What is Retin-A or
Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is sold under the trademark
Retin-A. Retin-A was originally used in the treatment of acne and
other skin disorders. Studies have shown however that Retin-A alone or
in combination with minoxidil can result in moderate to good
hairgrowth in individuals with Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia
Areata
Does Retin-A
assist in hair growth?
Retin-A has been shown to effect cell
proliferation and vascular proliferation. Studies have shown that
Retin-A alone can result in good to moderate hairgrowth. The effect
that Retin-A or Tretinoin has on growing hair is even more enhanced
when used in combination with topical minoxidil. Dr Adam Lewenberg who
markets a combination of minoxidil and tretinoin which is known as the
Lewenberg formula carried out studies and recorded results of
treatments carried out on patients. Dr Adam Lewenberg treated 484
people with a mixture of topical minoxidil and tretinoin. After two
years of treatment "cosmetically satisfying" results were
obtained in about 90% of these people.
In an article written by Dr Lewenberg
about his studies, Dr Lewenberg noted the following
- Unlike Minoxidil which effects on
the vertex of the scalp, the combination of Tretinoin and Minoxidil
results in hair growth in all regions of the scalp.
- Also maintenance therapy requires
less frequent and smaller doses of the combined medication.
- The third point that Dr Lewenberg
noted is that the combination treatment of topical Minoxidil and Retin-A
is highly effective in women.
Tretinoin or Retin-A is available in
either gel or cream forms, however the gel appears to penetrate better
than the cream.
Does Retin-A have any side effects?
Side effects of Retin-A include
blistering, altered pigmentation and increased sensitivity to light.
If a gel is used it is suggested that minoxidil be applied in the
morning and Retin-A in the evening to reduce the problems caused by
sunlight.
