the dynamic natural skin care: growth

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Wednesday, March 18

Zinc for hair growth - Zinc deficiency hair loss

Home › Iron deficiency hair loss › Zinc for hair growth - Zinc deficiency hair loss.
Zinc is an essential micronutrient, having important functions in biochemical processes in the body. Zinc is essential for protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, cellular functions and several enzymatic processes.

zinc deficiency disorders, either acquired or congenital, manifest with common symptoms such as hair loss and dermatitis. Several research studies have proved that zinc deficiency affects the healthy growth and function of skin and its appendages such as hair, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, fingernails and toenails.

Zinc deficiency causes

The primary cause of deficiency is insufficient levels of the mineral in the diet. Another cause is inefficient uptake from the food, though the food may contain sufficient amounts of the mineral. Other causes are, genetic factors, malabsorption syndromes and increased gastrointestinal and urinary losses. Chronic liver disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic renal disease, Crohn’s disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, short bowel syndrome, cancer, other chronic illnesses, gastrointestinal surgery and chronic diarrhea may also cause deficiency of the mineral.

Research on zinc deficiency hair loss

In a study carried out by Min Seong Kil et al. at Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital (Seoul, Korea), 312 patients with main complaint of alopecia were enrolled for the study "Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss". The blood samples were analyzed for serum zinc and copper concentrations. The results revealed that, in hair loss patients, the serum zinc concentration was significantly lower than that of the control group, but the serum copper concentration was not significantly different.

Min Seong Kil et al. observed that "zinc-related metalloenzymes may have the potential to regulate hair growth. Zinc is a component of zinc finger motifs for many transcription factors, which regulate hair growth through hedgehog signaling, and is a catagen inhibitor via its inhibitory action on apoptosis-related endonucleases." They concluded that the mineral metabolism disturbances play a key role in hair loss, especially alopecia areata and telogen effluvium loss.

How zinc deficiency affects hair

Among the important functions of the mineral in the human body, the regulating of follicle cycling, inhibiting follicle regression and accelerating follicle recovery are noteworthy. Paus et al.20 reported that zinc has a potent dose-dependent immunomodulatory effect on the follicles. It is also a potent inhibitor of follicle regression and accelerates follicle recovery.

Even transient zinc deficiency is known to have an effect on the follicle function. The cellular processes like protein synthesis, cell division, cell repair, enzymatic reaction, utilization of vitamins are directly affected by the deficiency of zinc. Its deficiency weakens the structural integrity of the follicles. The deficiency the micronutrient leads to disturbances in the follicle cycling and anagen phase and also premature advancement of resting telogen phase. With retardation of anagen phase, the fresh supply of new hair strands is affected leading to more follicles in resting phase. The end effect is thinning of strands and apparent excessive loss.

Zinc deficiency can cause subclinical hypothyroidism which is known to cause hair loss. Ambooken Betsy et al. in their study 'Zinc Deficiency Associated with Hypothyroidism: An Overlooked Cause of Severe Alopecia' reported that "Hypothyroidism is a common and well recognized cause of diffuse hair loss". They added that "The hair loss attributed to hypothyroidism may not improve with thyroxine unless zinc supplements are added."

Correcting zinc deficiency

Oysters, red meat, poultry, whole grains, dairy products, fortified cereals, beans, chickpeas and nuts are good sources. Supplements may be taken under the advice of the health care provider to correct the deficiency. Overdose of zinc can cause acute adverse effects and deficiency of other micronutrients. Patients with hereditary haemochromatosis may accumulate the mineral in their body. Very high doses of zinc are reported to inhibit both the anagen and catagen stages of hair growth.

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Wednesday, March 11

Iron for hair growth - Iron deficiency hair loss

Home › Madarosis › Iron for hair growth - Iron deficiency hair loss.
Iron (Fe) deficiency affects hair growth, and chronic lack of iron in the diet can lead to hair loss. Nutritional deficiencies of vitamins as well as that of minerals such as, zinc, copper and iron are associated with hair loss.

