Are Sunscreen Particles Involved in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia? A TEM-EDXS Analysis on Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Alopecia Biopsies (Pilot Study)

This pilot study investigated the potential link between the use of mineral-based sunscreens and Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA), a form of hair loss. The study examined skin biopsy specimens from 2 patients with FFA who regularly used sunscreen. The researchers looked for the presence of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2), common ingredients in sunscreens, within the hair follicle units and surrounding tissue. The results showed no significant penetration of these sunscreen particles in the areas of active inflammation and fibrosis. This suggests that there may not be a direct link between sunscreen usage and FFA. However, the study acknowledges that the small sample size limits the conclusiveness of the findings and that larger studies are needed. The researchers also note that FFA is likely a complex, multifactorial disease and caution against avoiding sunscreen use without conclusive evidence of its role in FFA.