CAN TRETINOIN GROW YOUR HAIR? 🤔 Dermatologist @DrDrayzday

Summary

This video by a board-certified dermatologist explores the claims on social media about tretinoin, a topical retinoid, aiding hair growth. It discusses tretinoin's effects on skin cell differentiation, collagen production, and blood vessel formation, which are beneficial for hair growth. The script reviews studies, including one from the 1980s on gerbils and a human study showing potential for tretinoin to stimulate hair growth, especially when combined with minoxidil. It cautions against assuming tretinoin's effectiveness for all types of hair loss and emphasizes the need for more research. The video also addresses potential side effects like irritation and advises consulting a dermatologist for personalized treatment.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Tretinoin, a topical retinoid, is known for its skin benefits such as improving skin cell differentiation, collagen production, and reducing signs of aging.
• 🐾 Early research on gerbils indicated that tretinoin could stimulate hair growth, suggesting potential for human hair growth applications.
• 🧪 A 1986 study showed that topical tretinoin might stimulate hair growth in some individuals with androgenetic alopecia, although results varied.
• 🤔 The combination of tretinoin and minoxidil (an ingredient in Rogaine) demonstrated synergistic effects, with some users experiencing significant hair regrowth.
• 🧬 Tretinoin's mechanism of action involves binding to cytosolic retinoic acid binding protein within skin cells, which is also present in hair follicles.
• 🚫 Despite potential benefits, using tretinoin for hair growth is not without risks, including the possibility of irritant contact dermatitis on the scalp.
• 🔍 More research is needed to determine the optimal concentration, frequency, and duration of tretinoin use for hair growth, as well as which types of hair loss might benefit most.
• 👨‍⚕️ For individuals experiencing hair loss, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider or dermatologist for a proper evaluation and tailored treatment plan.
• 🚫 The video script cautions against blindly following hair growth treatments seen on social media, as hair loss can have various causes and treatments should be personalized.
• ☀️ As with any skincare treatment, the video reminds viewers of the importance of using sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

Q & A

What is the main claim about Tretinoin in the video?

The video explores the claim that using Tretinoin, a topical retinoid commonly used for skin conditions, may help with hair growth.

What is Tretinoin typically used for?

Tretinoin is typically used for treating acne and other skin conditions, as well as for improving signs of skin aging by boosting collagen production.

How does Tretinoin affect the skin?

Tretinoin affects the skin by promoting cell differentiation and division, improving blood vessel formation, and stimulating the production of new, healthy collagen.

What role does cytosolic retinoic acid binding protein play in the effects of Tretinoin?

Cytosolic retinoic acid binding protein is essential for the beneficial effects of Tretinoin as it transports the retinoic acid from within the cell to the nucleus, where it can exert its effects.

What type of hair loss is discussed in the video?

The video primarily discusses androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern hair loss, which affects both men and women and is characterized by a shortening of the hair growth phase and miniaturization of hair follicles.

What was the outcome of the 1986 study on Tretinoin and hair growth?

The 1986 study showed that topical Tretinoin could stimulate hair growth in some patients with androgenetic alopecia, with better results when combined with a low percentage of Minoxidil.

How does Tretinoin potentially enhance the effects of Minoxidil?

Tretinoin may enhance the effects of Minoxidil by improving penetration into the skin and possibly by increasing the expression of sulfo transferase, an enzyme necessary for the conversion of Minoxidil to its active form in the hair follicle.

What are the potential side effects of applying Tretinoin to the scalp?

Potential side effects of applying Tretinoin to the scalp include scalp irritation, itchiness, redness, peeling, and flaking, which could potentially lead to contact dermatitis.

Why might the video creator advise caution in using Tretinoin for hair growth based on social media claims?

The video creator advises caution because social media claims often overstate findings, and not all hair loss types respond to Tretinoin. Additionally, more research is needed to understand the best practices for using Tretinoin for hair growth.

What is the video creator's recommendation for individuals experiencing hair loss?

The video creator recommends that individuals experiencing hair loss consult with a healthcare provider or a board-certified dermatologist for a proper evaluation and diagnosis, as hair loss can have various causes and treatments.