Journal de cosmétologie et de trichologie

Introduction: Hair health concern is one of the most distressing conditions for a significant number of men and women of all ages. The unique current pharmacologic therapeutic options approved by Food and Drug administration (FDA) are finasteride and topical minoxidil; however, these treatments may have side effects and may work on just one cause of hair loss, without giving an exhaustive and complete results.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a nutritional complex, combining omega 3-6-9, antioxidant, natural inhibitors of 5α-reductase and anti-inflammatory molecules in improving hair loss and hair health parameter such as volume, strength and reduction of greasiness.

Methods: This study was made up of two phases. The in vitro experiment aimed at evaluating the capacity of the nutritional complex to lower the enzyme 5α-reductase activity in culture of human keratinocytes. The in vivo study was performed on 30 volunteers who experienced a 6 months treatment with the nutritional complex. The evaluation of hair loss and hair health parameter was performed by trichoscopy, global photograph review and subject’s assessment.

Results: The in vitro study showed the capacity of the nutritional formulation to inhibit the total 5α-reductase comparable to finasteride and Serenoa repens. The global photograph assessment at T0 and T6 showed an increased hair density on 83.3% of subjects and the preliminary results were already visible just after three months. Moreover, the trichoscopy demonstrates an increase of hair diameter and hair density, an improvement of vascularization and a reduction of greasiness at the follicle level. The hair quality and hair loss reduction valued by the subjects showed positive results confirming the photographic outcomes.

Conclusions: This study proves the action of nutritional complex components, ß-sitosterosl with omega 3-6 complex from Serenoa repens, linseed, borage, wheat oils, pine bark and rye grass in inhibition of the total 5α- reductase. Furthermore, both the reduction of hair greasiness and the improvement of hair quality demonstrate that this formulation is not only effective against 5α-reductase but it also exerts its properties in a complete manner by restoring the physiologic condition of a healthy scalp. Moreover, it demonstrates the positive effects of this natural complex supplementation on overall scalp coverage. Visibly there is an improvement of vascularization, hair diameter and the reduction of hair loss perception.

Vitiligo is the most commom depigmentary disorder of the world, with probably an autoimmune cause. Studies reveal the presence of genes likely the emergence of Vitiligo, many of them involved in the synthesis of proteins related to the recognition and killing of melanocytes. The interaction of these genes may suggest protection and good prognosis for Vitiligo patients in relation to skin cancer. We describe the case of a patient with field cancerization in areas affected by Vitiligo, counteracting, therefore, the usual.

Multiple nutritional, environmental and lifestyle factors can directly affect hair follicles or weaken and make them sensitive to the action of androgens. Patients having hair fall, thinning and poor growth can be in early stages of androgenetic alopecia. Hair loss can be corrected and hair growth can be improved by addressing these nonandrogenic factors. Recent research has shown that androgens inhibit hair growth through release of Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) β1. Further study of this mechanism reveals that generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) induced by androgens leads to release of TGF β1, explaining benefit of antioxidants in hair growth. The binding of ROS also causes hair loss by altering the cellular proteins and converting them to new antigens targeted by inflammatory and immune systems. Calorie restriction and individual micronutrient deficiencies lead to a new process of intracellular destruction or autophagy before cell apoptosis, which could explain cessation of hair growth. Telogen is not a resting phase but now defined as active conservation of follicles under unfavourable conditions. Thus any stress, trauma, metabolic change or insult causes telogen. Micronutrients zinc, copper, selenium maintain immunity, control inflammation and preserve antioxidant activity of the cells. Vitamins A, C, D have a role in phagocytosis and antibodies maintaining resistance. Vitamin D3 modulates the hair-inductive capacity of dermal papilla cells. Vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent among all the population of the world. Some nutritional supplementation is necessary to achieve day to day requirements. Nutritive value of the foods has reduced over the years by 30%. Endocrine Disrupting chemicals are creating further damage to the hormonal balance of the body. All these can be countered by a well-planned nutritional program which will also ensure strengthening and regrowth of hair follicles without the use of Finasteride.