Recent misinformation has sparked global concern over beard hygiene and its connection with COVID-19. We have good news for all fellow Kings; beards are not increasing your chances of getting COVID-19. Not only does your facial fuzz give you a trendy edge, but also your beard gives you a lot of health benefits.
In a study, published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, they swabbed the faces of 408 hospital staff with and without facial hair. The researchers were surprised to find that it was the clean-shaven staff, and not the beardies, who were more likely to be carrying something unpleasant on their faces.
Beards are not a problem to grow, unless you are a healthcare provider, getting a good, tight fit for N-95 masks might be difficult on big fluffy beards.
The key for everyone, bearded or clean shaven, is to practice good hygiene overall. Just as we take care to wash our hands, people with facial hair should also be mindful to wash their beards, just as they wash the hair on their head.
Are there health benefits to having a beard?
Beards are able to block up to 95 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Facial hair can help keep airborne bacteria out of your mouth, which assists in protecting your throat.
Beards provide another barrier between your body and toxic exposures. If you have a reactive airway condition like asthma, a beard provides an additional filter before toxins enter your lungs.
Beards can add an extra layer of protection from infections. While bacteria naturally exists on the skin, shaving can create openings that bring in the bacteria and lead to infections and ingrown hairs. Not shaving can also reduce acne flare-ups.