For finding a solution to this common problem, the main focus must be to investigate the nutritional shortcomings. The cardinal point to be borne in mind is that healthy balanced food leads to healthy body.

In the human body, the total iron is about 3.8 grams in men and 2.3 grams in women. It is present in all cells of the human body, including hair follicles and red blood cells. Unlike minerals such as calcium, sodium and magnesium, the iron in the blood plasma is not in a free ionic form and is bound tightly to the protein transferrin. Free iron is toxic to cells as it catalyzes in the formation of free radicals. Iron is a key component of cytochrome in cells, which are primarily responsible for the generation of ATP via electron transport and catalyze several redox reactions. Iron is also stored in the cells as ferritin.

Iron deficiency and hair loss

Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in the world. Iron deficiency anemia is very common among women of childbearing age. Iron deficiency in the body leads to decrease in hemoglobin, myoglobin and ferritin stores. It causes deprivation of sufficient oxygen to the body tissues and muscles and manifest as symptoms like tiredness, fatigue, dizziness, pallor, hair loss, irritability and inability to concentrate.

Causes of deficiency

Many conditions lead to deficiency of this mineral in the body. Both insufficient intake as well as depletion and loss from the body lead to anemia.

The foremost reason for the mineral deficiency is insufficient intake through food.
Protein-energy malnutrition, malnutrition, starvation, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders can give rise to various health problems, including iron deficiency and hair loss.
Excessive menstrual bleeding in women is the major cause of iron depletion from the body.
Chronic bleeding wounds, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, bleeding piles, bleeding gastric ulcers and bleeding colonic cancer are some of the conditions causing the deficiency.
Malabsorption syndromes like inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease can hamper absorption of the mineral as well as cause its depletion by bleeding.
Surprisingly, athletes can become anemic due to mechanical hemolysis, destruction of red blood cells from physical impact, especially among long distance runners. They may also suffer loss of iron through sweat, urine and intestines.

Ferritin (iron store) and hair loss

Ferritin is an intracellular protein that stores iron and controls its release. It acts as a buffer in case of Fe deficiency or overload. Though most of the ferritin is stored in the cells, small amounts are released into the blood plasma as an Fe carrier. The serum ferritin level correlates with total body iron stores. However, in case of infection or chronic inflammation the serum ferritin levels get elevated and do not correlates with total body Fe stores.

Moeinvaziri M et al in their study, 'Iron status in diffuse telogen hair loss among women', concluded that, "In women without systemic inflammation or other underlying disorders, serum ferritin levels below or equal to 30 ng/mL are strongly associated with telogen loss."

The normal range of serum ferritin for men is between 12-300 ng/ml and for women is 12-150 ng/ml. However the optimum level is 70 ng/ml and above. It is to be noted that a person may have normal hemoglobin levels and may not show any anemia symptoms. However, he may be having latent iron deficiency (LID). In such situations the ferritin analysis will show low levels.

Correcting iron deficiency hair loss

In most of the cases of deficiency, taking food rich in the mineral and also taking supplements under the advice of a doctor may resolve iron deficiency induced hair loss. Heme iron is the most readily absorbed form and clam, red meat, kidney, liver, spleen, poultry and fish are rich sources. Green leafy vegetables, soybeans, lentils, legumes and dry fruits are rich non-heme sources. Oxalates, phytic acid and tannin present in plant foods bind to iron in the gut to form insoluble complexes, reducing the bioavailability.

Oral supplements such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or amino acid chelate tablets are prescribed to treat anemia. To treat chronic anemia, physician may recommend blood transfusion.
The supplements must be taken only under a doctor's guidance. Iron overdose can have serious health consequences.

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Thursday, August 14

Anagen phase - Anagen hair follicle growth

Home › Stages of hair growth › Anagen phase - Anagen hair follicle growth.

What is anagen?
Anagen phase is the active stage of hair follicle growth.

