Whether it be on account of age, genetics, stress, hormones or life changes like pregnancy and menopause, there are dozens of reasons why women experience hair thinning and loss. While it can be hard to talk about, women everywhere struggle with thinning and hair loss throughout their life, and it can take a major toll on their confidence.
Navigating the hair-care aisle is intimidating enough, and it’s even harder when you’re looking for hair-thickening products that are truly efficacious and safe. When it comes to issues like hair thinning and hair loss, there are few better resources to consult than a dermatologist. Ahead, Aventura, FL dermatologist Bertha Baum, MD, walks us through the science behind the Viviscal™ Hair-Growth Supplement that is changing lives for women everywhere.
When it comes to supplements for hair growth, what do you, as a dermatologist, look for in terms of efficacy?
“Personally, I look for scientifically proven results and years of studies that can back those results up,” says Dr. Baum. “I also scrutinize the ingredients list to ensure it contains scientifically proven components that support hair health like biotin, vitamin D, iron, zinc and marine extracts like fish oil or marine collagen.”
In addition to efficacious ingredients, Dr. Baum urges that safety is also very important. “I recommend using supplements from reputable manufacturers that adhere to good manufacturing practices (GMP) and have undergone third-party testing for purity and potency. Finally, it’s important that a hair-growth supplement is convenient and sustainable for the patient to incorporate into their routine to yield positive results.”
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
How does the environment of the scalp contribute to hair loss or hair growth?
While external factors can play a large roll in hair loss, so does our scalp health. “Maintaining a healthy scalp environment is essential for promoting optimal hair growth and minimizing hair loss,” says Dr. Baum. “This can be achieved through proper hygiene, a balanced diet, gentle hair-care practices, managing underlying scalp conditions and addressing lifestyle factors that may impact scalp health. Sebum production, microbiome, inflammation, blood flow, nutrition and other factors such as hormonal imbalances and environmental factors all can affect hair loss or growth.”
What are the benefits of using a drug-free hair-growth supplement?
One of the biggest debates in the world of hair-growth supplements is whether to use drug-free hair-growth supplements. In terms of the benefits of going drug-free, Dr. Baum notes that, “there are fewer side effects, nourishment of the follicle, and support of hair growth with natural ingredients. Drug-free hair-growth supplements definitely work, and sometimes, I supplement them with medication, depending on the patient and the type of hair loss they present with.”
How important is it for a supplement to have clinical studies supporting their claims?
“Clinical studies support the safety and efficacy of supplements, building credibility and trust while empowering health professionals and consumers to make informed decisions about their supplements,” Dr. Baum explains. “Clinical studies provide the data necessary to comply with regulatory standards and ensure supplement manufacturers adhere to strict quality and safety guidelines.”
How do the different life stages influence hair loss and hair regrowth in women?
“Hair loss and regrowth in women can be influenced by various factors, including hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, nutritional status, and overall health,” Dr. Baum affirms. “Different life stages can have distinct effects on hair-growth patterns in women. Pregnancy, menopause, hormonal changes and nutritional deficiencies can be factors affecting hair growth and hair loss throughout a woman’s life.”
Disclaimer
The effectiveness claim of 92% of women seeing thicker hair in three months is based on self-assessment results from 35 women. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
