Here's why bearded hipsters might actually be healthier than us all...
A new study has revealed that not only can bearded men sometimes be considered more handsome (there was a scientific study that actually proved this), they could also have more health benefits. So stop mocking your cool East London dwelling hipster mates. Stop blaming bearded men for potentially 'ruining the economy'. And get over your beard saturation. Because it seems bearded folk are actually rather clued up....
Want to know why? Well, new research from the University of Queensland has revealed that men with beards tend to be healthier because they have less exposure to dangerous UV rays.
Experts in Queensland used mannequins - ranging in beard size from full to bare-faced - to discover their findings. They left said mannequins in the sun, ensuring they all received the same amount of radiation.
It was concluded that having a beard can actually protect you from up to 90-95% of damaging rays, with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of up to 21.
Apparently having a beard can also help decrease the likeliness of contracting skin cancer from sun damage and developing wrinkles or other signs of ageing.
“Sun exposure is the primary cause of photo-ageing and skin damage so it makes sense that if your face is covered by a heavy beard, it may well protect your skin from the signs of ageing,” Doctor Adam Freidmann told The Independent .
“This means fewer wrinkles and a reduction in age spots (liver spots) commonly found on the face,” he continued.
Obviously this depends on the type of beard you have, including the thickness of it and how much of it covers your face, but it's actually kind of cool for all bearded folk.
It's important to stress, however, that having a beard should not be seen as a reliable source of UV protection, and using SPF on your face and body, no matter the weather, is crucial.
Alright hipsters, we'll give you this one.
Source: The Independent
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PA PhotosAndrew Garfield
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WennJake Gyllenhaal
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PA PhotosMichael Fassbender
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Bradley Cooper, in a tux, on the red carpet... HOT.
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Bradley Cooper, in a tux, on the red carpet at the Oscars 2013, with a beard... STILL HOT. We're just wondering how he grew that baby so quickly.
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Like a fine wine, George only seems to improve with age. Surely a beard wouldn’t be enough to put us off him?
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Ever since he burst onto our screens alongside Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting, Ben's all-American good looks have made him a serious heart throb.
PA PhotosBen Affleck
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We've been crushing on Paul Rudd ever since he starred opposite Claire Danes and Leonardo Dicaprio in Romeo And Juliet.
PA PhotosPaul Rudd
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To beard or not to beard? Not to beard.
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PA PhotosChris Pine
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Getty ImagesJustin Theroux
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Rex FeaturesCaleb Followill
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Getty ImagesTinie Tempah
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David Beckham with no beard = hot.
PA PhotosDavid Beckham
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To beard or not to beard? With. Or without. Either way...
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PacificCoastNews.comRobert Pattinson
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PA PhotosJared Leto
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Bigpicturesphoto.comRobbie Williams
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PA PhotosJames Franco
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To beard or not to beard? To beard!
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PA PhotosShia LaBeouf
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