Dermocosmetics for Maintaining Scalp and Hair Health

The document from 2005 details the evolution of shampoos from mere cleaning agents to sophisticated products tailored for individual hair and scalp needs, including the treatment of specific conditions like dandruff. It highlights the cosmetic industry's development of multifunctional care products and the emergence of "cosmeceuticals" that offer biological effects. The document reports on substances used to treat androgenetic alopecia, such as Minoxidil, which is available in Germany in concentrations of 5% for men and 2% for women, and Aminexil®, which in a clinical test involving 130 individuals, resulted in an 8% increase in the number of hairs in the growth phase over 6 weeks compared to a placebo. It also mentions Finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor used at a daily dose of 1 mg for male hair loss. Additionally, the industry is developing UV protectants for hair and scalp and researching anti-aging products, although the efficacy of topically applied antioxidants to prevent aging is still uncertain.