Listen up men, this one’s for you.
If you haven’t already heard, No-Shave November and Movember started as “manly” celebrations of facial hair that turned into greater purposes.
In 2003, The Movember Foundation was formed by two men who wanted to bring the mustache back in style. As the movement spread it turned into a global initiative to promote men’s heath. Today, 21 countries participate in the mustache-growing event, bringing attention to prostate cancer, testicular cancer, men’s mental health, and the importance of physical activity.
No-Shave November also began as a fun tradition, but transitioned into a charity foundation in 2009. The purpose of No-Shave November is for people to raise awareness for cancer by growing their body hair, and donating their monthly hair-maintenance expenses to the cause.
While both of these movements have benefited many organizations worldwide and increased men’s health awareness, participating in Movember or No-Shave November also gives men some skin health benefits.
According to Dr. Victoria Negrete, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, “if you keep your beard clean and well kept, you will benefit from:
1. Blemish Prevention: When you shave, you risk exposing your skin to bacterial infection. By letting your beard grow, you’re not only able to hide blemishes, but may prevent them from happening in the first place.
2. Sun Shield: Although sunscreen should still be applied, research has shown that a beard can help protect your skin from harmful UV Rays.
3. Moisturizer: A beard is basically a natural scarf, which makes November a perfect time for no shaving. By shielding your face from the cold, dry air, your skin stays moisturized with the natural oils in your beard.”
Give thanks this month by putting down the razor, donate to the Movember Foundation and enjoy the skin health benefits that the extra facial hair can provide.
Skin Struggles?
If you are struggling with skin issues and don’t know where to turn, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help. To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.
