But as with anything else, retinoids sometimes come with side-effects, most notably peeling or dryness around the area where the cream is applied. But some people are now reporting that they've experienced hair loss while using retinoid creams and it's definitely something worth noting.
It's true that using retinol on your hair and scalp can potentially result in some unwanted side effects. Ironically, the most serious side effect of retinol that was reported on several years ago was actually hair loss.
Abstract. Minoxidil enhances hair growth by prolonging the anagen phase and induces new hair growth in androgenetic alopecia (AGA), whereas retinol significantly improves scalp skin condition and promotes hair growth.
It could potentially reduce DHT production.
As mentioned above, retinol reduces excess surface oil on the scalp and also on the follicles. In doing so, Dr. Shainhouse shares retinol “may help to reduce DHT production. DHT is associated with genetic-type male/female-patterned hair loss.”
Tretinoin was shown to stimulate some hair regrowth in approximately 58% of the subjects studied. One female subject with pronounced alopecia for more than 20 years had regrowth of hair using only tretinoin for a period of 18 months.
This retinoid-associated alopecia is dose-dependent and hair loss is reversible after significant reduction of retinoid dose or cessation of the systemic therapy (Gupta et al., 1989; Murray et al., 1991; Berth-Jones and Hutchinson, 1995; Katz et al., 1999).
Retinyl palmitate also strengthens the scalp by improving cell turnover, boosting collagen production to create the best conditions for hair to grow. At the same time, it can be used on sensitive scalps without irritation (we use a concentration of 0.5%).
“Topical retinoids, those used for anti-aging, may cause eyebrow hair loss,” Bossavy warns. That doesn't mean you need to give up your precious retinol products — just keep them off your arches. “Don't apply your retinoid to your eyebrow or the area immediately above, where it may migrate,” the pro suggests.
Consuming too much vitamin A over a long period of time can cause coarse hair, partial loss of hair (including the eyebrows), cracked lips, and dry, rough skin. Chronic consumption of large doses of vitamin A can cause liver damage. It can also cause birth defects in a fetus.
Unlike some other medications, most of the side effects of tretinoin are skin reactions. Topical tretinoin usually doesn't cause side effects like hair loss, diarrhea, or weight loss, but it does irritate some people's skin.
Tretinoin is known to alter cell proliferation and differentiation and may promote vascular proliferation, and these actions may be important to hair growth and so affect hair follicle during the various growth and regression phases.
The hair loss is likely temporary, and your hair should start growing back when you stop taking the medication. You can also take certain steps to prevent or limit hair loss caused by isotretinoin. Preventive steps can include avoiding the sun, increasing your folate intake, moisturizing, and adjusting your dosage.
However, these changes were not statistically significant enough for the researchers to conclude that the drug causes hair thinning or hair loss. This study also suggests that only a person taking very high doses of isotretinoin may experience altered hair growth.
Answer: Hair coloring on Accutane
There is no contraindication for hair coloring on Accutane. Skin is usually more sensitive to any kind of irritants while taking Accutane, but if there are no breaks on the skin, dying should not present a problem.
It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.
For most, any hair loss due to taking Accutane is temporary, over time the hair should thicken again. However, a study from 2013 has highlighted that hair loss is temporary, although, hair thinning can continue after the treatment has stopped.
B vitamins
One of the best known vitamins for hair growth is a B vitamin called biotin. Studies link biotin deficiency with hair loss in humans ( 5 ). Although biotin is used as an alternative hair loss treatment, those who are deficient have the best results.
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Accutane and biotin. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
After 1 year, the combination of topical tretinoin with 0.5% minoxidil resulted in terminal hair regrowth in 66% of the subjects studied. Tretinoin was shown to stimulate some hair regrowth in approximately 58% of the subjects studied.
The action mechanism of oral isotretinoin against photoaging still requires further study. There is a theory claiming that this drug inhibits metalloproteinase in the extracellular matrix, leading to a higher production of collagen types I and III.
Biotin is also known as vitamin B-7. It forms fatty acids and glucose. It also helps metabolize carbohydrates and amino acids, and it aids in breaking down fat in your body. These functions make biotin an important part of creating the energy your body needs.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, stimulates keratin production in hair and can increase the rate of follicle growth.
B6 (PYRIDOXINE)
In addition, vitamin B6 supports healthy hair growth because of its role in protein metabolism. Vitamin B6 also ensures that hair cells have access to the amino acids (building blocks of protein) needed to make hair proteins.
Use the right shampoo.
Your hair may be much less oily while you are taking Accutane than it previously was, which may mean that you don't need to shampoo your hair as often. Shampooing your hair too often can worsen the dryness, so only shampoo it as often as necessary to keep it looking clean.