Tougher beard in winter?

**rm71** · 07-03-2010, 06:00 PM

Hello all. I thought I’d run this past the B&B members. Over the last week I’ve been getting very ordinary shaves, especially on my chin and moustache. Nothing has changed in regards to what I use and the prep etc. The only thing I can think of is the very cold and dry weather we have been having in Australia. Could it be the cold weather affecting the shave quality? Does the cold weather make my beard tougher? What can I do to remedy this?

Thanks

**RJSquirell** · 07-03-2010, 06:39 PM

My beard seems to remain constant year round, except when my skin gets very dry. I don't think that my beard is any tougher, just the dry skin getting in the way and gunking up the works. This could be a YMMV situation.

**blood_type_O** · 07-03-2010, 10:58 PM

I think my whiskers are tougher in winter. Maybe the warm, humid weather of summer here makes them softer.

Good luck, mate!

**Carnivore** · 07-03-2010, 11:14 PM

I was thinking about this the other day. I am a fellow southern hemisphere dweller, so it's winter for me, too.

I concluded that it is the drier weather that is drying my skin, leading to more bumps and some minor acne. I use the L'Occitane shea butter moisturiser as an aftershave which helps, but doesn't cure the problem entirely.

Do note that I'm still quite the n00b, so my technique isn't very mature and that might have a lot to do with any problems.

**Uncle Erik** · 07-03-2010, 11:33 PM

I also find that the weather affects my skin condition and, consequently, the quality of my shaves. Being stuck in a climate-controlled office tower seems to change things, as well.

**Luc** · 07-03-2010, 11:40 PM

Interesting Rocco, I don't get that type of situation over here in Melbourne. Is it only winter?

Maybe you need heating in your bathroom?

**RayH** · 07-04-2010, 12:17 AM

Maybe with the heat and the sweat in summer, your beard more pliable than in the winter. The only thing I would suggest is do a better prep on your face and beard in the winter. Like maybe doing what is called the Kyle prep. This is where you lather up and place a hot towel on your face for a few minutes to soften your beard. Then you lather up again and do your shave. I've done this with a damp washcloth put in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds to where it is steaming. Works great.

**Gustav** · 07-04-2010, 12:48 AM

I do not know about toughness. But I have the distinct impression that my beard grows faster in the summer. During winter I shave every 48 hours but during the summer I feel I need to every 36.

**mdunn** · 07-04-2010, 01:00 AM

i suspect it would be cold weather acting on your skin, rather than hair. Or it could be that you need a longer, warmer prep to make up for the lower ambiant temp?

**rm71** · 07-04-2010, 02:00 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. As part of my prep everyday I use a warm towel over my face. I think I'm going to have to keep it there longer and start using the Proraso pre/post on the difficult areas.

**rm71** · 07-04-2010, 05:28 AM

Update - Used a hotter towel for longer this evening. Also really rubbed in the Proraso pre/post. No nicks, irritation or weepers. Just a BBS face. Thanks gents

**don.putnick** · 07-04-2010, 09:45 AM

From a sample size of one, I put the blame on humidity. I live along the left coast. When I travel on business to Colorado Springs, my usual prep falls apart. It doesn't matter whether it's summer or winter. And I can't tell whether it affects the skin, the beard, or both. More moisturizer and more lubricant take care of the problem.