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Researchers found that adding one common compound to topically applied minoxidil caused hair to regrow in 67.5% of treated areas.
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The study was conducted in laboratory rodents, and the scientists used microneedle technology to improve the penetration of the solution.
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Here, dermatologists talk about other research-proven strategies to combat hair loss.
when you are dealing with hair removalyou are looking for effective treatment. Many people rely on tried-and-true medications like minoxidil, the active ingredient in products like Rogaine. Despite the recent connection, specific health risksmany of these solutions are relatively inexpensive and available over the counter, making it easy.
Researchers are currently looking for ways to make minoxidil more effective against hair loss, and that involves stevia. Stevia is probably best known as a sweetener, but this hair removal hack actually repurposes it. It specifically uses the sweetener stevioside, derived from the stevia plant, to stimulate hair growth. Research on this is still in its early stages, and this particular study was conducted on mice, not humans. But the discovery is impressive enough that it’s already garnered a lot of attention.
meet an expert: Gary GoldenbergM.D. is a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. Ife J. RodneyM.D. is the founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics.
So what’s the relationship between stevia and hair growth? Here’s the deal.
What did the research find?
for studyingResearchers combined stevioside with microneedle patches. Microneedle patches help deliver active ingredients (in this case, minoxidil) to the skin using tiny microneedles. The researchers tested this in mice that had been genetically engineered to lose hair and found that the mice that received the patch containing stevioside had more minoxidil penetrate their skin and grew more hair compared to mice that had just been given minoxidil.
The researchers also found that the stevioside patch caused hair to regrow in 67.5 percent of the treated areas in the mice after 35 days. However, mice receiving different treatments did not show such a significant effect.
Why does stevia help with hair growth?
That’s still under investigation, but researchers have a hypothesis. Stevioside helps minoxidil dissolve in water, which could theoretically help more minoxidil get under the skin and into the hair follicles, encouraging more growth. Essentially, it explains, stevioside “acts as a natural absorption enhancer.” Gary GoldenbergDoctor of Medicine, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital. “Minoxidil has limited skin permeability, which limits its effectiveness in traditional applications,” he continues. But he says minoxidil in dissolving microneedles fortified with something like stevioside can bypass skin resistance and support more minoxidil penetration, hopefully producing a greater effect.
Of course, it is important to point out that further research is needed. “I combine microneedling with minoxidil to enhance the effectiveness of my treatment,” he says. Ife J. RodneyMD, Founding Director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics. “But we need controlled trials on the efficacy and safety of adding stevioside. We don’t know what the potential side effects will be.”
Do not apply stevia directly to your scalp.
If you have stevia and minoxidil at home, you might want to DIY it. But Dr. Goldenberg says that’s unlikely to help. “Without microneedling, applying stevia to your scalp won’t have much effect,” he says. “You still experience the same absorption issues as using minoxidil alone.”
If you’re struggling with hair loss, Rodney says it’s best to see a dermatologist. “Minoxidil can be very helpful for certain types of hair loss. It’s something you can use at home while you wait to see your dermatologist,” she says. “However, there are many different types of hair loss, each with different causes and treatments. Depending on the cause of your hair loss, minoxidil may not be the specific answer or the only answer.” Here are the stand-by treatments that dermatologists consistently recommend:
2% minoxidil topical solution
This solution contains 2% minoxidil, the only topical ingredient approved by the FDA to address hair loss. It’s an excellent first-line treatment.
hair growth treatment for women
For those who need a little more power, this foam is enriched with 5% minoxidil.
Ultima 12 Laser Comb
Research shoes that can reverse hair loss with laser light. For results, run this comb through your hair for 11 minutes three times a week.
Ultima 12 Laser Comb
Research shoes that can reverse hair loss with laser light. For results, run this comb through your hair for 11 minutes three times a week.
Hair growth supplements for women
A blend of vitamins, zinc, selenium, marine collagen, and more that address the main causes of hair loss, such as stress and nutrition.
hair growth peptide
Thanks to a patented peptide blend, you can get longer, stronger, thicker hair in just 3 months with just 2 small capsules a day.
Hair growth supplements for women
A blend of vitamins, zinc, selenium, marine collagen, and more that address the main causes of hair loss, such as stress and nutrition.
Classic Clean Daily Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Dandruff shampoos are effective at calming inflammation and repelling scalp yeast, and may also help improve hair loss.
Beyond minoxidil, dermatologists can consider a wide range of treatment options, including topical and oral medications, red light therapy, platelet-rich plasma, and even hair transplants, Goldenberg says. “A combination of these treatments has been most effective for my patients,” he says.
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