A dermatologist stated that minoxidil does not cause skin aging, despite online claims. A study found no significant impact of minoxidil on collagen content or skin aging.
A 16-year-old experiencing hair thinning noticed a shift from shedding long hairs to shorter hairs, while using Vitamin D, biotin supplements, ketoconazole shampoo, and improving diet. They are questioning if the short hairs indicate regrowth or androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
The user is using topical dutasteride, finasteride, minoxidil, and tretinoin but seeing no results or side effects. They also microneedle every two weeks but experience little bleeding, questioning if a thick scalp is preventing treatment effectiveness.
Azelaic acid is considered a strong DHT inhibitor with no reported sexual side effects, making it a potential alternative for those who cannot use finasteride. It can be used with minoxidil, but may cause skin irritation.
The user is experiencing one-sided diffuse thinning and has been using finasteride and liquid minoxidil for 4-5 years with minimal results. They are considering whether to save for a hair transplant or address scalp sensitivity and irritation first.
PP405, a topical LDH inhibitor, has shown to stimulate hair follicle stem cell proliferation in humans with moderate hair loss. They are advancing to more detailed trials this year.
Female (37) experiencing hair loss for 5 years, tried max dose of spiro and oral + topical minox without success. Discovered low cortisol and low DHEA levels, seeking functional medicine practitioner for help.
A 22-year-old male uses dutasteride, a serum with 10% minoxidil and 0.5% finasteride, and microneedling for diffuse androgenetic alopecia. Progress pictures show changes from July 2025 to February 2026.
The conversation discusses using a TCA 35% chemical peel on the scalp to potentially improve hair growth by addressing fibrosis and enhancing the effectiveness of topical treatments. The user also mentions trying microneedling and other methods like topical metformin and dutasteride for hair regrowth.
Minoxidil is unlikely to cause skin aging at typical doses, and concerns about collagen inhibition are mostly unfounded. Users suggest using sunscreen and tretinoin for skin health, and some combine minoxidil with finasteride for hair maintenance.
A user did not respond to finasteride, dutasteride, and oral minoxidil for hair loss after four years of treatment and is considering scalp micropigmentation (SMP). Other users suggest the hair loss pattern may indicate alopecia areata and recommend seeing a dermatologist.
A user plans to create a DIY topical treatment for hair loss using Rapamycin, possibly combined with alpha-ketoglutaric acid (a-KG). They discuss the concentration and formulation process for Rapamycin, considering safety and skin penetration, and intend to apply it every other day to the scalp.
The user is using a routine involving microneedling, Minoxidil with tretinoin, a red light cap, scalp massages, Nizoral shampoo, and essence oil shampoo to address hair loss, with visible progress noted. They are considering topical finasteride or dutasteride if progress slows but are cautious due to past side effects.
A user has been losing hair for two and a half years after a tropical trip and illness. A dermatologist prescribed betamethasone valerate 0.1% lotion, but the user is unsure if it's safe or effective for general hair loss.
OP experienced significant hair regrowth after recovering from iron deficiency anemia and starting minoxidil. They suspect anemia contributed more to their hair loss than androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
PP405 is ineffective for miniaturized, fibrosed hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia. AMP303 may activate hair follicle stem cells, but minoxidil and finasteride are still the main treatments.
A male in his early 20s with CCCA (scarring alopecia) started treatment with Finasteride, Fluocinolone, and Doxycycline. Steroid injections were suggested but not yet done.
The conversation is about finding a solution for scalp inflammation related to AGA, with the user expressing frustration that Minoxidil and Finasteride do not address inflammation. The user has researched glucocorticoids and topical NSAIDs for reducing inflammation and seeks advice from specialists.
The user has been using minoxidil, microneedling, and finasteride for hair loss without improvement and is considering tretinoin, but concerns about shedding persist. Another user suggests trying dutasteride instead of finasteride, as both tretinoin and microneedling can irritate the skin.
The conversation discusses using tretinoin for hair loss and skincare. Users share experiences, noting tretinoin's effectiveness in combination with minoxidil for hair and its proven benefits for anti-aging skincare.
The conversation discusses using scalp antiandrogens like RU58841, pyrilutamide, or fluridil on the face to reduce sebum production, noting that clascoterone (winlevi) is an approved facial antiandrogen with underwhelming reviews.
A user diagnosed with Crohn's disease is concerned it might contribute to balding. They have been using keto shampoo, finasteride, and oral minoxidil, which improved their hair but not significantly.
The user has been using oral minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride for hair loss, along with supplements like arginine and collagen, but has seen no improvement. They also suffer from chronic eczema, which may contribute to hair loss, but it is considered reversible.
How diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA) is not an invitation to self-diagnose oneself with aggressive AGA and that seeking a specialized dermatologist may help people experiencing hair loss. Treatment options discussed include topical clobetasol propionate, oral minoxidil, and discontinuing finasteride.
PP405 shows promise in regenerating hair by activating dormant follicles. Other treatments like VDPHL01 and Breezula are also advancing, providing new hope for hair loss solutions.
The user does not respond well to minoxidil and is seeking an alternative to Tretinoin to upregulate sulfurtransferase activity for hair loss treatment. No specific alternative treatments were mentioned.
Minoxidil may age skin by slowing collagen synthesis, but using collagen peptides and a basic skincare routine might counteract this. Foam minoxidil could reduce systemic absorption and avoid alcohol-related side effects.
The user noticed increased hair loss over the past three years and is seeking advice. A suggestion was made to consult a dermatologist or trichologist and consider blood tests, particularly for vitamin D levels, to address potential androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
The conversation discusses using minoxidil and finasteride for hair loss, with concerns about absorption and considering adding tretinoin for better results. Microneedling is suggested as a method to improve absorption, with varying depths and frequencies recommended.
A user has been experiencing hair loss for 4 years, with treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and various supplements proving ineffective. They were diagnosed with fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution, a condition that may require a combination of anti-inflammatory and hair growth treatments.