You can stop hair loss and baldness with this acne lotion, claims new study

How to stop hair loss and male baldness: The study says that Clascoterone, when applied locally, can significantly reduce the hormonal activity — particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — that shrinks hair follicles in men with androgenetic alopecia (Image: Pexels)

A once-ordinary acne lotion, approved only a few years ago, is capturing scientific imagination for its unexpected potential to treat male-pattern baldness. Researchers examining the drug’s anti-androgen action say it may influence the very hormonal pathway responsible for hair thinning. Early studies hint at promise, but experts urge patience before declaring it a miracle.

There was a time when baldnesswas simply a matter of fate. If your father had it, chances were you would too. But science, as it often does, has found a way of surprising us once again, this time by rummaging through the skincare products.

Scientists have stumbled upon a curious cure: An acne drug they say can treat male-pattern baldness. The topical medication, clascoterone, originally approved for acne because of its ability to block androgen activity in the skin, is now being explored for its potential role in slowing, or even reversing, hair thinning. What makes this twist especially captivating is how a cream meant for teenage breakouts could one day become the unlikely hero for thirty-somethings eyeing their widening foreheads in the mirror.

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A medical journal study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology observed that clascoterone, when applied locally, can significantly reduce the hormonal activity — particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — that shrinks hair follicles in men with androgenetic alopecia. Another analysis in the International Journal of Trichology noted early but encouraging signs of improved follicular density among participants using anti-androgen topicals.

While these findings do not yet promise a cure, they offer a glimmer of possibility in a field where options have remained largely unchanged for decades. For many men, that glimmer is enough to inspire cautious optimism.

Part of the buzz arises because clascoterone works locally. Unlike oral anti-androgens—which may affect the entire hormonal system — clascoterone, the topical drug, acts primarily at the application site. For patients wary of systemic side-effects, this targeted action feels like opening a window in a stuffy room. Dermatologists say the safety profile so far appears favourable, though long-term studies are ongoing.

Also read | 9 common health reasons behind hair fall and how to control it naturally

What researchers are watching closely

The strength of the anti-androgen effect

Does the drug meaningfully block DHT at the follicular level? Early data say “possibly,” but not definitively.

The follicle recovery

Some men may see thickening of miniaturised hairs, while others might only experience slowed shedding.

The long-term tolerance

Nothing, as they say, Is absolutely risk-free. Scientists want to ensure this medication behaves reliably over months and years.

The combination therapy potential

There is growing curiosity about pairing the drug with existing treatments like minoxidil to improve outcomes.

Disclaimer: This article only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific diagnosis.