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by Nat Jones, RPh, FAPC, PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharmacist
Both hair growth and anti-aging fall beneath the dermatology umbrella: hair is an appendage of the skin, while anti-aging is directly related to skin aesthetics and health. Dermatologists often refer patients to compounding pharmacies for personalized solutions to issues in these areas. In this article, we review specific hair growth solutions and preparations as well as anti-aging compounds.
The majority of hair growth preparations are topical solutions that use minoxidil as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Minoxidil solubility is pH dependent — especially in higher concentrations — so most compounded solutions require acidification. Due to the poor water solubility of minoxidil, a popular formula for 10% minoxidil solution contains 30% of a mixture of ethyl alcohol and propylene glycol (ppg) for improved solubility, allowing the formula to contain more than 50% Purified Water USP. The formula uses sulfuric acid solution to acidify and adjust the pH to approximately 4.4.
PCCA’s minoxidil lotion formulas employ Atrevis Hydrogel® (PCCA #30-4986) diluted with Preserved Water (Parabens) (USP 51 Study) to a lotion consistency, suspending APIs rather than dissolving them. This negates the need for pH adjustment, which saves time when compounding. The solubilizers in the gel base likely enhance permeation to the follicle, which is the target for optimal results.
One hot, new API for anti-aging is Methylene Blue USP (PCCA #30-1115); though known for its bright blue hue, there’s no fear of skin turning blue when preparations use low concentrations. Incorporating concentrations that range from 0.5 to 2.5 micromolar will retain antiaging effects without any discoloration.
The PCCA formula database features anti-aging formulas using VersaBase® Cream (PCCA #30-3641), along with some API formulas that combine Estriol USP Micronized (E3) (PCCA #55-1714) for females, which can stimulate collagen formation, as well as Dimethylaminoethanol (2) (Liquid) (DMAE) (PCCA #50-1986) and PCCA Sodium Hyaluronate (Cosmetic Grade) (PCCA #30-3856) for male and female patients. Additionally, PCCA Formula #15350 combines methylene blue and DMAE into a commonly requested anti-aging compounded preparation.
PCCA members with clinical services access may view and/or download applicable formulas after logging on to our Members-Only Website. Clinical services access also allows members to contact our Clinical Services team for additional information on compounding preparations for patients with hair loss/alopecia and anti-aging issues, as well as other compounding concerns.
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These statements are provided for educational purposes only. They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not to be interpreted as a promise, guarantee or claim of therapeutic efficacy or safety. The information contained herein is not intended to replace or substitute for conventional medical care or encourage its abandonment.