What does scientific research on Azelaic acid say to hair loss?

Hair loss is a common problem affecting both men and women. There are many factors that can contribute to hair loss, including genetics, nutrition and hormonal imbalances. A natural remedy that has received attention to its potential to promote hair growth is azelaic acid.

Azelaic acid is a natural means of promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss. Although more research is needed to fully understand the effects on hair loss, early studies suggest that it may be an effective treatment option for people with alopecia androgenic agents.

In this blog we investigate what azelaic acid is, how it can be used against hair loss, what the research says about its effectiveness and other potential benefits.

What is azelaic acid?

Azelaic acid is a natural acid found in cereals such as barley, wheat and rye. It is also produced by a kind of yeast called Malassezia furfur, which occurs on human skin. Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for many years to treat various skin conditions, including acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.

How to use Azelaic acid for hair loss?

Azelaic acid can be applied locally to the scalp to stimulate hair growth. It works by inhibiting the production of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone known to contribute to hair loss by shrinking the hair follicles and shortening the growth phase of the hair cycle.

Azelaic acid can be found in various topical formulas, including creams, gels and foam. It is usually applied once or twice a day to the scalp, depending on the product and the severity of the hair loss. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label and to consult a doctor before using azelaic acid for hair loss.

What does scientific research on azelaic acid say to hair loss?

The effectiveness of azelaic acid against hair loss is still at an early stage. However, there are some promising studies suggesting that azelaic acid may be an effective treatment for alopecia androgenic agents, the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women.

A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment in 2019 investigated the effects of a 5% azelaic solution on hair growth in men with alopecia androgenic agents. The study involved 16 men who applied the azelaic acid solution to their scalp twice daily for six months.

Results showed that men experienced a significant increase in hair growth, with an average of 17.7 more hairs per square centimeters at the end of the study period. The researchers attributed this to the inhibitory effect of azelaic acid on 5-alpha reductase, which reduced the DHT level and promoted hair growth.

Another study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2016, investigated the effects of a topical solution containing 5% azelaic acid, 1% minoxidil and 0.025% oin on hair growth in men with alopecia androgenics.

The study included 40 men who applied the solution to their scalp twice daily for six months. The results showed that men experienced a significant increase in hair density, with an average of 28 more hairs per square centimetre at the end of the study period.

In addition to the effects on hair growth, azelaic acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can also be beneficial to the health of the hair. Inflammation can contribute to hair loss by damaging the hair follicles and disrupting the hair growth cycle.

Azelaic acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and protect hair follicles. Some studies also suggest that azelaic acid has antimicrobial properties that may help to reduce the occurrence of scalp infections, which may contribute to hair loss.

Although more research is needed to fully understand the effects of azelaic acid on hair loss, the first studies suggest that it may be a promising treatment option for alopecia androgenics.

Its ability to inhibit 5-alpha reductase and lower DHT levels, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, make it a potentially useful addition to a comprehensive hair loss treatment plan.

However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking azelaic acid for hair loss, as it may interact with other medicines or medical conditions.

Other potential benefits of azelaic acid

In addition to the potential benefits for hair loss, azelaic acid has several other potential health benefits that have been studied. These include:

1. Acne: Azelaic acid has been shown to be an effective treatment for acne, with studies that show that it can reduce the number of acne lesions and improve skin texture and tone.

2. Rosacea: Azelaic acid has been shown to be an effective treatment for rosacea, in which studies show that it can reduce the inflammation and redness associated with this condition.

3. Hyperpigmentation: Azelaic acid has been shown to be an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation, where studies show that it can reduce the production of melanin and lighten dark spots on the skin.

Conclusion

Azelaic acid is a natural means of promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss. Although more research is needed to fully understand the effects on hair loss, early studies suggest that it may be an effective treatment option for people with alopecia androgenic agents. It works by inhibiting the production of 5-alpha reductase and reducing the amount of DHT, which can shrink the hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle.

In addition to the potential benefits in hair loss, azelaic acid has several other potential health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It has been shown to be an effective treatment for acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.

Although azelaic acid is generally considered safe for external use, it can cause side effects such as skin irritation and drought. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before using azelaic acid for hair loss, as it may interact with other medicines or medical conditions.

In general, azelaic acid is a natural medium with promising potential for promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss. Although more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety, it may be a useful complement to a comprehensive treatment plan for hair loss.