George Clooney, Ben Affleck, Hugh Jackman and other bearded celebs may be on to something. As John Basedow reports, an Australian study shows beards are more than just a fashion statementâ¦they may be the fountain of youth and health. Facial follicles provide protection against the premature aging of sun damage as well as skin cancer. Beards also act as pollen traps that might help prevent asthma attacks.