It's interesting how tastes have changed.
Years ago, men were expected to keep their faces as smooth as women's faces, a fad that probably resulted from advertising by razor manufacturers. Having a beard was socially unacceptable. For me, it was quite horrible because I have a tough beard and tender skin. Shaving was slow, painful, slightly bloody, and I always had a rash. Unless I put rubbing alcohol on my face after shaving, it was sore all day. The alcohol was painful, but the pain lasted for only a few seconds. Finally, finally, finally, it became socially acceptable and possible to remain professionally employed with a beard. I stopped shaving and never looked back.
Shaving closely and / or frequently is OK for some guys, but for many of us it is not practical. We men are no longer required to have faces as smooth as women's faces. Some stubble is often considered attractive, and we can have beards of we choose to do so.