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Movember May Have Actual Health Benefits

Shoko Oda |
November 3, 2013 | 7:56 p.m. PST

Executive Producer

(Not shaving might actually be good for you. / Filly Campbell via Creative Commons)
(Not shaving might actually be good for you. / Filly Campbell via Creative Commons)
It's November, and most people know what that means-- especially the men. 

It's Movember. 

Every year during November, many men choose to grow their facial hair and forego shaving for a month. The event originates back to 2003 when a group of 30 men in Australia decided to come up with ideas to raise awareness for mens health, specifically prostate cancer. Since then, Movember has grown into a globally-popular awareness campaign, with $147 million US dollars fundraised for men's health program investment. 

While Movember might be a quirky way of advocating for men's health awareness, recent studies have proposed that not shaving might have actual health benefits. 

Scientists at the University of Southern QUeensland argue that beards can actually provide protection from harmful sun rays. Their study claims that a full beard can offer UV protection similar to factor 21 sunscreen.

In addition, growing out a beard may help those with pseudofolliculitis barbae, otherwise known as razor bumps. This type of skin rash occur to those with curly hair, as the curved hairs grow back into the skin and cause inflammation. One of the effective treatment recommended by doctors is to let the beard grow, as it will prevent the curved hair from growing back into the skin. 

Aside from potential health benefits, Movember has proven itself as an important awareness month. According to The Guardian, 67% of Movember participants recommended someone else see a doctor as a result of the campaign, while 43 became more aware about men's health risks.  

SEE ALSO: Movember Grows Facial Hair For A Cause


SEE ALSO: Movember Celebrates Moustache, Promotes Awareness



 

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