Cosmeceuticals

    June 2004
    Jie Jack Li, Douglas S. Johnson, Drago R. Sliskovic, Bruce D. Roth
    Image of study
    TLDR Isotretinoin and tazarotene help treat acne, while minoxidil and finasteride promote hair growth.
    The 2004 document discussed the properties and synthesis of four cosmeceuticals: isotretinoin, tazarotene, minoxidil, and finasteride. Isotretinoin and tazarotene are used for acne treatment, with isotretinoin reducing sebaceous gland size and sebum production, and tazarotene normalizing keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation. Minoxidil and finasteride are used for hair growth. Minoxidil was initially a vasodilator for hypertension treatment but was found to promote hair growth when applied topically. Finasteride, initially developed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), inhibits 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone to a more potent androgen, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), thus lowering DHT levels without affecting testosterone levels. A study found finasteride increased hair weight in four out of five balding monkeys and was more effective when combined with minoxidil. In clinical trials, finasteride was effective at a dose of 5 mg/day for androgenic alopecia.
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      community Isotretinoin and Tretinoin difference

      in Product  2 upvotes 1 week ago
      Isotretinoin and tretinoin are different; isotretinoin can cause hair loss and has more side effects. Tretinoin may affect minoxidil absorption, and users suggest waiting before applying minoxidil.

      community Which retinoid for better min absorption?

      in Product  4 upvotes 2 months ago
      User is on vacation in Greece and wants to buy tretinoin or isotretinoin to improve Minoxidil absorption. They are considering isotretinoin since it is available over-the-counter in Greece but requires a prescription back home.

      community Dut/Minox/Needling to Dut/Oral Minox/Tretinoin/Needling

      in Minoxidil  3 upvotes 6 months ago
      The user had been using Minoxidil and Dutasteride with micro-needling but experienced hair loss after switching Minoxidil brands. Their doctor prescribed oral Minoxidil and Tretinoin, but the pharmacist suggested isotretinoin might be a more cost-effective alternative.

      community Seborrheic dermatitis - can it cause long-term shedding (or telogen effluvium)?

      in Advice  6 upvotes 4 years ago
      A user is experiencing significant hair loss and scalp issues despite using Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841 since 2017. They switched to oral Minoxidil and are now on isotretinoin and topical corticosteroids for seborrheic dermatitis but continue to lose hair and seek advice on whether inflammation or treatment changes are the cause.

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