Recent discoveries have uncovered a compound that actually stimulates the activity of self- renewing dermal skin cells laying an entirely new treatment foundation for healthier hair. Potential stem cell based hair loss treatments have long been heralded as offering real hope to those who have been nonresponsive or only moderately responsive to the anti-androgens, anti-inflammatories, and hair growth stimulators that are currently available.
One has finally arrived.
A novel plant extract from the Argan tree targets hair loss by stimulating the activity of self-renewing dermal stem cells which both alleviate scalp inflammation and induce hair growth.
A Dermal Stem Cell Role in Hair Loss Elucidated:
In 2009, a team of scientists from the University of Toronto discovered an intervention for both stimulating hair growth and overall scalp health which involved adult stem cell function.
In the words of Dr. Goldfaden: Adult stem cells have the ability to differentiate into tissue cell types with a specific function. The skin relies on a reservoir of active stem cells in both the epidermis (upper layer) and dermis (middle layer) to renew and repair itself, and also to enable proper wound healing.
The location of dermal stem cells specific to hair growth was only recently uncovered by the aforementioned team from the University of Toronto.
Dr Goldfaden continues: After conducting a series of studies, the researchers reported that cells localized at the base of the hair follicle (dermal papilla) expressed the stem cell marker Sox2 and exhibited the property to grow in colonies in the form of spheres, both characteristics of dermal stem cells. In addition to differentiating into fibroblasts that support dermal rejuvenation, these cells (referred to as skin-derived precursors, or SKPs) were also shown to generate hair follicle formation and stimulate hair growth in experimental mice. This evidence led the research team to conclude that skin-derived precursors are in fact dermal stem cells that serve to induce hair morphogenesis and maintain the dermis.
Compounds that had the potential to improve the regenerative capacity of aging dermal stem cells were (and are still being) exhaustively evaluated. Eventually, it was found that compounds isolated from the the Berber tree (Argania spinosa or Argan tree), a tree indigenous to Morrocco and Algeria, uniquely possessed this ability. The Argan Tree is exposed to extreme heat, drought, and cold and most importantly, exhibits a distinctly strong stem cell regeneration capacity.
By what mechanisms do Argan stem cells treat pattern hair loss and support healthy hair growth?
The dermal papilla, at the base of the hair bulb, is a focal point for dermal progenitor stem cells. These root stem cells area key in both hair growth and hair follicle formation.
The Argan Stem Cells in Anti Aging Rejuvenating Scalp Serum, engineered by Dr Goldfaden, have been demonstrated to stop the loss of progenitor stem cells, promote production of dormant root cells, and stimulate cellular repair processes to specifically treat both Androgenetic and Senescent (age related) hair loss .
Dr. Goldfaden explains the mechanisms of this process in laymen terms:
In an advanced cell culture technique, the presence of 0.1% Argan stem cell extract had beneficial effects on two important characteristics of dermal stem cells: It significantly enhanced the expression of the stem cell marker Sox2, and it increased the number of secondary spheres by 89% compared to untreated controls in aging dermal skin cells, thus improving their activity. This indicates that these newly activated dermal stem cells could then stimulate the formation of hair follicles and hair growth in humans.
Like Emu Oil (which increases dermal thickness by 15%) , human skin treated with Argan stem cell extract increases dermal density by nearly 13% compared to a placebo after eight weeks. This is significant because both skin aging and hair loss are associated with a decrease in dermal density and structural integrity. The resulting DHT mediated reduction in dermal thickness along with inflammation and eventual fibrosis, miniaturizes the hair follicle. Both Emu Oil and Argan stem cell extract offset this process and support a healthy scalp and hair growth by increasing dermal density.
In his breakthrough hair loss treatment, Anti-Aging Rejunvenating Scalp Serum, Dr Goldfaden, in addition to Argan Stem Cell Extract, integrated 4 additional components that potentiate its hair growth stimulation effects, via different mechanisms than Argan Stem Cells:
1. Procyanidins
Procyanidins are flavonoids found in chocolate, tea, apples, and grapes. A Japanese research team found that a type of procyanidin known as procyanidin B-2 effectively treats hormonal hair loss by effectively switching hair follicles from the telogen (resting) phase to the anagen (growth) phase. Procyanidin B-2 also stimulates l hair growth and has been found to increase hair density and hair diameter in men, leading one research team to recognize it as a promising cure for male pattern baldness.
2. Copper
Dermal papilla (the base of the hair follicle) is the source of adult stem cells. Researchers like Dr. Proctor and Dr. Pickart of Skin Biology observed that tripeptide-copper complex, a growth factor for various types of cells, stimulated the elongation of human hair follicles and of dermal papilla cells. Exclusively Copper based topical hair loss treatments include both TriComin and Folligen.
3. Tea Extracts
The inflamed scalp affected by hormonal hair loss is bombarded with free radicals on a daily basis, hair especially from UV exposure. As antioxidants produced within the body are depleted, excess free radicals begin to modify the scalp structure. This process compromises hair growth.
Green, black, white, and red tea extracts are brimming with potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that protect the scalp affected by hormonal hair loss against the damaging effects of free radicals.
4. Biotin
Biotin is a B vitamin that has been used for years both orally and topically to reduce shedding and promote healthy hair growth. It is often used as an adjunct on many hair growth formulas, both topical and systemic.
Summary
Dr Goldfaden has produced a breakthrough stem cell based treatment for hair loss that is based on several years of research at the University of Toronto. It has the unique ability to regenerate dermal stem cells that stimulate hair follicle formation and hair growth, and increase dermal density in the process.
This particularly potent stem cell stimulator, Argan Extract, has been formulated, along with 4 additional components, into a serum, which could be considered to be one of the most advanced treatments for hair loss currently available.
In addition to being a breakthrough hair loss treatment, Dr. Golfaden’s Anti Aging Rejuvenating Scalp Serum is one of the most cost effective treatments to date. One 2 oz bottle of his serum cost $46.00, and requires a usage of only 3-5 drops to either a dry or towel dried scalp a day. One bottle will typically last 2-3 months. It is also a dry oil, easily absorbed by the skin so it leaves no residue or build-up on the hair or scalp.
Can I use Anti Aging Rejuvenating Scalp Serum with Emu Oil?
Yes you can. In fact it would be highly recommended. Since both Emu Oil and the Rejuvenating Anti Aging Scalp Serum are both rapidly absorbed and require an only once a day application to be effective, an easy way to use both is simply to use the Rejuvenating Anti Aging Scalp Serum in the morning, and Emu Oil in the PM before retiring. You can also use them in closer proximity by applying the Rejuvenating Serum first, followed 20 minutes later with Emu Oil. Doing so will enhance its penetration and residence time.
Since both the Rejuvenating Serum and Emu Oil increase dermal density, it would be reasonable to expect added hair growth benefits with their dual use as well.