Yeah, exactly. It's conveniently considerate to immuno-compromised people, but I won't pretend that's the *main* reason I do it.
It's not entirely about stubble though. Proper shaving, a couple weeks of IPL laser, and some basic concealer has even my rugged follicles under control when I make the effort. There's something about my face shape and I'm not conscious of what it is. I'm really awful at analyzing faces (or remembering them), so I honestly dunno what it is that seems off.
It's not a priority right now though. I'm just happy the IPL seems to be working! Aside from occasionally being oddly cute/NB, I hate my facial hair a lot and it's literally 99% of my dysphoria, so I'm glad it's getting wrekt. I'd rather rely on cosmetics as little as possible. No judgement!! I'm just not high-femme (and it's so much work and skill), and I don't mind looking plain and rugged.
There's something else at play there, too. I'm still sussing it out, but I keep making myself more feminine but then hiding it under masculine clothing. I epilate my legs then wore long pants during the summer. I almost always wear tight sports bras. I keep hiding my NB necklace in my shirt. It's like I want to present masculine for safety and because "it's what I know", but have a secret feminine side for people I trust. Someone suggested it's a control issue and that sounds right. I don't think it's directly a fear of bigots... though that's certainly a factor with certain family members sometimes.
(hopefully those family members are coming around a bit, but this stupid injury is getting in the way of finding out)