Can Retin A Help With Hair Loss

Retin-A is a prescription medication that is used to treat skin disorders.  It is known to be the most effective drug to treat acne.  Over the years, trials have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness Retin-A has in hair regrowth.  With the treatment of skin conditions, it had been noticed that Retin-A sparks hair growth in some patients.  Ironically, this accidental discovery is the same way that Propecia and Rogaine, the two drugs that currently are on the market to treat hair loss, were discovered. 
 
The way Retin-A works to prevent hair loss is by making sure the sebaceous glands are operating correctly.  Because these sebaceous glands are what produce the sebum on the scalp, and sebum contains DHT, which is the hormone that causes hair follicles to weaken, these sebaceous glands need to be kept under control.  Ensuring control of the sebaceous glands to keep the sebum and DHT levels reduced will help to prevent hair loss.  Taking Retin-A will help to keep these levels down. 

Some doctors say that when Retin-A is used in combination with Rogaine, it will increase the chances of hair growth.  It has been found that after two years of treatment, about 90% of patients have found the combination of Rogaine and Retin-A to work to their satisfaction.  The most popular strengths of Retin-A are 0.025% and 0.05%.  Retin-A is only available by prescription, so your doctor will advise you on the appropriate strength and dosage for your particular needs.