To grow a beard or not to grow a beard? That's the question you ask yourself a few times before you start. There are several other considerations that can play into whether or not to grow a beard. What is not often talked about is that beard growth is very healthy for your face!
Aside from being stylish, taking advantage of a number of health benefits is nice too! It's time to shed some light on how facial hair not only makes you look super manly, but that it's also healthy for you. In this article, we're going to talk about the benefits of growing a beard and why it's healthy for you!
You are more attractive with a beard
Yes, you are more attractive with a beard! An Australian study in which 8520 women were shown pictures of men with and without a beard showed that having a beard can give you a big edge. The women had to rate the different men on their level of attractiveness, and whether the man in question was good for a one-night-stand or for a (short) relationship. What turned out?
In 9 out of 10 cases, the men with an adult beard were seen as relationship material. This is not surprising when you consider evolution and psychology. A thick forest of facial hair is a sign of health. The thicker and fuller your beard is, the healthier you are. And that, in turn, means you would be well able to take care of a family.
Increases your self-confidence
Believe it or not, but research has shown that when you have a beard, you actually subconsciously trigger something in people, which makes people around you respect you more and value your opinions more. For men, a beard has always been a sign of wisdom. You will feel more confident when you look in the mirror, and the people around you will imperceptibly reinforce this self-confidence.
Less chance of infections and rashes
A beard will make you less likely to get infections caused, for example, by MRSA bacteria (hospital bacteria). In fact, this bacterial infection is one of the most common infections that occurs after shaving. Because shaving is not necessary when you have a beard, you are less likely to contract nasty infections. Not having to shave also prevents rashes, wounds, inflammation from ingrown hairs and itching.
UV Protection
Beard hair protects your face from harmful UV rays. The fuller your beard and the thicker your beard hair, the better you protect your face from the sun. Hair is reflective, thus blocking the sun's rays. Although some UV rays always manage to pass through your beard, your beard disrupts the direct sunlight on your skin, thus always limiting damage, handy!
Natural insulation
It's freezing and the wind is blowing. Your face doesn't suffer because your beard forms a natural insulation layer, protecting you from the cold and wind! The longer and fuller the beard, the better it insulates your face.
Another added benefit; science says that beards lower the risk of colds because the neck is kept warm. This allows your body to maintain its temperature better.
Protects you from allergies
Beards can also prevent and/or remedy allergies. According to science, beards retain small amounts of pollen, dust and other allergens. By walking around with these allergens on your face daily, you are actually strengthening your immune system in a completely natural way. This can reduce allergic reactions.
Just make sure you continue to take good care of your beard. If you are prone to allergies, a constant build-up of allergens in your beard is obviously not a good idea.
Which products stimulate beard growth?
There are several things you can do to give your growing beard an extra boost. Besides leaving your growing beard alone and choosing a healthy lifestyle (perhaps the most important thing of all), here are some product tips to help you speed up the process.
1. Moisturize your beard with beard oil
Beard oil is a wonderful product that moisturizes and nourishes your beard hair and the skin underneath. Your beard hair will become softer and more supple over time. Did you choose a beard oil with added vitamins B6, E and C? Great! These vitamins stimulate the production of new skin cells and thus promote beard growth!
2. Take care of your beard with beard shampoo and conditioner
Leaving your beard alone is great, but once in a while it really needs a good wash. This way, you can prevent itching and remove excess sebum. This way, pimples won't get a chance and you'll keep your beard in perfect condition. A special beard shampoo and conditioner can help you with this.
A beard shampoo or conditioner is very mild, does not dry out your beard and knows how to take care of your beard perfectly. Even food leftovers (yes, they stay behind, even in your beard) are washed out properly this way.
3. Remove dead skin cells regularly with a beard brush
Your skin is always renewing itself, shedding dead skin cells in the process. These dead skin cells remain in your beard. Do you have oily skin? Then the dead skin cells can cause your pores to become clogged, which can lead to pimples and beard dandruff.
Small inflammations knock on the door and cause reduced beard growth and damage to your beard hairs. And you don't want that to happen! To prevent this, it is important to brush your beard regularly. You can do this with a beard brush.
A beard brush exfoliates dead skin cells from your cheeks and chin. This prevents itching and your skin will be much better able to absorb nutrients (for example, from a beard oil). And this is beneficial for the growth rate of your beard!
4. Use a beard growth serum
Beard growth serum, also called beard growth oil can help stimulate beard growth. Beard growth oil contains various oils and natural ingredients that stimulate blood circulation and nourish the hair follicles. This can stimulate beard growth. Beard growth oil is best applied in the evening so that it can take effect throughout the night. Apply a few drops to your palms, rub it warm and massage it into your beard. Be sure to distribute the oil well throughout your entire beard and skin underneath for optimal results.