TLDR Rubbing increases drug absorption through hair follicles.
The study examined how rubbing affects the distribution of topically applied caffeine (CAF) in the skin, particularly in the stratum corneum and hair follicles, using porcine ear skin. Rubbing significantly increased CAF concentration and permeation, with more than six times higher concentrations in the viable epidermis and dermis observed shortly after application. Rubbing against the natural hair direction resulted in the highest skin permeation, likely due to changes in the hair follicle opening area. These findings suggested that rubbing enhances drug delivery through hair follicles and could inform the development of more effective topical formulations. Further research was recommended to explore different formulations and skin sites.
7 citations
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February 2018 in “International Journal of Pharmaceutics”
Researchers developed a method to measure drugs in hair follicles and found that both water-loving and fat-loving drugs can be detected after being applied to the skin.
The conversation discusses the effectiveness of adding topical caffeine serum to a hair loss treatment routine that includes minoxidil and finasteride. Users suggest alternatives like stemoxidine, alphatradiol, and pyrilutamide, noting that evidence for caffeine's effectiveness is weak.
Whether topical caffeine can be as effective for hair growth as minoxidil and finasteride, with various replies discussing the efficacy of these treatments and criticism of Dr. Huberman's research methods.
A user plans to experiment with creating new hairfollicles using methods like derma rolling, applying lithium chloride, tannic acid, and various other substances including caffeine, ketoconazole, and raspberry ketones. They also consider using anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, and DHT inhibitors to potentially improve results.
Caffeine might raise stress hormones, potentially worsening hair loss. Telogen effluvium is often misattributed to minor stressors rather than significant life events.
The conversation discusses whether topical caffeine is effective for hair loss, with some users questioning its role due to its vasoconstrictive and vasodilative properties, while another suggests that temporary vasoconstriction might be beneficial by promoting angiogenesis. Specific treatments mentioned include caffeine shampoo, which one user believes is ineffective.
Caffeine use after dermarolling is debated, with some users reporting positive effects on hair shedding and growth. One user recommends caffeine for reducing hair shedding and enhancing hair growth, while another is skeptical of its benefits.
