Effect of Ultraviolet Radiation, Smoking, and Nutrition on Hair
January 2015
in “
Current problems in dermatology
”
ultraviolet radiation UVR UV-B UV-A hair photoaging sun protection smoking microvasculature oxidative stress DNA damage hair follicle cells androgenetic alopecia protein deficiency calorie deficiency trace elements vitamins dietary supplements scalp conditions inflammation iron supplementation lipid peroxidation sun damage hair aging sunblock for hair smoking-related hair loss hair follicle damage male pattern baldness nutrient deficiency vitamin deficiency hair vitamins iron supplements
TLDR Ultraviolet rays damage hair, smoking may cause hair loss, and good nutrition is important for hair health, but genetics mainly decide hair thickness.
The document from 2015 examines the effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), smoking, and nutrition on hair health. It reveals that UVR can cause hair damage, particularly UV-B and UV-A rays, leading to hair photoaging and necessitating sun protection for hair. Smoking is linked to premature skin aging and may contribute to hair loss by damaging the microvasculature, increasing oxidative stress, and causing DNA damage in hair follicle cells, with a positive association found between smoking and androgenetic alopecia. Nutrition plays a vital role in hair health, with deficiencies in protein, calories, trace elements, and vitamins potentially impairing hair growth and pigmentation. However, the effectiveness of dietary supplements for hair growth in individuals with adequate diets is limited. The document also notes that certain scalp conditions can be exacerbated by UVR and that inflammation around hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia may be related to UVR and other environmental factors. It mentions a study on iron supplementation, which showed improved iron status but also an increase in lipid peroxidation, indicating potential risks with high doses of iron supplements. The document concludes that while nutrition and avoiding smoking and UVR are important for hair health, genetic factors largely determine hair thickness.
