Can beards stop you from ageing? It’s true, science says

Turns out beards won’t just make you more attractive to the ladies – they could also save your life too.

Research from the University of Queensland has shown beards can protect men from 90 to 95 per cent of dangerous UV rays.

The study was conducted using mannequins, some with full beards, others with partial beards and others clean-shaven, that were left to fry in the Aussie sun (as you do).

The scientists then rotated the heads to ensure each mannequin was exposed to the same amount of sunlight before measuring the radiation levels absorbed by each one.

They found that while beards don’t offer quite the same protection of sunscreen, they can carry a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of up to 21.

This lower UV exposure could also slow the ageing process, meaning less wrinkles and age spots on the face and a lower risk of skin cancer.

It does make sense – the thicker the beard, the more protection it offers.

Though if your partner doesn’t enjoy the ‘Ned Kelly’ look, you may just want to stick to sunscreen.