We recently read the report that certain anti-sunscreen filters could promote baldness of the scalp. These are synthetic filters such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, benzophenone. The condition now has a name: Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia.
This is baldness around the head, causing the hairline to recede. Dermatologists are in the dark for the time being and are cautiously pointing to certain cosmetic substances: sun filters.
‘In practice, I also see an increase in frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), especially in postmenopausal women and to a much lesser extent in men as well. In 8% there is a positive family history, which means that it occurs in the family.
“There is now a discussion about the use of cosmetics and sunscreen and the origin of FFA. Based on observational – and research studies – the first publication in 2016, 105 of 205 women had FFA who used sunscreen at least twice a week. In 2019, they also saw a possible relationship between FFA and the use of sunscreen based on a survey study. An Australian study saw hair growth again after discontinuing sunscreen.
It is not yet clear which cosmetic ingredients are responsible for this. One theory is that sunscreen gets into the upper part of the hair follicle (hair infundibulum).
In combination with reduced sebum production over the years, the exogenous ingredients that enter the hair are not properly removed. The result is inflammation in the hair and then scarring.”
Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has put sunscreen filters under scrutiny. There are currently 16 commercially available filters, divided into 2 groups:
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