Receding Hairline and Facial Sunscreen: What Studies Show About the Link to Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
HairArticleFrontal fibrosing alopecia, a scarring hair loss along the front hairline and eyebrows, mostly affects women after menopause. A 2023 review of nine studies found women with it were more likely to report using facial sunscreen. That's a link, not proof, and it isn't a reason to give up sun protection. Here is what to know.
Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring type of hair loss that slowly pushes the hairline back from the forehead and temples.1 It most often affects women after menopause, and its cause is still unknown.1 Our guide to FFA signs covers what to look for. Since the hair follicles can scar, early diagnosis matters.
What the 2023 review found
Researchers pooled nine studies comparing about 1,250 people with FFA to about 1,460 without it.1
| Product | Link to FFA? |
|---|---|
| Facial sunscreen | Yes, about 3 times the odds overall; about 2.7 times in women1 |
| Facial moisturizer | Yes overall, but not significant in women1 |
| Hair dye, shampoo, conditioner, styling products | No link found1 |
| Facial cleanser, foundation | No link found1 |
The authors suggested something in the environment, possibly UV-protecting chemicals, could play a role.1
What this can’t tell you
- These were mostly studies that asked people what they had used, which can’t prove cause and effect.1
- Women who use more facial products may differ in other ways.
- No study has shown that stopping sunscreen prevents or reverses FFA.
What this means for you
- Keep protecting your skin from the sun. Skin cancer is common and preventable. Our guides to choosing sunscreen and scalp sun protection can help.
- If you have FFA or a family history, ask your dermatologist whether to keep sunscreen and moisturizer off the hairline, and use a wide-brimmed hat for that area.
- See a dermatologist early for a receding hairline or thinning eyebrows. See thinning eyebrows after 50.
Our article on why your hair is thinning explains other patterns of hair loss after 50.
Try: “My hairline has moved back and my eyebrows are thinner. Could this be frontal fibrosing alopecia, and should I change how I apply sunscreen near my hairline?”
Hair, Everywhere includes a Hair Check and a monthly Hair Log. Use them to photograph your hairline and eyebrows from the same angle each month. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't stop protecting your skin from the sun because of this research; sun protection helps prevent skin cancer. If you notice a receding hairline, eyebrow loss, or redness and scaling at the hairline, see a dermatologist promptly, since scarring hair loss can be permanent. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. This article discusses observational research. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- Archives of Dermatological Research (abstract via PubMed), 2023Frontal fibrosing alopecia and personal care product use: a systematic review and meta-analysis (opens in a new tab)abcdefghi
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