Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring chemical in the dicarboxylic acid group. It can be present in many foods, including whole grains, rye, barley, animal products, and even the skin. Azelaic acid has various therapeutic qualities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, pore-blocking, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial actions, all of which aid in the treatment of human infections. These qualities provide multiple benefits for both skin and hair health, making azelaic acid an important ingredient in a variety of skincare and haircare products.
What is hair loss?
Before we can discuss the benefits of azelaic acid for hair development, we must first understand what hair loss is and why it occurs. Hair loss occurs naturally on a daily basis. According to the NHS, an adult’s head contains approximately 1,50,000 hairs, and it is typical to lose 50 to 100 hairs every day. This becomes troublesome when hair falls out faster than it can recover, resulting in bald patches, receding hairlines, and thinning. Significant hair loss indicates a break in the hair development cycle. The growth phase (anagen) shortens, the shedding phase (catagen) extends, and the resting phase (telogen) lasts longer, resulting in more hair loss than replacement.
Men and women lose hair for a variety of reasons. Male pattern baldness is a hereditary condition that is mostly responsible for this in men. While female pattern hair loss is as common, environmental variables such as stress, unhappiness, and harmful styling procedures have a higher influence on women.
There are various methods for addressing hair loss, each with a varied success rate. Many patients have tried over-the-counter chemical treatments, but the majority still need hair transplants to regain their capacity to stimulate new hair growth.
What is the role of azelaic acid in inhibiting 5-Alpha reductase activity?
The male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) has five times the potency of testosterone. While it promotes broad shoulders, lean muscle mass, and dense body hair, it also causes hair loss.
DHT is produced from testosterone via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Once generated, DHT can attach to hair follicles and prolong the telogen (resting) phase of the hair development cycle. This disorder is referred to as telogen effluvium. Azelaic acid, a potent DHT blocker, can help alleviate the symptoms of pattern baldness and telogen efflux. Several studies indicate that azelaic acid may stimulate fresh hair growth. Furthermore, it outperforms several other medicines on the market in terms of safety and bioavailability.
This suggests that most people can use it safely, and there is a statistically decreased probability that it may trigger an immune reaction. Your hair can continue to grow normally by limiting the elongation of your hair follicles’ resting period and minimizing the creation of DHT. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics make it suitable for treating scalp issues and preventing bacterial and fungal infections.
How Can You Use Azelaic Acid to Promote Hair Growth?
Azelaic acid is easily accessible over the counter at most high-street pharmacies and health stores, making it one of the best acids for hair development. In the post-COVID age, numerous firms now provide subscription services that supply azelaic acid directly to your home, removing the need for an in-person purchase. Azelaic acid is available as a topical solution that can be applied to the scalp once or twice per day. Simply massage a few drops into your scalp and let them work their magic.
This medication comes in a variety of concentrations, the most popular of which are 5%, 10%, and 15%. The concentration represents the strength of the solution you are using. It is normally recommended to begin with a lower concentration and gradually raise it as necessary. Azelaic acid should not be used in conjunction with other topical therapies, such as minoxidil. If you are considering additional treatments, you may wish to try an oral medicine such as finasteride. Because human skin is delicate, employing excessive chemicals might cause irritation and inflammation. To avoid harmful effects, always use azelaic acid exactly as advised.
What benefits does azelaic acid provide?
Azelaic acid, like other chemical therapies, can help manage and reduce the progression of androgenetic alopecia. It can stimulate hair development in areas where hair follicles are still active, making hair appear fuller and thicker. However, it cannot regrow hair in entirely bald areas caused by male androgenetic alopecia, nor can it reverse a receding hairline.
For these problems, a hair transplant is the only reliable option. This process produces a natural-looking and permanent result, effectively treating hair loss and receding hairlines.
What are the side effects of azelaic acids?
Azelaic acid side effects are possible, just like with any other medical intervention. If you see any of the following signs, you may be suffering from a reaction:
Burning sensation or skin inflammation
Peeling skin on the scalp
Red or dry skin.
Itching or discomfort on the scalp
Occasionally, hives
It’s important to know that a higher dose of azelaic acid may cause adverse effects. If you experience any of these effects, try reducing your dose. Reducing the focus can often address these issues. If the symptoms persist after the dosage is reduced, it is wise to consider alternative therapies. Before making any changes to your treatment plan, always consult with a healthcare expert to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your specific condition. For people considering a hair transplant in Dubai, speaking with a healthcare expert can also provide information on complementing therapies or alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Finally, azelaic acid appears to be a potential choice for promoting hair development and treating disorders such as androgenetic alopecia. Its natural occurrence in a variety of sources, as well as its significant antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities, make it an important component in both skincare and haircare regimens. Azelaic acid serves to prolong the growth phase of hair follicles by decreasing the activity of 5-alpha reductase and lowering DHT levels, which may result in fuller and thicker hair in places where follicles remain active. However, it is critical to be aware of potential adverse effects and to always be in contact with a healthcare practitioner to ensure safe and effective usage. With its accessibility and promising advantages, azelaic acid is an important addition to hair care routines that attempt to prevent hair loss and promote healthy hair development.
