[mvanvoorden]

Partly relevant: a few months ago they discovered bacteria in beards that also kill MRSA: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/beards-good-for-he...

[arviewer]

Interesting read. What I don't understand is why other body hair is not mentioned, and if that has the same effect. If not, what makes a beard different?

[mvanvoorden]

I assume because it's around the mouth. Food passes, some of that will stay in the beard, allowing for different cultures to grow than elsewhere.

[sdkjfwiluf]

or, the change in acidity from acid on the outside to alkaline on the inside provides a niche for these bacteria