Tag: Topical finasteride

While dry skin is not a universal side effect, reports from patients and clinical observations confirm that finasteride can indeed cause or contribute to dry skin, with prevalence and severity varying depending on the formulation and individual.

According to a 2022 study, topical finasteride was found to have a systemic absorption rate more than 100 times lower than its oral counterpart, suggesting a favorable safety profile. When considering what is the safest form of finasteride, patients often weigh the benefits of systemic vs. localized treatments, especially concerning potential side effects like sexual dysfunction.

Finasteride is well-absorbed orally, with a mean bioavailability of about 65%, which is not significantly affected by food. The key to optimizing finasteride's therapeutic effect is not about changing how you eat, but rather a combination of consistent use and correct administration for both oral and topical forms.

By age 50, about half of all men will experience male pattern baldness, making finasteride a common treatment option. However, deciding what is the best form of finasteride—oral tablets versus topical applications—requires understanding the key differences in how they work, their side effect profiles, and overall convenience.