Seeking tips for how to moisturize skin under beard and rest of face without getting dried product in my beard.

Before I started growing a beard I was consistent with facial moisturizer several times a day. However I find that as my beard grows, I am avoiding it as it inevitably gets in my beard and then dries and becomes flaky and leaves a blizzard on my shirts.

I am wondering whether I should moisturize after showering wait a few minutes, and then use a warm facecloth to wipe the beard clean, then brush, then add beard oil/products.

Alternatively, should I moisturize before showering then be sparing with moisturizer afterwards and avoid the beard?

If anyone has any advice as to their regimen I would appreciate them sharing it.