Scalp Biophysical Characteristics in Males with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Comparative Study with Healthy Controls

May 2021 in “ Clinical Interventions in Aging ”

Kumutnart Chanprapaph, Thanapon Sutharaphan, Poonkiat Suchonwanit

androgenetic alopecia skin surface lipids stratum corneum hydration transepidermal water loss vertex area occipital area androgen-sensitive areas AGA SSL SCH TEWL

TLDR Men with androgenetic alopecia have oilier and less hydrated scalps, especially in sensitive areas.

This study compared scalp biophysical characteristics between 31 Thai males with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and 31 healthy controls. It found that AGA patients had significantly higher skin surface lipids (SSL) and lower stratum corneum hydration (SCH) at the vertex area compared to the occipital area, and higher vertex SSL and lower transepidermal water loss (TEWL) compared to controls. These findings suggested that AGA affects scalp biophysical properties, particularly in androgen-sensitive areas, and highlighted the need for further research and targeted scalp care products.

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