How Dirty Is A Man’s Beard?
Beards have been in style for centuries for a variety of reasons. Some men choose to grow a beard for religious, cultural or personal reasons, while others may view trimming and grooming a beard as a part of a stylish look. Beards are often seen as a form of male power, and many men take pride in their beards. However, a dirty beard is less stylish, and can bring up serious concerns about hygiene.
Research shows a significant amount of bacteria and fungi can be found hiding within a man’s beard. According to the American Society of Microbiology, beards can be home to a number of microorganisms such as E. coli and other bacteria that can cause staph infections and other illnesses. Recent research conducted by the Hospital of Cardiff in UK also shows that many men’s beards contain as much as four times the amount of bacteria as compared to clean-shaven faces in their samples.
Microbiologist John Dupuis explains that the bacteria in a man’s beard could come from various sources – like bowls of food or the man’s own hand – and that beards can provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria if the man is not ensuring proper hygiene in his grooming regimen. However, another recent study published by the University of Utah joins the growing number of studies that have found that the immune system of a healthy beard is no different than that of a clean-shaven face, and that beards are usually no dirtier than a non-bearded face.
But despite this, many experts warn about the potential health risks associated with beards. So, if you’re someone with a beard, it is important to commit to a regular grooming routine. This includes washing and trimming your beard regularly and using products such as oils and conditioners to keep it clean and healthy. You should also avoid touching or scratching your face to keep the bacteria at bay.
Do Facial Hair Traps More Bacteria Than Clean-shaven Faces?
Some medical professionals have suggested that the thickness and texture of a man’s facial hair can be beneficial in trapping dirt, dust and bacteria as it passes through on the way to the mouth and nose. The argument is that beards act as an additional barrier, preventing these particles from readily entering respiratory passages.
However, the truth is much more complex. Despite the gross visual of a beard that hasn’t been washed in days, scientists have found that the connection is not definitive, and the evidence that beards can be better at trapping particles than clean-shaven faces is not strong. In fact, research suggests that beards can actually be slightly less effective at filtering out bacteria and dust than a clean-shaven face, due to the accumulated oils, sweat and dead skin cells that can become trapped in the hair. This build-up of bacteria and dirt, if left uncontrolled, can have a negative effect on the wearer’s skin health and potentially create a hospitable environment for a wide variety of fungi and viruses.
How To Keep Your Beard Clean And Healthy
Keeping your beard clean and healthy is an important part of ensuring your general health and wellbeing. To do this, it is best to start with a good beard wash. Beards that are washed regularly are less prone to harbouring bacteria and dirt, and will be less likely to cause skin irritation. Use a gentle beard wash that is specifically designed for facial hair and wash your beard with lukewarm water.
Once you have washed your beard, ensure you use a good conditioner or balm to soften the hairs, minimise split ends and keep the shape of the beard in place. A beard comb or brush can also help to keep your beard looking neat and healthy, as it helps to eliminate tangles and evenly distribute the conditioner or balm.
Finally, trimming your beard regularly is essential to maintaining a healthy look. This helps to remove split ends and reduce the tangle of the hair. Regular trimming also helps to encourage the growth of healthier and thicker hair.
Can Beards Cause Acne?
The short answer is yes. Beards can increase the chances of the wearer suffering from acne, as the hair can pick up oil, dirt and dead skin cells, which can trap the bacteria on the skin and clog the follicles. This can cause the hairs to become ingrown, and fluctuate hormone levels, which can further exacerbate the risk of acne in men with beards.
Regular grooming can help to minimise the risk of breakouts, as proper hygiene and washing can help keep the skin clean and clear. While there is no guarantee that grooming will completely prevent acne, it has been known to help reduce the chance of outbreaks significantly. Men with beards should be mindful of the grooming and cleaning regimen they follow and make sure they are removing any dirt, oil and sweat that can accumulate on their beard and face.
Does Length of Beard Affect Risk of Bacteria Accumulation?
Generally, longer and thicker beards can be more prone to harbouring bacteria and dirt, as the longer and thicker the beard is, the more opportunities it has to trap dirt and help bacteria grow. However, the advice is to keep the beard short and neat, as this can help you keep a tidy and more hygienic look. Trimming will also help minimise split ends and ingrown hairs, which can make the beard look scruffy and unkempt. Proper grooming can also help to reduce the accumulation of dirt, oil and moisture, which in turn can reduce the chance of skin irritation and breakouts.
Men with longer beards should ensure they are getting into the habit of regular cleanings and grooming. Shampooing twice a week, using a conditioner and combing through the beard with a fine-toothed comb are just some of the ways to make sure your beard is kept clean and trim.
Does A Beard Need Special Care?
The jury is still out on this, but one thing is clear – regular care and maintenance are essential when it comes to facial hair. A good skin care routine with deep cleansing, exfoliation and moisturizing can certainly help. Beards should also be washed regularly and brush through with a comb or brush to remove any trapped dirt and oil. Using products such as beard oils, balms, shampoos and conditioners can also help to soften, protect and define a man’s facial hair.
Beards can also be exposed to environmental damage, such as sunlight and wind. To help protect the hair, it’s best to use natural oils and wax-based styling products to both provide a layer of protection and to hold the shape of the hair. This will also help to keep it looking neat and well-groomed at all times.
Are Beards Unhygienic?
Beards, like every other part of the body, require some level of care and maintenance in order to remain clean and healthy. Despite the common misconception, however, studies have shown that beards don’t necessarily harbour more bacteria than clean-shaven faces and are actually no dirtier than a non-bearded face.
While proper hygiene is important for all men, it is especially important for men with beards, as their facial hair tends to trap dirt, oil and sweat more and can make it more difficult to keep clean. Men with beards should ensure they are washing and brushing their beard regularly and using the right products – such as beard oils and conditioners – to keep their hair healthy and looking its best.
Do Beards Have Benefits?
Beards, like other forms of facial hair, can have a range of benefits beyond simply making a fashion statement. Aside from being popular amongst many men, beards can also help keep the skin underneath them shielded from the elements and looking more youthful.
Studies have also shown that facial hair can provide a protective layer from the sun’s UV rays and absorb some of the damaging UV radiation. This helps to prevent sunburn and signs of premature aging on face and neck skin, which can lead to wrinkles, age spots and uneven skin tone. Facial hair can also provide protection from the wind, helping to keep the skin beneath it strong.
Furthermore, beards have been known to trap unwanted particles, such as dust and other allergens, stopping them from entering the respiratory passages. This can help reduce the symptoms of allergies and other problems associated with breathing in those particles. Finally, facial hair can also act as a natural barrier against pollutants that can be found in the environment.
