Know More About Tretinoin and Hair Connection

Hair Loss

Does Tretinoin Hair Growth Work?

What Exactly is Tretinoin?

The most common use of tretinoin is for treating acne of various degrees. It is a vitamin A derivative belonging to the retinoids group of medicines. It is also used to treat skin ageing and dark spots.

We know it works on the skin, but what about the hair? That’s what we’re going to look at today. Is tretinoin for hair loss effective?

Is it worth considering tretinoin as a legitimate hair growth medication, or is it best avoided as part of your daily skincare routine? Most importantly, what does scientific research say about tretinoin hair loss?

But first, let us discuss what hair loss is and its impact on an individual.

Hair Loss

A Few Words on Hair Loss

Anyone who has experienced hair loss — or knows someone who has — understands that it affects not only the fullness of your hair but also the fullness of your life.

According to studies, while hair loss is not a life-threatening condition, it can cause anxiety and depression, even affecting a person’s identity and sense of self.

It’s also important to note the pervasiveness of hair loss in men, as androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common type of hair loss known as male pattern baldness, affects 50% of men by the age of fifty.

Combining all of these statistics and studies makes us better understand how common and life-changing hair loss is.

With so many people experiencing hair loss, it’s no surprise that experts are constantly on the lookout for new and effective hair loss treatment options, such as topical tretinoin use.

Does Tretinoin Hair Growth Work?

As with any hair loss treatment, it’s critical to do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and consult with your dermatologist to determine whether topical tretinoin is the best option. Several people have tried tretinoin for hair loss and have reported positive outcomes. 

So, to give you an idea of what you can expect from this option, let’s go over a few points.

What Exactly is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin has several names, but it is ultimately the generic term for a vitamin A derivative medication known as Retinoic acid.

Although topical tretinoin was approved for clinical use as an acne treatment in the 1960s, research on the effects of vitamin A on skin care dates back to the 20s.

Furthermore, the use of vitamin A for therapeutic purposes dates back to around 3000 years ago in Egypt, when the liver was used to treat night blindness.

But because there’s no way of knowing whether or not this worked, we’ll move on. Several skin conditions, including cystic acne, were treated with tretinoin, both topical and oral, by the 1980s.

Since then, the applications of tretinoin and retinoids in the cosmetic industry have expanded to become a staple for skincare treatments ranging from fine lines and wrinkles to anti-ageing and dark spot treatment.

Tretinoin promotes the growth and maturation of the cells and also promotes the vascular supply. All these factors combined together help in hair growth. 

Many dermatologists have recommended tretinoin for hair loss, and with proper dosage, you can have your happy and healthy hair back. 

If you are experiencing excessive hair loss, book your consultation with HairMD today!