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• AZALEIC ACID WITH CRINAGEN - THE MOST POTENT TOPICAL ANTI-ANDROGEN

• HairSite Editorial - 11/1/98

• HairSite

1998 will definitely be remembered as the most exciting year for advances in hair loss treatments. While most of us are still evaluating whether new breakthroughs such as Propecia, Semodex, 5% Minoxidil etc. work for us, another promising treatment comes along to end 1998 on a high note !!!!!

Azaleic acid - you may have already heard of it, but recent studies have shown that it is probably the most potent anti-DHT topical treatment available when used with Crinagen  which is formulated with Zinc and Vitamin B6. According to Dr. Lee, a hair loss specialist in the U.S., Azaleic acid is "close to 100%" effective in  eliminating Type I - 5-alpha reductase on the scalp - the culprit for hair loss in pattern baldness. This discovery is also substantiated by the British Journal of Dermatology (Stamatiadis. 1988;119: 627-632). In a clinical study reported in the British Journal of Dermatology, topical application of Azaleic acid in conjunction with Zinc and Vitamin B6 can inhibit the activity of 5-alpha reductase by as much as 98%.

Azaleic acid is a natural substance commonly found in whole grains. It has been widely used for many years as an antibiotic or antiviral agent for treating acne and pigmentation. Clinical studies have shown that topical application of Azaleic acid can eliminate the accumulation of free radicals on our skin.

As a general rule, it is better to use Azaleic cream than pre-mixed Azaleic topical lotions. Same as Retin-A, Azaleic acid can be abrasive to scalp tissues if used properly. The most commonly reported problems with pre-mixed topical Retin-A or Azaleic acid lotions is that they are too strong and may cause follicles "burns" in some cases. Most people find it difficult to localize the topical lotions when applying to the scalp. Using Azaleic acid cream will allow the patient to test his or tolerance level on targeted areas on the scalp.  The patient can increase or decrease the amount of cream used in each application depending on his or her tolerance level.

To be effective, Azaleic acid cream has to be used topically in conjunction with Zinc and Vitamin B6. The most readily available source of Zinc and Vitamin B6 topical lotion is Crinagen, formulated by Dr. Razack. To my knowledge, Crinagen is probably the only topical lotion sucessfully formulated with Zinc and Vitamin B6 as the key ingredients.

While Zinc and B6 can be found in any health food store, it is by no means easy trying to formulate a "chemically stable" lotion with the two agents. Zinc and B6 has a tendency to cause precipitates and residue when mixed with other agents in a liquid vehicle and when this happens, the "chemical state" of the mixture will become very unstable and the potency of all the agents in the liquid vehicle will be compromised.  For example, Dr. Lee confirmed that he had made multiple attemtps to mix Azelaic acid, Zinc and B6 together and " regardless of the chemical form of the zinc, precipitates formed within a few days, indicating a reaction in the solutions that would compromise the chemical and physiological effect of the minoxidil and/or azelaic acid. "

At this point, combining Azelaic acid cream with Crinagen would be the most logical choice. In terms of administration, a thin layer of Azelaic acid cream should be applied to the affected areas followed by Crinagen. Many of our readers, including myself,  have already started this program and I will definitely keep you informed of our progress.

Please also see MORE UPDATE ON AZELAIC ACID

If you have trouble finding Azaleic acid cream or Crinagen in your area, please email me at HairSite@aol.com