Are Hair Loss and Wrinkling directly related?

     There are several inevitable things in life, wrinkling is one of them.  A natural part of the aging process, wrinkles are lines of varying depth that develop most commonly on the face, backs of hands, and the forearms of most mature adults. 

     Believe it or not hair loss affects wrinkling and aging in addition to a variety of other factors like exposure to Ultraviolet light and whether or not an individual is a smoker, as well as, genetic factors like skin pigmentation and family history of wrinkling. 

                It might be strange to think of wrinkling in terms of the amount of hair you have – but there is   a definite connection.  Just like protective clothing, hair can protect areas of the head and neck from sun damage. Those who often wear longer hair styles or styles with bangs tend to develop fewer wrinkles because these styles shield the wrinkle-susceptible skin on the back of the neck and on the forehead from direct exposure to the damaging Ultraviolet rays from the sun.  Once the hair begins to thin, the development of skin cancers and precancers begin to rise in number.

                Both skin and hair are elements of the human body’s integumentary system.  Designed to protect the internal body systems from trauma, regulate temperature, and receive and send sensations to the nervous system – the integumentary system is the body’s first line of defense from outside damage.  It makes sense then that the individual elements of the system would serve to protect each other.  Thus, an individual experiencing hair loss will probably start to notice wrinkling sooner as the sensitive skin covering their head, face, and neck (normally shielded by hair) is more exposed.  He/she should also become more vigilant about the early development of skin cancers.

     Even though it provides some protection, it is important to note that hair cannot and should not serve as your only line of defense from sun; thus you should always practice safe sun exposure. 

     If you are concerned about your hair loss, you may consider hair restoration therapy to slow, prevent, and in some cases, even reverse the symptoms of the conditions.  If you have questions about hair-loss or hair restoration, visit our website or call our office (404)256-4369 to set up a consultation.

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