You might not think of your hair as an extension of your skin, but it is—after all, your scalp is skin. Which is why hair loss is often considered a dermatological issue, and it might then make some sense why dermatologists will sometimes recommend a prescription skin cream known as tretinoin for hair loss.
Even though this recommendation isn’t exactly without reason, it’s important to understand that tretinoin doesn’t have approval by the Food & Drug Administration to treat hair loss. This is because it doesn’t stop androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern hair loss) or block the DHT hormones that drive hair loss. It could still have some benefit though:
Why is tretinoin good for skin?
This prescription cream has a potent dose of vitamin A and can increase skin cell turnover. That’s why it’s used to treat acne, reduce fine lines, and undo sun damage when you apply it to skin on your face. When applied to the scalp, research shows it increases blood flow, which would improve the effectiveness of a minoxidil-based anti-hair loss treatment like Rogaine.
So, I would have to use tretinoin and Rogaine together?
Minoxidil can be effective on its own, but with tretinoin increasing the blood flow to the scalp, the minoxidil penetrates the skin and is absorbed up to three times as well. Applying both products together once a day could be more effective than using minoxidil twice a day—something that would be a huge advantage if a twice-daily regimen is difficult to follow.
Are there other benefits to tretinoin that could be good for hair loss?
Because tretinoin exfoliates dead skin cells, it could keep the hair follicles on your scalp clear of sebum that builds up around them and blocks their growth. This could promote healthier follicular cycling so your hair grows back thicker and fuller. However, there still needs to be more research on this process.
What else should I know about tretinoin for scalp health?
Tretinoin has the potential to inflame your scalp if it’s used excessively, which would make hair loss even worse. You want to start applying it lightly only two or three times a week until your scalp is conditioned for it. Apply it before you go to bed instead of in the morning, as it is light sensitive. Finally, have patience—it could take up to six months to see effects.
