Slowing down hair growth
Introduction
Products designed to slow down hair growth are somewhat exotic, because when we meet someone new, their hair is often the first key stimulus that we consciously perceive. And indeed, our hair has a significant impact on our appearance. For example, a full and lush mane stands for youthfulness, vitality, beauty, and vigor, while thinning hair is often associated with older age and/or health problems. Even though hairstyle trends have changed dramatically over the centuries, hair still plays a major role in self-perception and in how we judge other people. Those who are satisfied with their hair automatically exude more self-confidence, while problems such as hair loss and bald spots often lead to massive inferiority complexes.
Strong hair growth is great…
One might assume that fast and strong hair growth is desirable in all cases. However, this is not the case. Some people’s hair grows extremely quickly… and usually in unwanted places. Those affected suffer immense psychological distress and sometimes no longer dare to go out in public. However, it is possible to slow down hair growth. Special active ingredients are used for this purpose, which we will introduce below.
What is the cause?
Atypically strong, non-androgen-dependent, and diffuse hair growth is medically referred to as hypertrichosis. It can be congenital or acquired. The causes are varied. For example, it often occurs in scleroderma, chronic porphyria syndrome, myxedema in the context of hypothyroidism, and fetal alcohol syndrome. Malnutrition due to anorexia nervosa, extreme stress, and the use of certain medications can also contribute to hypertrichosis. A basic distinction is made between the generalized and localized forms. Generalized hypertrichosis occurs over a large area, while the localized form affects only a few areas of the body. This usually involves moles or birthmarks that are covered with long black hair. If the excessive hair growth appears similar to a ponytail on the lower back, the spine underneath is likely to be malformed. Trisomy 18, a chromosomal abnormality, is also often associated with hypertrichosis.
When is it advisable to slow down hair growth?
Women from southern regions, on the other hand, are particularly affected by increased hair growth following a male pattern. In these cases, the increased hair growth mainly occurs in the genital area, on the chest, and on the face. Doctors refer to such cases as genetically determined hirsutism. The trigger is thought to be increased sensitivity of the hair follicles to male hormones, with increased hair growth usually first appearing at the onset of puberty. Fortunately, this predisposition is completely harmless, but for most women it is very cosmetically disturbing. However, only in very rare cases are testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone levels actually elevated. A common form of hirsutism is the so-called “lady’s beard.” In nine out of ten cases, however, the trigger for male hair growth in women cannot be determined.
Regardless of the cause, slowing down hair growth significantly improves the quality of life of those affected. This problem, which is actually more cosmetic in nature, usually has an immense negative impact on the psyche and self-confidence. Fortunately, creams, lotions, and spa treatments can help to successfully slow down hair growth.
Innovative ways to slow down hair growth
If medication is responsible for the increased hair growth, it can be discontinued or replaced with another active ingredient after consultation with the treating physician. If the hormone balance is out of equilibrium, appropriate therapy can help to control excessive hair growth. Classic methods such as regular shaving, plucking, or electrolysis are not always sufficient to slow down hair growth. However, there are now effective active ingredients that help to slow down hair growth.
Presentation of the active ingredients
One example is chelidonine. This is a processed molecule of plant origin that can be integrated into a gel cream, among other things. As extensive tests have shown, the speed of facial hair growth is reduced by 13.5 percent after just two months of use. The cross-section of the hair also decreased visibly during the same period: by as much as 14 percent. Thanks to chelidonin, the so-called “5 o’clock shadow” after shaving could be delayed by three hours in the tests. The active ingredient is also suitable for women. A roll-on deodorant with chelidonin, for example, significantly slows down hair growth under the armpits. However, the preparations not only reduce the proliferation of hair root cells, they also alleviate inflammation that usually occurs as a result of hair removal, for example with wax or shaving, by regulating the production of the inflammatory mediators PGE2, IL8, and VEGF. Chelidonin can also be easily incorporated into aftershave products.
But there are even more active ingredients that help slow down hair growth. Two particularly effective examples are dihydromyricetin, PHC A-7, and Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extract:
Profile Chelidonine / Kelisoft
Description: a molecule of plant origin
INCI: Butylene Glycol (and) Chelidonine
CAS numbers: Chelidonine 476-32-4, 1,3-Butanediol 107-88-0
Effect: Slows hair growth, reduces hair diameter
Profile Dihydromyricetin
Description: Flavanonol from the flavonoid group
INCI: Dihydromyricetin
CAS number: 27200-12-0
Effect: Slows hair growth
Profile Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extract
Description: Extract from the leaves of the Australian cow plant
CAS number: 90045-47-9
EC number: 289-908-8
Effect: Slows hair growth
Profile PHC a-7
Description: By reducing hair growth, PHC a-7 is a skin-friendly solution for preventing facial or body hair, unlike many other irritating treatments such as shaving, waxing, or laser therapy. Thanks to its balanced mixture of proteolytic enzymes, PHC a-7 is able to reduce the supply of nutrients to the hair follicle. The raw material is very skin-friendly and an in vivo study showed a reduction in hair growth of up to 50% in 4 weeks.
INCI: Propylene Glycol, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Viscum Album Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Carica Papaya Leaf Extract, Thuya Occidentalis Leaf Extract, Ononis Spinosa Root Extract, Cucurbita Pepo Seed Extract
Effect: Slows hair growth
High-quality products to slow hair growth from Cosmacon
Excessive hair growth does not have to be an unalterable fate. Thanks to innovative active ingredients, hair growth can now be effectively reduced, meaning that those affected suffer significantly less from this cosmetic problem. At the same time, the production of inflammatory mediators can be effectively regulated. However, regular use or a course of treatment is recommended. At Cosmacon, you can have high-quality, sophisticated preparations developed for your target group to slow down hair growth. Let us advise you!
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