Retin-A was first approved by the FDA for treatment of skin conditions such as acne. In the right doses and when combined with Minoxidil it can be a hair growth stimulator.

How can I get Retin-A?

Retin-A is only available by Prescription in the US. So you will have to see your doctor. Retin-A is available over the counter in Mexico if you live within travelling distance.

What strength of Retin-A should I get?

Retin-A is available in many different strengths. The most common are 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%. Most people using it use 0.025% or 0.05%. Most popular is probably 0.025%. Some studies have shown that 0.1% is only MINIMALLY more effective than 0.025% or 0.05% but caused a lot more irritation (irritation is a side effect of Retin-A). Retin-A that is too strong and irritating can cause hair to fall out and damage the follicle, so it is important not to use too strong of a strength.

What are the side effects of Retin-A?

Retin-A's main side effects are itchiness and scaling of the skin. This can sometimes be very extreme depending on the individual. Most people will experience some itching or scaling if too much Retin-A is applied. Also, Retin-A can cause hair LOSS if TOO much is applied in too strong of a dose.

How should I apply Retin-A to avoid side effects?

Since Retin-A can be a skin irritant, it is important to apply it carefully at first to see how you will react. Apply a small amount to a small area of your scalp. This should give you an idea of how much irritation you can expect. If you don't experience too much irritation, you can try it on a larger area with more of the medication.

Some people have said that apply Iamin Gel or Aloe Vera after Retin-A soothes and removes the irritation. Iamin Gel also may help with improve or grow hair so if you are experiencing irritation this may be a good addition to your treatment.

Can I use Retin-A with Rogaine?

Yes. Some people even report that Retin-A increases the preformance of Rogaine. You should probably consult your doctor before mixing drugs, however.

Is Retin-A effective without using Rogaine?

Yes, although this depends on the individual. Studies have shown that Retin-A does stimulate hair growth, however it is more effective in combination with Rogaine.

Retin-A is too irritating to my skin. What can I do?

There are basically three options:

1.Stop using the Retin-A - This is always an option.

2.Apply something to soothe the irritation - Many people choose to do this. Aloe Vera gels or other soothing gels or lotions may soothe the irritation. Some people have said Iamin Gel has completely removed any irritation they experienced.

3.Get a Retin-A substitute - This is probably better than option 1, but not as good as option 2. There are a few new Retin-A substitutes, the most well known is Retinol. Studies indicate these work like Retin-A but require lower doses and have less irritation.Unfortunately, these studies aren't concerning hair loss, so there's no way to know whether they will work exactly like Retin-A or not. Also, I've never heard of anyplace providing Minoxidil precombined with Retinol any other analogues.

Proscar was first developed as a treatment for enlarged prostates. Proscar works by preventing testosterone from being converted into the male hormone responsible for prostate enlargement (which is the same one primarily responsible for hair loss). It was FDA approved for treatment of prostate enlargement, but is also prescribed for hair loss.

How can I get Propecia or Proscar?

Propecia and Proscar, like Retin-A, is a prescription drug. It is also a fairly recent drug so it is not available without prescription in most other countries. However, under FDA regulations you can order up to a three month supply from other countries for your own personal use. Proscar is mostly used in the treatment of enlarged prostates, so some doctors may not prescribe it for hair loss they will prescribe Propecia however.

How are Propecia and Proscar taken?

Unlike Retin-A and Minoxidil, Proscar is taken orally in pill form. This means side effects are more likely to occur because it is absorbed throughout your body.

What are the side effects of Proscar?

There's good news and bad news. The good news is, Proscar's most common side effect isn't threatening to your health. The bad news is, it's most common side effect is threatening to your sex life! At hair loss doses, less than 2% of individuals using Proscar experience sexual problems such as impotency when they first use Proscar. Usually even in this small percentage, the problems are temporary and go away after a while, however, they will stop is treatment is stopped. The cause of this problem is that the way Proscar works is by reducing certain male hormones in your body which enlarge the prostate and also cause hair loss. The fluctuation in male hormones when first taking Proscar can cause sexual problems since male hormones are what controls sex drive. However, the primary sex hormone that is reduced is not a primary hormone for sex drive, so permanent and long term sex problems should not occur. Another side effect may be a reduction of male hormone related hair, such as hair on the chest, back, and shoulders. This hair can also sometimes increase when first taking Proscar because of the fluctuation of hormones. Proscar sometimes increases overall testosterone levels (since it's being prevented from being converted into DHT), which may also be a cause in an increase of body hair. Increased breast tissue is a possible but very unlikely side effect, possibly including some soreness. If this side effect occurs, discontinue proscar to prevent the problem from getting worse. This can happen with any treatment that decreases male hormones.

What can I reasonably expect by using Proscar?

Proscar's primary function is reducing the male hormone that initiates and continues hair loss. In most men, Proscar will stop or severely slow the balding process. Most men also experience a 10% increase in hairs after one year. Since Proscar does not stimulate hair growth but keeps hairs from being influenced by male hormones, hair takes a while to grow back and only the most recent hairs lost grow back. Proscar's main role is in halting the balding process, not reversing it.

Like Minoxidil, Proscar's results may be highly individualized. Some men have been known to grow large amounts of hair from Proscar. Others have grown little or none. Almost all will prevent further hair loss. The more recently the hair was lost, the more likely the hair is to grow back.

The Propecia FDA study results indicate the effectiveness of Proscar/Propecia.

Can I use Proscar with Rogaine and/or Retin-A?

Yes. Proscar when used with Rogaine and/or Retin-A is much more effective than using Rogaine alone. Several people who have been long time users of Minoxidil 2% with little or no effect have reported almost an immediate start of hair growth after starting Proscar. Since Proscar works against the cause of hair loss, it allows Minoxidil to work better. This combination is the fastest way to get results.

Isn't there a way to apply Proscar topically so that I can avoid side effects?

This is unknown. Proscar is soluble in alcohol and dissolves well in Minoxidil solutions. Doctors have used it and it has seemed to improve the result over minoxidil alone. A direct study hasn't been done comparing topical or oral. Doctors who have used it topically have told me there are fewer side effects, however at these lower doses there may be fewer side effects anyway. A clinical study was done showing that Proscar is absorbed topically but the effects are seen throughout the body, so it may not remove side effects by applying topically. No topical form is expected to be released. Merck is concentrating on an oral pill for hair loss, since the topical form was absorbed throughout the body anyway. Apparently orally is better or Merck would have tried to get a topical form approved.

When will Propecia be over the counter?

There is no way to predict when the FDA will approve Propecia for over the counter sale? There are some concerns with propecia's side effects on pregnant women. Pregnant women that handle or take propecia rish giving birth to male fetuses with incomplete or mal-formed reproductive systems. This may prevent propecia from ever being made available over the counter.