Science before science: The medical benefits of keeping beards

in StemSocial2 years ago

image.pngImage source: Peakpx

One of the reasons I don't put my pictures all over social media is because of how bushy my beards is and the reactions it may get from social media user (I am actually scared of the negative comments). My beards keeping is primarily for religious reason (being a Muslim). It was later I got to know that beards offer a lot of medical benefits to a man.

Fun fact: My beards are longer than the one in the above image.

Thus, whenever arguments ensue both online and offline, I am always on the side of the beard gang. Making jest of the naturally beardless folks is always fun and making fun of those that deliberately shave theirs off is twice as fun. Their argument for shaving their beards off always amuses me. The most logical ones are the ones that border around medical issues, and these have to do with not grooming the beards properly.

Beards have been a symbol of masculinity and power for centuries. Many men choose to keep a beard for personal style or cultural reasons. However, research has shown that there are many health benefits to maintaining a well-groomed beard. Emphasis on "well-groomed".

First and foremost, beards can act as a natural filter for the air we breathe. Just as the hair in our nose filters out dirt and debris, the hair on our face can help trap dust, allergens, and other airborne irritants that can cause respiratory problems. This is especially beneficial for people who work in dusty or polluted environments, as it can help reduce the risk of developing respiratory issues.

Another advantage of keeping a beard is that it can help protect the skin on your face. The skin on your face is some of the most sensitive and delicate skin on your body, and it can be easily damaged by exposure to the sun, wind, and other environmental factors. By keeping a beard, you can create a natural barrier between your skin and the elements, helping to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun and other environmental factors.

Beards can also help reduce the risk of skin cancer. Studies have shown that beards can block up to 95% of the harmful UV rays from the sun, which can help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. This is especially important for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, as they are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

Finally, keeping a well-groomed beard can also help prevent bacterial infections. The hair on our face can act as a natural barrier against bacteria and other germs, helping to reduce the risk of developing skin infections. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that clean-shaven men were three times more likely to carry bacteria on their faces than men with beards.

In conclusion, keeping a beard is not only a great way to show off your personal style, but it also has many medical benefits. From protecting your skin to reducing the risk of respiratory issues, there are many reasons to consider growing and maintaining a beard.

A note of caution though. Improper grooming of beards can lead to several health issues, including the accumulation of bacteria, germs, and dirt that can cause skin irritation, infection, and acne. The beard can also become a breeding ground for parasites, such as lice and mites, which can be easily transmitted to others. Furthermore, if the beard is not kept clean and tidy, it can lead to an unprofessional appearance that can be detrimental in certain workplaces or social situations. Therefore, it is important to maintain proper beard grooming habits to avoid potential health problems and maintain a neat, professional appearance.

So, if you're thinking about growing a beard, go ahead and give it a try. Your body will thank you for it!

Materials Consulted

  1. https://www.peakpx.com/608103/man-s-black-beard
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8130778/
  3. https://www.lung.org/blog/beards-and-lung-health
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9542990/
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Interesting to know that beards bring all these health benefits, I know that people keep beards for the sake of religion and fashion since mine has refused to grow, I simply let it be, if it chooses to get more full then I will carry it with pride as I actually like how it looks on the people who keep them.

Before mine grew, people do say I look like a woman and look far younger than my age. I genuinely see men without beards as feminine men, to be honest. Just wait, it will grow with time.

I believe so, have a great day buddy.

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