Retin-A

Most popularly known as a medication used by older women for the treatment of skin problems brought by aging, Retin-A (Tretinoin) is now increasingly considered a treatment for hair loss?

It helps to understand the characteristics of Retin-A to establish its relationship with hair loss. Retin-A or Tretinoin is a topical form of vitamin, which when applied on the skin helps "peel" dead skin cells to reveal new skin. Retin-A and Avita are brands of tretinoin that are frequently used for acne treatment. However, some brands of tretinoin (i.e. Renova) are applied on the skin to make the appearance of wrinkles less discernable, minimize mottled skin discoloration, as well as smoothen rough skin.

In addition to the Retin A prescriptions strengths mentioned earlier is hair regrowth. In the recent years, scientists have been conducting clinical trials to shed light on the effects of Retin-A in alleviating hair loss problems. It was observed that Retin-A when used to treat some skin conditions, generated hair regrowth in some patients. Incidentally, this was how Rogaine's and Propecia's (two FDA-approved drugs for hair loss) effectiveness and safety, were discovered.

Some scientists noted that Retin A cream can stimulate the growth of new hair in male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness (both effects of androgenetic apolecia), at the same time helps hasten the penetration of hair loss treatment medications like minoxidil.

Although clinical studies on retin-A products, containing tretinoin, are still in their early stages, Retin-A seems to act on the sebaceous glands to ensure their function, which may prevent hair loss. The crux of the matter is to control the activity of the sebaceous glands and prevent it from producing excess sebum. Sebum contains concentrations of the male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which acts on the hair follicles resulting in miniaturization.

Some scientists come up with the analysis that controlling the activity of sebaceous glands can help limit the levels of sebum and DHT in the hair follicles, which can hopefully prevent further hair loss. Applying Retin-A may help keep DHT and sebum levels down.

Some doctors prescribe Retin-A in conjunction with Rogaine (minoxidil) to enhance the penetration of minoxidil and increase the chances of hair regrowth. However, this combination might also increase the risk of adverse reactions because it allows more of the substances in minoxidil to enter the bloodstream. Side effects could include fluctuations in blood pressure and severe scalp irritation that can lead to scarring.

Tretinoin use in pregnant women is prohibited since Retin-a pregnancy effects on the unborn baby may be detrimental to its health. Women who want to use Retin-A products should discuss it with their doctor, especially when they are or are planning to get pregnant. It had been proven in numerous clinical studies on laboratory animals that Retin-A is passed on the breastmilk through the mammary glands, and therefore, should never be used by lactating women.

Tretinoin is most often dispensed through prescription but you can purchase Retin A over the counter products for cosmetic purposes, such as Renova, Retin-A, Refinity, Kinerase, Avita, and many others.

Science has made marvelous strides when hair loss treatment is concerned. It is only in during the present generation that an age-old problem like hair loss has found a treatment. Yet, a huge number of commercially-sold products out there can be likened to Cleopatra's vermin and reptile oils in terms of effectiveness against hair loss.

If a product is not FDA-approved, it could only mean two things: it is not safe, and it is not effective for whatever treatment they claim to provide. Indeed, Retin-A carries an FDA-approval but this is for providing remedy to certain skin conditions. Other than that, well, Tretinoin manufacturers still has to conduct hundreds of trials to prove it can grow hair.