourishing Hydrating Mask — it’s packed with skin-softening Avocado Fruit Extract and Avocado Oil to nourish dehydrated skin and help prevent moisture loss by sealing in water.

If irritation and redness are making your skin sting, the comforting, cooling gel texture of the Calendula Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque will offer some fast comfort. It’s made with hand-picked Calendula Flower Petals and Aloe to hydrate and soothe skin.

Pro tip: You’ll want to stick to masks that have a cream or gel formula, because they spread easily and won’t get stuck in your beard hair. Anything that needs to be pulled off is a no-go, unless you feel like an impromptu face waxing session. And sheet masks won’t be able to adequately reach the skin through your facial hair, so aren’t really useful here.

Shave & Trim

The less bushy your beard, the easier it will be to apply a mask, so consider masking on days when you need to trim and shave. Just be sure the masks you use don’t have any alcohol or acids in them, or you risk experiencing bumps or stinging.

Part Your Hair

Here’s where you need to perfect a technique. If your hair is short, you can most likely just apply the mask over top and it will connect with the skin. But for those with fuller facial hair, in order to really make sure you get the skin surface, you’ll need to create a few parts in the hair and massage the mask in. It will take a little bit more time, but we promise it’s worth it.

Now that you know the secret to mask application, grab a mask and get involved — a weekly treatment session is a great way to keep all of your skin, both covered and uncovered, looking and feeling its healthiest.