We’re in the midst of a long, hot summer. Everybody’s sweat glands are really putting in some work, but having a beard makes the whole experience a little less than comfortable. If you’ve been bummed out over having a sweaty beard, we’ve got some news for you. 

Respect the Sweat

First of all, it’s important to realize that sweat is a good thing. There would be something seriously wrong with your health if you did not sweat, at least a little on a hot day.

Sweat is a part of homeostasis, the body’s mechanism for keeping your body temperature just right. Sweat is an electrolyte-rich cool liquid that evaporates off the skin. It helps to keep the body temperature at a safe level when the outdoor temperature would otherwise make it rise.

Sweating is the same concept as running through sprinklers or swimming in the pool on a hot day. It also has a lot to do with the reason athletes pour water and sports drinks on their heads rather than just in their mouths. Sweat helps you feel cooler and helps the body maintain a safe and stable internal temperature. When it comes to dealing with a sweaty beard, you’re not getting rid of the sweat. Instead, you’re learning to live with it. 

Does a Beard Make Your Hotter In the Summer?

The prospect of living with a sweaty beard may seem incredibly stifling, but it may not be nearly as bad as you think. If this is your first summer with a beard, congratulations! You might be wondering about what you’re going to do about being so hot, but trust us, there’s no need to be concerned. 

While a beard is certain to make you hotter in the sense of being better looking, it will actually make you cooler in the sense of temperature (and looks too!) Although it's not always the best feeling in the world, your beard keeps that internal-temperature-regulating salty goodness called sweat closer to your skin for longer. If anything, your beard keeps your face cooler than the average person's during the summer.

How to Handle a Sweaty Beard

With that being said, you’re totally understood if you don’t like feeling (or smelling) like you’ve got a sopping wet sweat rag on your skin every time you start to sweat. There’s not exactly anything you can do to stop yourself from sweating, but there are a few things that will help you.

1.Instead of being the sweat rag, carry one. 

Although each person is different, nine times out of ten your chin is not a major source of sweat. Rather, the bulk of the sweat (most likely) trickles down from your forehead where there are way more sweat glands. Wipe it off before it rolls down to your beard. 

2. Try facial antiperspirants

For some people, this may be an extreme step. For others, it’s a life saver. There is a medical condition called hyperhidrosis that makes people sweat excessively. While you don’t necessarily need to use clinical products if you don’t have a medical problem, there are also OTC antiperspirants to treat the issue of too much sweat on the face.

These OTC solutions come as lotions, gels, and even facial wipes. While they are supposed to be sensitive enough for the face, a spot test is highly recommended. There would be nothing worse than having a bad case of contact dermatitis on top of a hot sweaty beard. 

3. Keep Cool

This may sound simple, but it works. You don’t have to stay inside all day just because you’ve got a beard, but you can definitely reduce the amount of sweat in your beard by reducing your body’s need to sweat. 

If you’re outside, sit underneath a shade. Stay hydrated. If possible, plan outdoor activities so that you’re not outside during the hottest parts of the day. Dress appropriately for the weather, so that you don’t needlessly make yourself hotter. If you’re going to spend hours outside, carry a personal fan with you. 

4. Stay Clean

Sweat makes your beard get dirtier quicker. You’ll need to up the ante on washing your beard. Big Beard Soap is perfect for that because it cleans the skin without stripping it. 

Your beard doesn’t have to be a victim to the latest heatwave. With a little planning and know-how, you and your beard can have the summer of your life.