Have you noticed your hairline slowly receding backward? Are you losing hair along the front of your hairline, accompanied by scarring and redness? You might be suffering from frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA).
What is FFA?
FFA is a condition that causes hair loss, mainly over the hairline at the front of your head. It is a type of alopecia known as ‘scarring alopecia’ or ‘cicatricial alopecia’. It is thought to be related to another condition called lichen planus which, when it affects the scalp, is called ‘lichen planopilaris’. FFA causes inflammation which destroys the hair follicle, replacing it with permanent scarring. It mainly affects post-menopausal women.
More and more cases of FFA have been reported in studies since it was first reported in 1994 by Dr. Kossard from Australia. A possible role of cosmetic ingredients has been suspected, especially UV blockers. Daily, year‐round use of facial moisturizers, most of which contain sunscreen, has been associated with FFA in both women and men. An additional large study has reported that the use of facial sunscreens is the only common risk factor for FFA in both males and females.
What does Titanium Dioxide have to do with FFA?
Dermatologists reported in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, the detection of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) along the hair shafts of a patient presenting FFA. This significant finding raises the question of a possible implication of TiO2 in FFA pathogenesis via an allergic process.
The potential toxicity of TiO2 is an important public health concern as TiO2 is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen. Paul Westerhoff and his colleagues at Arizona State University found concentrations in personal care products ranged from 1% to almost 10% titanium by weight. You can probably find Titanium Dioxide in your makeup stash, as it is used in sunscreens, pressed powders, and loose powders. It’s a terrifying thought that the product you use every day could actually be the culprit for your hair loss.
What can you do about it?
Knowing the ingredients of the products you put on your body is the first step you can take. For years of providing safe organic makeup that’s 100% Titanium Dioxide-Free, a lot of customers suffering from FFA, our coming to our brand. MG Naturals is dedicated to providing beauty without the nasties, by creating cosmetics that won’t compromise your health.
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You can also join communities or support groups like Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Support and Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia FFA to get helpful tips and remedies.