The Mechanistic Insights Into The Application Of Retinoids And Possible Adjunct Therapeutic Treatment To Androgenic Alopecia

October 2025 in “ Annals of Medicine and Surgery ”

Hamza Irfan, Ahmad Asad Raza, Hira Amran Chowdhry, Muhammad Bin Mobin, Abedin Samadi, Ahmad Asad Raza, Abedin Samadi, Abedin Samadi

retinoids androgenetic alopecia dihydrotestosterone follicular miniaturization anagen phase vitamin A derivatives topical retinoids AGA DHT

TLDR Retinoids may improve hair growth in androgenic alopecia when used with other treatments.

This narrative review examines the potential of retinoids as adjunctive treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a condition affecting a significant portion of the population. Retinoids, derived from Vitamin A, may extend the anagen phase of hair growth and improve outcomes when combined with minoxidil. While current treatments like finasteride and dutasteride are effective, they have notable side effects. Retinoids, particularly all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), have shown promise in enhancing hair growth and scalp conditions, though studies often have limitations such as small sample sizes. The review emphasizes the need for further research to optimize retinoid formulations and delivery methods, suggesting that retinoids could be a promising adjunct or alternative therapy for AGA.

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