What vitamins do dermatologists recommend to prevent hair loss?

Dealing with hair loss can be a frustrating experience, and finding a solution for successful regrowth can take a lot of trial and error. Identifying the root cause of hair loss is the first step in learning how to treat it. Since vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be a contributing factor to hair loss, it makes sense that supplementing with certain vitamins could be a promising option.

However, what works for one person may not work for someone else, which can make it difficult to find the right option. While there is no magic way to grow hair overnight, some vitamins and minerals are scientifically proven to help prevent hair loss. Here are the vitamins that stimulate hair growth and help you keep your hair healthy.

How do vitamins help the hair growth cycle?

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a common condition with many different possible causes. According to Harvard Health, these include hormonal fluctuations, inherited genetic disorders or inflammatory diseases, cancer, stress, pregnancy, certain medications, significant weight loss in a short period of time, and recent surgery or illness.

In some cases, hair loss can also be caused by a deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals. Research suggests that micronutrients may be important for hair follicle development because they play an important role in normal cell growth, turnover, and function. They also agree that some scientific evidence supports the idea that certain vitamins can help treat hair loss. Vitamins can provide important nutrients that support growth and nourish hair follicles.

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Vitamins and Minerals to Support Hair Growth

While vitamins won’t eliminate hair loss overnight, many of them can help over time if taken regularly at optimal doses — they may just require some patience to work their way into your system. You should also keep in mind that their effectiveness may also depend on the underlying cause of your hair loss.

Before taking a new supplement to help your hair grow back, you should thoroughly research and consult with your doctor. You should also consult with your doctor before taking certain hair growth products, especially those that contain high doses of certain vitamins and minerals that may be contraindicated with daily supplements or vitamins you may already be taking.

Biotin

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is known for improving hair growth, but it’s unclear if it really helps as many claim. Biotin is a B vitamin that supports cell metabolism and is the only B vitamin that is not produced by the body. Biotin deficiency has been linked to hair loss — however, researchers note that it is very rare.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, biotin helps produce keratin, which helps form hair and nails, and helps reduce inflammation and maintain hair growth. If you have a biotin deficiency, supplementing with biotin may help alleviate the associated hair loss; otherwise, excess biotin can be harmful. This is one reason why UnTangled Hair Supplement contains only 30 micrograms of biotin, or 100 percent of the recommended daily intake. You can also get biotin from foods like beef, eggs, salmon, pork chops, sunflower seeds, and sweet potatoes, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Vitamin D Deficiency can lead to symptoms like hair loss and dry skin and nails. Research has shown a link between hair loss and low vitamin D levels. There is also research supporting the idea that supplementing with vitamin D can help combat hair loss because it has anti-inflammatory effects and may support the immune system, both of which can play a role in hair growth.

Many of us suffer from vitamin D deficiency without knowing it. Keep in mind that UVB cannot penetrate glass, so you actually have to be outside to get vitamin D from the sun. You can also get vitamin D from foods, such as fatty fish (salmon, trout, and tuna are ideal), cod liver oil, and some mushrooms, as well as dietary supplements.

Iron

Research shows that iron deficiency (the most common nutritional deficiency in the world) is common in women with hair loss. More research is needed to determine if iron actually affects hair growth, but some studies show that iron supplementation may help treat iron deficiency. It’s worth noting that iron has also been shown to help prevent premature graying of hair.

Keep in mind that if you take iron for hair loss, you also need to take vitamin C. Vitamin C plays an important role in the absorption of iron in the body. So if you take iron without vitamin C, your body may not absorb it properly. Foundation’s UnTangled dietary supplement contains optimal amounts of vitamin C and iron (and all the other vitamins listed here) for maximum absorption and best results. You can also get iron through your diet. According to the Cleveland Clinic, foods rich in iron include lean meat and poultry, salmon, beans, lentils, nuts, dried fruit, leafy greens like spinach, and seafood like fortified breakfast cereals.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E helps balance antioxidants and protect against free radical damage. Studies have shown a link between hair loss and significantly reduced vitamin E levels. A promising 2010 study found that participants with alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss) saw an increase in hair count after taking vitamin E. Researchers believe it may help reduce oxidative stress on the scalp and promote hair growth.

You can get vitamin E through your diet (through foods like sunflower seeds and oil, almonds, and hazelnuts), but you can also get it in tablet form or apply it topically. Vitamin E supplements often contain more than the recommended daily value, according to the NIH, so talk to your doctor before taking it.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, sometimes called retinol, supports cell growth and is necessary for healthy skin and hair. However, it’s important to get the right balance of vitamin A: studies show that excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to hair loss.

If you’re deficient in vitamin A, this can cause hair loss. If this is the case, taking vitamin A can help alleviate hair loss. Taking more than the recommended daily value of vitamin A in supplement form is not recommended without first consulting your doctor.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace element that the body cannot produce on its own, but most people get enough zinc from their daily diet. A side effect of zinc deficiency is hair loss, and in this case, taking zinc has been shown to promote new hair growth. Foundation’s UnTangled dietary supplement contains 100% of the recommended daily value of zinc.

The National Institutes of Health recommends getting most of your zinc through your diet — foods like oysters, meat, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and whole grains all contain zinc.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that are essential for the proper function of cells and provide energy to the body. Taking omega-3 fatty acids often means taking fish oil, which some studies have also found to promote hair growth. A 2015 study found that women who took fish oil supplements experienced significant increases in hair growth and decreased hair loss.

The best source of omega-3 fatty acids is through your diet, which you can find in high amounts in fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, and anchovies.

How to Prevent Hair Loss in the Future

There are many reasons for hair loss, including genetics, autoimmune diseases, stress and depression, hormones, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, poor diet, and more. Identifying the cause is an important part of learning how to prevent and treat hair loss. To keep your hair healthy, consider the following tips:

Follow a Mediterranean diet: The Mediterranean diet consists of foods that are high in unsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants and low in saturated fats and animal protein. Research shows that this diet is important for treating hair loss because it involves eating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods.

Improve your hair care habits: To keep your hair healthy and prevent hair loss, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends hair care practices such as always using conditioner, gently massaging shampoo into your scalp, letting your hair air dry before brushing it, minimizing heat styling and dyeing or highlights, and gently combing your hair every day. The AAD also recommends avoiding hairstyles that strain the hair, such as tight buns and ponytails, cornrows and braids, or extensions.

Try home treatments and supplements: The AAD recommends trying at-home over-the-counter hair loss products, such as those containing minoxidil or at-home laser caps. Foundation Skincare has launched an UnTangled Hair supplement that is formulated with vitamins to help with thinning hair and improve hair volume and health. UnTangled was developed by a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in treating hair loss. It contains optimal amounts of clinically proven ingredients like vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as zinc and iron. It provides nutrients to hair follicles while increasing keratin production to promote hair growth. Since it can be difficult to get the optimal amount of each vitamin through your daily diet, a balanced and carefully formulated supplement like Untangled is a sure way to ensure you get enough of these vitamins, especially if you suffer from thinning hair or hair loss.

Try Professional Treatments: You can talk to your doctor or dermatologist about trying professional hair loss treatments such as: B. steroid injections, hair transplants, or laser treatments. In some cases, your doctor may also provide prescription medications that can help treat hair loss.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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