Does Tretinoin Belong In Your Haircare Routine Too?

Tretinoin is a retinol medicine that increases skin cell turnover rates. In other words, it creates newer and healthier cells. Although usually used to treat acne, research shows that tretinoin helps to promote hair development when paired with other growth treatments. A 2019 study published in Dermatologic Therapy found that patients who suffered from alopecia had an increased response to the hair regrowth medicine minoxidil after using tretinoin for five days. Approximately 43% of subjects who saw no reaction to minoxidil became responsive to the medicine after applying topical tretinoin.

Dr. Wendy Roberts, a haircare expert and dermatologist, tells Coveteur, "Retinol can increase the penetration of other products, especially in the area of hair loss, where we are trying to get products down the follicle to stimulate new hair growth." This reaction explains why tretinoin boosts the power of minoxidil.

Tretinoin is FDA-approved for treating acne and symptoms of photoaging, like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. There is also a record of FDA off-label uses for topical tretinoin, such as managing psoriasis and early stretch marks. However, this vitamin A derivative is not approved as a remedy for hair loss, on- or off-label. But don't lose hope. There are several proven methods for stimulating hair regrowth.