What Are The Benefits Of Azelaic Acid For Hair Growth

12 July, 2024 | Hair Treatment | Author : Shveta Virmani

What Are The Benefits Of Azelaic Acid For Hair Growth

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring compound that belongs to the dicarboxylic acid group. It can be found in various sources such as whole grains, rye, barley, animal products, and even the skin. Azelaic acid possesses several beneficial properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, pore-blocking, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects, which help combat infections in humans. These properties offer numerous advantages for both skin and hair health, making azelaic acid a valuable ingredient in various skincare and haircare treatments.

What Is Hair Loss?

Before understanding the benefits of Azelaic Acid for hair growth, let’s understand what hair loss is and why it occurs. Hair loss is a natural daily occurrence. An adult has about 1,50,000 hairs on the head, and it is normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs each day, according to the NHS. This becomes problematic when hair falls out faster than it can regrow, leading to bald spots, receding hairlines, and thinning. Significant hair loss is a disruption in the hair growth cycle. The growth phase (anagen) shortens, the shedding phase (catagen) extends, and the resting phase (telogen) lasts longer, causing more hair to be lost than replaced.

Men and women experience hair loss for a variety of causes. Male pattern baldness is a hereditary disorder that is mostly responsible for this in males. While female pattern hair loss is equally common, environmental factors including stress, sadness, and damaging style techniques tend to have a greater impact on women.

There are several approaches to treating hair loss, each with a different success rate. A lot of patients have attempted over-the-counter chemical treatments, but the majority still seek hair transplants to restore their ability to encourage new hair growth.

What Is The Function of Azelaic Acid In Inhibiting 5-Alpha Reductase Activity?

The male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is five times more potent than testosterone. While it contributes to traits like broad shoulders, lean muscle mass, and dense body hair, it is also responsible for hair loss.

DHT is created from testosterone through the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Once formed, DHT can bind to hair follicles, extending the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle. This condition is known as Telogen Effluvium. Azelaic acid, a strong DHT blocker, can help reduce the effects of pattern baldness and Telogen Effluvium. Several studies suggest that azelaic acid may promote new hair growth. Additionally, it has a better safety profile and higher bioavailability compared to many other treatments on the market.

This indicates that most individuals may safely use it and that there is a statistically lower chance that it will cause an immunological reaction. Your hair can continue growing naturally by limiting the elongation of the resting phase of your hair follicles by decreasing the formation of DHT. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it ideal for treating scalp conditions and warding against bacterial or fungal infections.

How Can You Use Azelaic Acid For Hair Growth?

Azelaic acid is widely available over the counter at most high-street pharmacies and health stores making it one of the best acids for hair growth. In the post-COVID era, many businesses also offer subscription services that deliver azelaic acid directly to your home, eliminating the need for an in-person purchase. Azelaic acid is available as a topical solution, which you can apply to your scalp once or twice daily. Simply massage a few drops into the scalp and let it work its magic.

This treatment comes in various concentrations, with 5%, 10%, and 15%, being the most common. The concentration indicates the strength of the solution you are using. It's generally advisable to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase it as needed. It's important to note that azelaic acid should not be used in combination with other topical treatments, such as Minoxidil. If you are considering additional treatments, you might want to try an oral medication like finasteride. Since human skin is sensitive, using too many chemicals can cause irritation and inflammation. Always use azelaic acid as directed to avoid adverse effects.

What Results Do Azelaic Acid Give?

Azelaic acid is an effective option for managing and slowing the progression of androgenetic alopecia, similar to other chemical treatments. It can promote hair growth in areas where hair follicles are still viable, making hair appear fuller and thicker in those regions. However, it cannot regrow hair in completely bald areas caused by male androgenetic alopecia, nor can it restore a receding hairline.

For those issues, a hair transplant is the only reliable solution. This procedure provides a natural-looking and permanent result, effectively addressing hair loss and receding hairlines.

What Are The Side Effects Caused by Azelaic Acids?

As with any medical intervention, azelaic acid side effects are possible. If you see any of the below indications, you could be experiencing a reaction:

Inflammation of the skin or a burning feeling
Peeling of skin on the scalp
Red or dry skin
Itching or irritation of the scalp
Occasionally, hives

It's crucial to remember that a higher dose of azelaic acid might lead to side effects. Try lowering your dose if any of these symptoms appear. Reducing the focus can frequently resolve these problems. It would be prudent to think about other options for therapy if the symptoms don't go away even after the dosage is lowered. Before making any modifications to your treatment plan, always get advice from a healthcare provider to be sure it's safe and appropriate for your unique situation. For those considering hair transplant in Delhi, consulting with a healthcare provider can also provide insights into complementary treatments or alternatives.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, azelaic acid presents itself as a promising option for enhancing hair growth and managing conditions like androgenetic alopecia. Its natural occurrence in various sources and potent properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects make it a valuable component in both skincare and haircare regimens. By inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha reductase and reducing DHT levels, azelaic acid helps to prolong the growth phase of hair follicles, potentially leading to fuller and thicker hair in areas where follicles are still active. However, it's essential to be mindful of potential side effects, and always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective use. With its accessibility and promising benefits, azelaic acid offers a valuable addition to hair care routines aiming to combat hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.