Doctor says beards could be good for health

Dr Karan Rangarjan, an NHS surgical doctor and lecturer at Sunderland University, explained that facial fuzz can be good as it protects against bacteria.

In a video posted on his TikTok account, Dr Rangarjan said: "A study comparing hospital workers with and without beards found that clean-shaven faces were three times more likely to carry MRSA.

"This may be because shaving creates micro-abrasions, which are perfect breeding grounds for these bacteria."

The medic added that beards can also reduce the risk of skin cancer in unshaven areas.

He explained: "A beard might reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer on bearded areas. There's evidence that having facial hair reduces UV light exposure by a third compared to clean-shaven faces.

"Although facial hair can lower the risk of skin cancers like melanoma, you shouldn't ditch the sunscreen."

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