During anagen, there is vigorous mitotic activity in the germinal matrix of the follicle and the hair shaft is formed. Addition of new cells and pigmentation takes place at the base of the hair shaft. The anagen period extends from termination of the telogen to beginning of the catagen. The hair shaft keeps growing long till the termination of this phase by some unknown biological or chemical signals.

Anagen phase may last anywhere between 2-7 years and it is considered that the length of the period is predetermined genetically. People of Asian origin are found to have long follicle growth phase and have long strands, sometimes even reaching up to one meter. At any one time, approximately 80-90% of all follicles in a healthy individual are in the anagen growth phase. Different body regions have different anagen periods. The growth period may be short and last up to one or two months in case of follicles on the arms, legs, eyelashes and eyebrows.

It is estimated that on the entire surface of the human body, there are about 5 million hair strands.

Scleromyxedema

Follicular mucinosis

Alopecia areata barbae

Alopecia areata totalis

Alopecia areata universalis

Types of alopecia

What is alopecia areata

Approximately 50 to 100 of them are shed daily by a healthy individual. Not having long hair of desired length and its regression and balding are distressing concerns. Can we stimulate or prolong the anagen phase? The possibilities are discussed at the end of this post.

Anagen phases

Anagen phase comprises of follicular regeneration and active generation of pigmented hair shaft. Considering the cytohistological aspects, this period is further divided into six sub-phases.

Anagen subphase-I
Before this substage, follicles are in a mode of mitotic and transcriptional inactivity. In subphase-I, transcriptional activation of dermal papilla as well as the secondary hair germ occurs. The dermal papilla increases in size and there is proliferation of epithelial cells of secondary hair germ and their growth.

Anagen subphase-II
The bulb matrix cells, with the advent of vigorous mitotic activity grow down and envelop the dermal papilla. Dermal papilla differentiates into components of hair shaft and inner root sheath.

Anagen subphase-III

Melasma natural treatment

There is continued proliferation and growth of bulb matrix cells and the precursors of follicular components are formed. The follicle reaches its maximum size and the bulb is fully formed. There is proliferation of follicle melanocytes and melanin granules are produced for incorporation of pigment into the hair shaft. The internal sheath attains a conical shape and the papillary cavity of the follicle is constricted at its base.

Anagen subphase-IV
In this phase, the melanin pigment is incorporated into the growing shaft, still within the cone of the internal root sheath. It now reaches the level of sebaceous glands.

Anagen subphase-V
The bulb and follicle reach their final shape and the shaft emerges from the inner root sheath to be in level with epidermis. The telogen shaft is dislodged and shed in this phase.

Anagen subphase-VI
The hair shaft emerges from the cone of external root sheath and transcends the skin surface. The fully formed anagen follicle keeps producing the strand till the activity is switched off.

Stimulating and prolonging the anagen phase

There are some compounds and hormones that can stimulate and prolong the anagen phase.

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Skin sensitivity

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Winter dry skin

Dry skin tips

Methylsulfonylmethane, a supplement intended for joint pain, is found to lengthen anagen phase of follicle growth which helps to grow long hair. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5- methoxytryptamine) is a hormone produced by the pineal gland which controls sleep regulation, circadian rhythms and follicle growth among many other functions. Application of topical melatonin induces and prolongs the anagen phase.

There are also hormones like androgens, regulating or restricting the follicle growth. Autoimmune and inflammatory factors can target and regress the follicles as in the case of many types of alopecia. Androgen inhibitors, anti inflammatory agents, antioxidants and immunosuppressants are prescribed to deal with the above problems. Hwang et al reported in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine that "adenosine promoted the expression of several growth factors that are responsible for hair growth, including fibroblast growth factors (FGF)-7, FGF-2, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)."

However it advised to consult a physician or a trichologist for treating the follicle problems and rejuvenating anagen phase.

