Dr. Neal Beightol

Many factors play into hair loss, so there is not necessarily a particular vitamin that will reverse hair loss. Alopecia is the technical name for hair loss, and alopecia areata is a type of hair loss cause by an autoimmune dysfunction, and can lead to patches of baldness on one end of the spectrum to complete body hair loss on the other end of the spectrum. Supplements generally won't help this type of hair loss. There is androgenic hair loss in women that usually occurs after menopause where there is a shift in hormones. Hormone replacement or medications directed against androgenic hormones can help this situation. Hypothyroidism and iron deficiency can cause hair loss, and the correction of these problems can reverse the hair loss. Inflammatory conditions of the scalp can cause hair loss, so the correction of these conditions is necessary to prevent further hair loss. So, there are a lot of different causes of hair loss, and each one usually has a relatively specific intervention.

In general, biotin, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E are considered essential for healthy skin and hair. Keep in mind that too much Vitamin A and Vitamin E can cause toxicity. Topical minoxidil can also be an effective agent in restoring hair and preventing loss.

Oil is essential for the face, so don't try to dry it out too much. Over the counter benzoyl peroxide or adapalene are topical agents that can reduce oil production on the face.

That is a good combination for hyperpigmentation, and should work well for hyperpigmented acne scarring. A couple of thoughts, though. 1) fluocinolone is a steroid and long-term use can cause acne lesions, so only apply it to the spot, and not to the whole area. Of course, tretinoin is good for acne, so you don't have to be as meticulous with that one. It's usually a compounded mixture, so make sure you are only treating the dark spots, because, 2) It can lighten surrounding skin, even faster than the dark spot lightens. 3) I find that hydroquinone should be at least 4% to be effective, so if you are having it compounded, ask for the 4%.

Acne is a multi-factorial problem, and usually requires a multi-factorial approach. Meaning the best treatment is usually a series of treatments, including an appropriate facial wash, toner, treatment (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, etc.) and use of non-comedogenic moisturizers and sun-screens. Mild acne can often be controlled with just one step of such a regimen, but moderate or persistent acne often needs the full spectrum. Facial washes have different ingredients -- some are exfoliants (salicylic acid) and some have benzoyl peroxide in them as part of the treatment. Most acne I see has not been controlled by OTC products, so I often have to add an antibiotic (topical or oral) or a prescription treatment step.