Think Twice Before Asking Your Man To Shave

Ok, it goes without saying that many women don’t like a bearded partner. But ladies, think twice before asking the significant him in your life to remove the scratchy face hair. It seems that reaching for the razor might not be such a great idea after all. You see, that goatee might just be beneficial to his health.

PREVENTS NASTY SKIN RASHES

Dr Martin Wade, consultant dermatologist at the London Skin and Hair Clinic, says that shaving can cause folliculitis which is an infection of the hair follicles as well as razor rash. Shaving strips away the protective skin mantle that keeps bacteria at bay and is one of the main causes of bacterial infection in the beard area. So, step away from the razor and say goodbye these kinds of rashes.

PROTECTS AGAINST THE SUN

Facial hair protects the face from sun damage and skin cancer according to a recent study from the University of Southern Queensland. The study found that the bearded area received 33% less harmful UV rays than hair-free areas. Light waves normally travel in straight lines, but when they hit face fuzz the light waves are refracted away from the skin underneath. Of course a lot depends on how long and thick your beard actually is. Robinson Crusoe was really on to something.

INHIBIT ASTHMA TRIGGERS

Voluptuous mustaches may inhibit pollen and dust going up the nose and triggering an asthma attack, just think of a mustache as nose filter. Dr Rob Hicks, a London-based GP, says “pollen — which is sticky — might be trapped this way, preventing it getting into the airways”. However, Dr Felix Chua, a consultant respiratory physician based in London’s Harley Street, points out “it would have to be a big one”. So, even if you don’t want to grow the full Gerry Garcia, a Tom Selleck might do.

FIGHT OFF COUGHS

Hair is a good insulator, lush beards that that extend down the neck create a physical barrier that keeps out the cold air and may help battle colds and viruses.

When you have a sore throat your natural defences kick in to battle the symptoms. One defence mechanism is to raise the temperature around the throat to help kill off any infection. The infection or virus will still have to run its course, but by keeping the infected area warm you can fight it better and recover quicker.

SLOWS DOWN AGING

The skin under the bearded area is protected from the wind, UV light and the cold, which have a drying effect on the skin and damage the protective skin barrier. Hair follicles and the oil secreted by the sebaceous oil glands make the skin thicker. Thicker skin is more resistant to damage, even if the man doesn’t have a beard. Men have more hair follicles on the cheeks, chin and neck than women do. Because of this, women’s skin tends to be thinner and more susceptible to damage from the elements.

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