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Reference: 1.Hwang, Hwang, Lee, Kim, Roh, Lee, Kim, Lee, and Kyung-Chul Choi. "Adenosine stimulates growth of dermal papilla and lengthens the anagen phase by increasing the cysteine level via fibroblast growth factors 2 and 7 in an organ culture of mouse vibrissae hair follicles." International Journal of Molecular Medicine International Journal of Molecular Medicine 29 no. 2 (2012): 195-201.
2.Rachita P Dhurat. Deepal J Deshpan. Anagen Hair Syndrome. Int J Trichology. 2010; Jul-Dec; 2(2): 96–100.

Current topic on natural skin care: Anagen phase hair follicle growth.

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Wednesday, August 13

Human hair growth cycle - Stages of hair growth

Home › Hair loss (alopecia) › Hair growth cycle - Human hair growth phases.

Human hair follicles, deceptively simple structures, with the most obvious function of producing hair shafts, have different growth phases.

Depending upon their location, the human hair follicles individually differ in their regenerative functions to produce shafts varying in length, thickness, shape, color, curl and growth phases. Hair growth passes through anagen (rapid growth), catagen (regression), telogen (resting) and finally exogen (shedding) phases.

In humans the hair cycling is asynchronous, intrinsic and autonomous. Though all the body hair goes through this cycling, the follicles have varying duration of growth phases at different body regions and also within the same site. The human follicular growth phases are independent of seasons and circannual rhythms. However, what initiates the stimulus for hair growth phases and the origin of the stimulus remains to be clarified.

Akin to human skin turnover, hair growth cycling in phases is an unique inherent evolutionary process. Perhaps the process had evolved to 1) keep pace with the body growth; 2) adapt to periodic changes in the environmental conditions; 3) meet certain biological needs such as reproduction; 4) protect from malformations and malignancy; or 5) adapt to social, ethnic and regional evolutionary pressures.

Follicular morphogenesis and regeneration

Prenatal follicles form from primitive epidermis and there is follicular cell differentiation to form sheath and shaft. Follicle formation occurs once in a person's lifetime. Normally a person is born with a fixed number of hair follicles. Thereafter there is only follicular cycling.

The human skin has approximately five million follicles. The follicular cells have regenerative properties. In anagen there is complete regeneration of the lower portion of the follicle. The stem cells are present at the base of the follicle bulb and in catagen, during the regression of the follicle, these primitive epithelial stem cells remain behind.

Anagen phase in hair growth

Anagen phase is the shaft growth period and approximately 80 percent to 90 percent of healthy follicles are in anagen at any given time. Anagen of each strand on the human scalp may last between two to seven years depending on the individual. Longer anagen period contributes to long hair. However, in arms, legs, eyebrows and eyelashes have shorter strands because the anagen period lasts only for a few months.

In anagen period the follicles are very sensitive and prolonged diseases, nutritional deficiencies, extreme physical stress or mental stress may end the growth phase and trigger telogen effluvium leading to massive shedding of strands. The duration of anagen appears to have genetic influence in humans as generally Asians have longer anagen and long hair.

The anagen has six subphases. Substage-I is primarily regrowth of papilla and onset of cell division. Substage-II involves descent of evolving bulb and differentiation of cells. In substage-III, the follicle attains its full size and cells differentiate into follicular components. In substage-IV, melanocytes are reactivated and produce melanin pigment. Substage-V involves dislodging of club hair and emergence of shaft through the tip of the internal sheath. In substage-VI hair shaft emerges through the skin surface.

Catagen Phase in human hair growth

Catagen phase in humans is a short transition period between anagen and telogen and lasts for about three weeks. The outer hair root sheath shrinks during this period and at any time about 5% of the shafts are in this mode. An unknown signal brings about catagen. There is stoppage of follicular cell growth and pigment deposit. The papilla is released from the bulb. There is cessation in differentiation of the lower follicular cells. In the follicle there is apoptosis of the distal region and vertical shrinkage.

Telogen phase in human hair

Telogen phase is the resting period and may last approximately for two or three months. After telogen, anagen returns.

About 10 to 15% of the scalp follicles will be going through this phase at any time in a healthy individual. The ratio of between the anagen and telogen decides the density of hair present in the human scalp. Telogen is prolonged in case of strands on the eyebrows, eyelashes, arms and legs.

