It’s enjoyable and simple to mix totally different skin-care substances to reinforce the outcomes. Pair retinoids with niacinamide to appease irritation or pair vitamin C together with your SPF to make it much more protecting. One combo you don’t need to DIY (which is making its rounds on TikTok) is retinoids and minoxidil. Though the substances do work properly collectively, hair restoration doctor and plastic surgeon Michael Wolfeld, MD, says you’re a lot better off getting a prescription that correctly blends the 2 as a substitute of blending them at house.
“It may very well be harmful if an excessive amount of minoxidil is absorbed,” says Dr. Wolfeld. Earlier than minoxidil was used for hair development, it was solely used as a blood stress treatment—hair development was observed as a facet impact. And since retinoic acid enhances absorption of minoxidil (which is why the 2 pair so properly collectively once they’re correctly blended), “in case you’re attempting to combine them your self and also you’re utilizing a retinoic acid which may be too sturdy, otherwise you depart on an excessive amount of, otherwise you apply it too typically it will probably have an effect on your blood stress or coronary heart price,” says Dr. Wolfeld.
Plus, it will probably result in irritation that may set off hair shedding—the precise reverse of what you need while you’re attempting to induce development.
“Minoxidil by itself could cause scalp irritation and including a retinoid would enhance the incidence of that,” says Dr. Wolfeld. “And having an irritated scalp whether or not from utilizing an excessive amount of of this mixture or from different signifies that might set off a shedding of hair.”
All that mentioned, retinoids and minoxidil are a fantastic mixture when blended by a professional.
“When minoxidil is mixed with retinoic acid, it helps to reinforce the penetration of the minoxidil into the pores and skin so extra may be absorbed, and will increase the effectiveness so that you get higher outcomes,” says Dr. Wolfeld. “Generally pharmacists additionally compound a steroid into the combo as properly to assist soothe any irritation.” The retinoid additionally helps the minoxidil bind to the pores and skin for longer, which means you solely have to use it as soon as a day as a substitute of the standard advice of twice per day, he says.
Even in case you don’t need to go to the physician’s workplace, Dr. Wolfeld says you may get a prescribed mix via telehealth. For instance, you may get a three-month provide of the Musley Hair Answer ($90), which blends minoxidil with tretinoin (a potent retinoid), prescribed by way of a $20 one-time telehealth go to via the model.
“It’s greatest to not even try to DIY this mixture,” says Dr. Wolfeld, who urges you to not combine your minoxidil serum together with your run-of-the-mill retinol. “Anytime you’ll alter one thing that’s being bought as is over-the-counter, you must see a doctor to verify. It’s not secure for everybody. It’s not a good suggestion for everybody. See a doctor, ensure it’s secure and best for you, after which get a prescription to get it.”