The science behind the patchy beard (Part 1)

mars 22, 2020

The science behind the patchy beard (Part 1)

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 The science behind the patchy beard

One of the most common questions that we get in our mail inbox is whether our products can make you grow a beard. Let’s get this out of the way as soon as possible: No, they can’t. Even though we would like to, we don’t do magic. What our products can do is help in case you decide to go all-in and try to grow a beard even though you have a patchy beard.

This is one of the topics that has been the most talked and written about in beard blogs, magazines and, more importantly, scientific researches. Apparently it is something that worries many men and make them feel envious of the ones that can grow a big, dense, majestic beard.

Well, we think that there is nothing to be ashamed of and that we should embrace who and how we are. But, hey, if you want to grow a beard that’s a great thing! In this article we will try to give you some advice and hints on how to deal with your patchy beard. It is important to say that, here at Golden Beards, we are not doctors or dermatologists for that matter.

So we will try to take the topic as informational as possible being aware of our limitations. After some research, this is what we concluded. First of all, there is a big player in the beard game called genetics. More specifically, the way your body deals with androgens. And what the hell are androgens? You might be asking yourself… Well, androgens are hormones responsible for the male features and reproduction.

They are responsible for sexual development on males and are produced by the testes. One of the most known androgens is the testosterone, which is responsible of developing the secondary sex characteristics in men. And why are we telling you all this? Testosterone, besides taking a big part on the big changes happening during puberty that end up turning a boy into a man, plays a big role in telling your face to grow a beard.

More accurately, tells the dermal papillae (a structure situated at the base of the hair follicle) to grow hair. When the dermal papillae receives the information, metabolises the testosterone into a byproduct called dihydrotestosterone. That process can only happen with the presence of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. Bear with us, we promise we are getting to the point here! The fact that your body doesn’t produce enough 5-alpha-reductase is a condition for which there is not any trustworthy pharmaceutical solution.

And believe us, (or science for what’s more important), you wouldn’t want to do that for two reasons: First, if your body produces less of the mentioned enzyme makes the odds for you going bald significantly smaller. Obviously, this doesn’t mean that it is impossible that it happens. Same goes for people that can grow beards, they are not necessarily going bald by some weird natural balance.

It’s just that the chances are smaller. And secondly, and way more important than going bald, is that a higher production of 5-alpha-reductase could contribute to an enlargement of the prostate and even a prostate cancer.