Exogen (shedding) phase in human hair

Humans shed 50-100 strands of hair daily. When the anagen resumes, the cells in the root region start dividing rapidly and push out the earlier telogen strand (club hair) which had stopped growing. This leads to loosening of the telogen strand and its shedding.

Further research may throw light on the following areas of importance in human follicular phases. The genetic aspects of anagen, catagen, telogen and exogen have to be further investigated. The triggers of anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen phases of hair growth in humans have to be studied. The effects of extraneous factors including endocrine and immune functions on the human pilosebaceous apparatus have to be further understood. The factors behind vellus-to-terminal follicle switch as well as the inverse terminal-to-vellus switch have to be have to be further investigated. We further need to elucidate the dynamics of cellular division as well as apoptosis in the follicles. Better understanding of the human hair growth phases may help us in dealing with alopecia, a worldwide problem of great esthetic concern.

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Reference: 1.K. S. Stenn , R. Paus. Controls of Hair Follicle Cycling. Physiol Rev. 2001; Jan;81(1):449-494.
2.Krause K1, Foitzik K. Biology of the hair follicle: the basics. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2006; Mar;25(1):2-10.

Current topic on natural skin care: Human hair growth cycle phases.

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Tuesday, September 7

Skin care: Olive oil hair care -Olive oil for hair growth

Types of olive oil → Olive oil for hair care and growth → Olive oil moisturizer → Beauty tips
Olive oil is the best solution for getting glossy, silky, soft, strong, long, dense, elastic, frizz-free, dandruff-free, lice-free hair with good growth.

Olive extract is a nourisher, conditioner and moisturizer promoting its growth and care.
Proper use of olive oil for good hair care and growth involves three stages.

The scalp must be periodically cleaned thoroughly to remove dirt, skin debris and the excess sebum to stem hair loss and promote its health.

Daily care of scalp skin is necessary to have healthy hair. It must be combed and massaged to improve its blood circulation.

Understanding the structure of hair helps in its care and growth using olive oil

To have healthy hair, care of scalp skin is a must as all the living parts of it like follicles, roots and sebaceous glands are located beneath the scalp skin.

Follicles are the roots wherein cells are packed to form the shaft. The sebaceous glands on the scalp produce sebum which is a natural moisturizer and conditioner to control hair loss.

The actual shaft which emerges out of the skin has no living process. The shaft contains the (1) inner core medulla containing loose cells and air space, (2) the cortex containing tightly packed keratin and (3) the outer cuticle containing cells arranged in single layer like shingles of roof.

Olive oil for hair care, growth, nourishment and scalp massage

Mild antibacterial and antifungal properties of olive help in the prevention of diseases of the scalp skin and helps in its care. Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants.

Antioxidants protect the follicles from the oxidative damages caused by free radicals promoting growth and controlling loss.

It nourishes the shaft at its formation stage at the follicles and its health and growth is improved and loss is reduced.

Taking care by massaging the scalp with olive oil apart from facilitating its penetration also helps in the improvement of the circulation to the scalp skin.

Improved circulation means more nutrients for the growth of shaft at the root level. This controls its fall, loss, premature graying and poor texture.

Olive oil as moisturizer and conditioner for care and growth of hair

It is very effective moisturizer and conditioner promoting growth and controlling loss. It penetrates the shaft making it soft and supple.

Application of olive oil locks in the moisture and stops it from getting brittle and dry and its loss.

It is a good protection for the cuticle and its use for stopping split ends gives good care results, growth preventing loss.

Frequent combing and use of colours and dyes may take away cuticle and cause split ends.

Hair shaft

Olive oil for hair protection from dandruff and lice and its care and health

Regular application to the scalp and massaging gets rid off dandruff and promotes growth.

Olive extract application on the scalp discourages lice. They cannot thrive in this medium and environment.

Application of olive oil on the scalp followed by combing for lice make the lice to loose grip and fall out.

Get glowing skin complexion. Remove acne scars and blemishes from face.