At 24, I don’t have a single hair on my chin, yet my peers started shaving their beards years ago. People call me “babyface” and I don’t like that. How can I grow my beard? I want to look masculine.
Beard growth is part of the secondary sexual characteristics in men and can begin at any time between the ages of 12 and 16. For most people, beard growth reaches its peak between the ages of 25 and 35.
When you develop facial hair and how quickly it grows depends on your genetics. Some people grow facial hair early, others much later. Some have full beards, others have patchy hair, and still others suffer from hair loss or baldness. Ask your close male relatives when their beards started growing and how it was for them, for example full growth within a few weeks or slow growth over months.
Another factor that affects beard growth is hormone levels. Beard hair growth occurs when the hormone testosterone is converted into another form, dihydrotestosterone, which then attaches to receptors on hair follicles and stimulates hair growth. Testosterone levels increase during puberty and peak between ages 25 and 35, which is why this is the time of peak beard growth. However, this varies from person to person. The best way to maintain normal testosterone levels is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and D, iron, zinc, and biotin. A healthy lifestyle also includes regular exercise, adequate hydration (more water and less alcohol), enough sleep, and healthy stress management.
If there are concerns about low testosterone, these should be discussed with a doctor as the effects extend beyond beard growth. Testosterone supplements should only be taken with a prescription if you are diagnosed with testosterone deficiency. A dermatologist can also prescribe treatments to stimulate beard growth, such as minoxidil cream, 3% peppermint oil or microneedling. But above all, be patient.
I have a three-month-old baby. She has been breastfeeding well, but I’m worried that there won’t be enough milk when I go back to work next month. Is it OK to give her another milk in addition to breast milk?
Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for infants and you’ve done well so far. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding babies within an hour of birth, exclusively breastfeeding and feeding on demand for six months, and continuing breastfeeding in addition to other foods up to 24 months and beyond. Breast milk is not only a source of nutrition, it changes as the baby grows to suit its needs and it also contains antibodies to fight disease. It also provides some protection to the baby and mother against some serious short- and long-term illnesses.
However, breastfeeding can also present challenges, such as when the mother returns to work. It is best to do your best to exclusively breastfeed the baby until six months. You can prepare for this by starting to pump and store milk now, while you are still at home. This will give you a buffer when the transition begins and will also stimulate the extra milk production that is needed.
Stay hydrated and express milk frequently rather than pumping for long periods to increase milk supply. Also, find out about work policies that support breastfeeding, such as the availability of a lactation room and refrigerator, flexible work hours, remote work opportunities, or baby day care.
It would also be helpful to talk to the care team at the pediatric clinic caring for the baby about breastfeeding support and preparation for weaning.
Is there a permanent treatment for a mole?
A birthmark, also called a nevus (plural = nevi), is a small growth on the skin that occurs when skin cells grow in groups rather than being evenly distributed. Most of the cells in a mole are melanocytes. These are the cells that produce the pigment melanin, which gives skin its color. Moles can be the same color as the skin, or lighter or darker.
Moles are very common and almost every adult has between 10 and 40 of them. They usually appear in the first 20 years of life and may change slowly over time or in response to hormonal changes. This may include hair growth in some moles. They are more likely to appear on parts of the body that are more exposed to sunlight.
Moles are painless and cannot be transmitted from one person to another. Normal moles are harmless and do not require treatment. A dermatologist can surgically remove a mole, but this will leave a scar.
A mole becomes a medical problem when it itches, hurts, develops irregular borders or looks asymmetrical, has different colors, or changes rapidly. If this is the case, you will need to be examined urgently by a dermatologist to determine whether the mole is becoming cancerous. This is done through a skin biopsy.
Moles are natural and cannot be prevented. Avoid home remedies for moles as they can cause further damage to your skin. Maintain healthy skin by eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated and using sunscreen.
