Beautiful bristles - Telegraph Viewers of Newsnight received a shock last week when they tuned in to discover Jeremy Paxman wearing a beard. Mr Paxman writes in this paper that his decision to keep his summer holiday crop has led to a surprising amount of comment, from a discussion on The World at One to passers-by in the street crying, "Good on yer!." Depending on whom you speak to, he has either struck a blow for freedom or made a terrible mistake. Mr Paxman worries that "21st-century facial hair is the province of the dodgy geography teacher." Actually, a quick survey reveals that many young men have experimented with beards, including trendsetters David Beckham and Prince William. Science shows that they can absorb the impact of UV rays, help with allergies by collecting pollen and dust, and keep the skin looking perky and fresh. While Mr Paxman fears that a bushy chin "makes you look older," some think otherwise. So, if you want to stay young and beautiful, you might do as the oldsters do, and grow a beard.