Why Doesn’t Rogaine Make a Stronger Formula?
I’ve been using Propecia along with Rogaine for about 4 months now. It’s slow going, but I’m definitely seeing tiny new hairs coming in, in certain areas. I recently came across a product from Perfect Hair Solutions which is a 10% minoxidil and 5% Azelaic Acid solution and decided to order a bottle. From what I hear, result come in more quickly. I’m just trying to figure out why Rogaine hasn’t put out any thing stronger than the 5% and if it would be a side effect issue or not – also, would too high of a strength be damaging to the hair follicle? I was wondering if you can give me your thoughts on this product. Thank you.
More is not necessarily better. The higher concentration of minoxidil (10% or even 15%, for example) runs a greater risk of side effects, including systemic side effects like dangerously low blood pressure, fainting, and skin irritation.
Azelaic acid does not grow hair. It is more of a marketing hype in my opinion, as the thought process is that the acid will irritate the scalp, causing the minoxidil (Rogaine) to be absorbed better. The truth is, either of these medications can cause irritation and when used together the incidence of irritation and dermatitis goes up. The same concept holds when they mix it with Retin-A (which is also an acid).
According to Dr. Lee of minoxidil.com, Azelaic acid blocks almost 99.5% of DHT where it is applied on the scalp. I myself can attest to it’s effectiveness (at least for me that is). Long time ago before incorporating AA, I just used plain old minoxidil and oral Proscar. My Brush would be full of hairs even after years of using minoxidil and taking Proscar 5mg. Within two weeks of being on minoxidil and azelaic acid, the hairloss completely stopped and to this day it is still working. Have more hair now than before I added AA. Now my regiment consists of Dr. Lee’s Xandrox, Avodart, and laser therapy.
Hair’s looking good!
Retin-A has many more methods of action than you’re letting on as well.