Why 15% Minoxidil?

[Jm0311]

This may be a ridiculous question. But, why do people decide to use 15% in lieu of 5%? Just because its stronger i assume? I read that there was little, if any benefits seen by using 15% :dunno:

 

[casperz]

More is better right? I tried it, saw no results after three months
and went back to 5%.

 

[Vigaku]

What is meant by "more" though?

If by liquid the answer will be an obvious no, because the scalp can only absorb so much liquid at a time.

However I don't see why 15 or even 30% min won't increase the benefit considering the liquid amount is the same, only the concentration of min is higher. I don't think it lies in the same category as the dosage of finasteride, because finasteride combats DHT produced from the prostate I believe, whereas anything topical deals with the hair follicle only. Basically, I don't think "stimulation" has such small limits.

 

[Bryan]

However I don't see why 15 or even 30% min won't increase the benefit considering the liquid amount is the same, only the concentration of min is higher.

That _may_ be true, but nevertheless I'd like to see studies on the efficacy of topical minoxidil vehicles other than the standard alcohol/propylene glycol/water mixtures that you get with Rogaine. The other vehicles which allow for greater concentrations of minoxidil may or may not be as effective at getting it into the hair follicles. For example, the Merck Index clearly states that glycerin (used as a substitute for propylene glycol by Dr. Lee in some of his formulations) doesn't permeate the skin as well as propylene glycol. Does that mean that a topical that uses glycerin instead of propylene glycol isn't as effective? I don't know for sure, but I'd like to find out.

I don't think it lies in the same category as the dosage of finasteride, because finasteride combats DHT produced from the prostate I believe, whereas anything topical deals with the hair follicle only.

Wrong on both counts. Finasteride inhibits the type II form of 5a-reductase pretty much wherever it occurs in the body, not just in the prostate (and BTW, finasteride's inhibition of 5a-reductase within hair follicles is how it actually works to stop/slow balding). Furthermore, some drugs applied topically are absorbed systemically, leading to body-wide effects.

 

[Jm0311]

what would you use in your minoxidil? propylene glycol, or a. acid?

 

[Vigaku]

However I don't see why 15 or even 30% min won't increase the benefit considering the liquid amount is the same, only the concentration of min is higher.

That _may_ be true, but nevertheless I'd like to see studies on the efficacy of topical minoxidil vehicles other than the standard alcohol/propylene glycol/water mixtures that you get with Rogaine. The other vehicles which allow for greater concentrations of minoxidil may or may not be as effective at getting it into the hair follicles. For example, the Merck Index clearly states that glycerin (used as a substitute for propylene glycol by Dr. Lee in some of his formulations) doesn't permeate the skin as well as propylene glycol. Does that mean that a topical that uses glycerin instead of propylene glycol isn't as effective? I don't know for sure, but I'd like to find out.

I don't think it lies in the same category as the dosage of finasteride, because finasteride combats DHT produced from the prostate I believe, whereas anything topical deals with the hair follicle only.

Wrong on both counts. Finasteride inhibits the type II form of 5a-reductase pretty much wherever it occurs in the body, not just in the prostate (and BTW, finasteride's inhibition of 5a-reductase within hair follicles is how it actually works to stop/slow balding). Furthermore, some drugs applied topically are absorbed systemically, leading to body-wide effects.

Well if it (glycol) permeates the skin better than I don't see why liquid wouldn't work more effectively..minoxodil sure won't work better otherwise (foam lacking better substance). I think the foam's only advantage is the quality of application.

I meant DHT from the prostate, not in the prostate. I'm aware finasteride affects DHT in the system.

That should explain why I'm getting more eyebrow hair from minoxidil.