Hair Growth Stimulating Complex
Published: 13 December, 2023 | 6'
How to stimulate hair growth?
Under normal conditions, 80% of the hair remains in the growth phase (anagen phase), 1% in the follicular involution period (catagen phase), and the rest in the resting period (telogen phase). This means that the hair follicle is constantly involved in cellular repair and renewal.
The hair follicle penetrates deeply into the dermis, extending to the subcutaneous tissue. It is formed from the outside in by a transparent dermal membrane, two sheaths (outer and inner), the cuticle, the cortex of the hair shaft, and the medulla of the hair shaft. Inside the follicular medulla is the so-called dermal papilla, which is considered the true motor of the hair. Let's see how it works.
Ways to activate the hair follicle
The dermal papilla is a reservoir of multipotent stem cells that regulate the development of the hair follicle. The dermal papilla is responsible for nourishing the hair follicle, determining its size and the volume of the hair shaft, regulating the hair cycle and growth rate, and its thickness.
Its stimulation depends on three important areas:
- Hormones: the action of sex hormones (androgens and estrogens), thyroid hormones, stress-related hormones (e.g. cortisol), among others, can regulate the hair cycle.
- Nutrition: the presence of bioactive compounds (such as those provided by plant extracts), minerals, vitamins, and proteins contribute structural elements to the hair shaft and follicle.
- Metabolism: the action of plant or cellular extracts can maintain the follicle's activity rhythm and hair growth.
Components of the hair growth stimulating complex (HGSC)
Many phytochemicals such as saw palmetto, nettle, maca (among others), and other natural products like amino acids, marine proteins, vitamins, and zinc have stimulating properties for hair growth. However, recent research on hair growth stimulating complexes has shown an additional option for maintaining hair growth and vitality.
The hair growth stimulating complex is a blend of active ingredients of plant origin capable of enhancing the renewal of the dermal papilla, which is a reservoir of stem cells that regulate the growth cycle and prolong the lifespan of the hair, in addition to reducing hair loss. Let's review the elements that make up this hair growth stimulating complex.
Plant stem cells and hair growth
What are plant stem cells? They are located in the meristem zone of the plant and their function is to promote tissue development and cell renewal, with the characteristic that they do not undergo senescence processes (aging). Extracts of plant stem cells in cosmetic formulations provide bioactive compounds that support the viability, repair, and renewal of the hair follicle.
Grapes (Vitis vinifera) have been extensively used in the cosmetic field for their antioxidant and anti-aging properties, due to their high content of polyphenols, mainly flavonoids (i.e., quercetin, kaempferol), derived from catechin, anthocyanins, and stilbenoids (i.e., resveratrol, viniferia).
The meristematic cells (stem cells) of grape fruits have shown their biocompatibility, their antioxidant action, and their positive action on the microcirculation of the hair follicle. In vitro studies have shown that grape fruit stem cells stimulate the cellular renewal of the dermal papilla by more than 15% in just 24 hours (data on file).
Hydrolyzed walnut extract and hair growth
Walnuts of the Juglans genus are widely used in cosmetic formulations such as exfoliants, shampoos, hair dyes, among others. They contain a large amount of fatty acids, proteins, polyphenols, vitamin C and E, etc.
Their phenolic compounds are of great value because their direct antioxidant activity protects the hair from external aggressions, in addition to maintaining the structure of hair proteins and hair color. The activity of hydrolyzed walnut extract provides flexibility and firmness to the hair, as well as prolongs its lifespan.
Hydrolyzed rocket leaf extract
Rocket leaves (Eruca sativa) are known for their amount of bioactive compounds with antioxidant power, especially glutathione, which is one of the most potent antioxidants in our body. Hydrolyzed extract of Eruca sativa is capable of effectively promoting the production of glutathione in the scalp, as it increases the endogenous (natural) antioxidant capacity and acts as a protective barrier for the hair follicle, preserving its structure and metabolic activity, favoring hair growth.
Active ingredients to prevent hair loss:
As we mentioned before, nutrition of the hair follicle is key to maintaining growth, repair, and scalp health. Let's review what natural ingredients can promote hair growth.
Prebiotics
The scalp is colonized by an autochthonous microbiota that maintains the balance of pH, sebum levels, moisture, among others, which promotes optimal hair cycle activity. Prebiotics are "functional foods" that allow the growth of autochthonous microbiota or microflora (natural or native).
The objective of prebiotic cosmetics is to rebalance the skin's microflora, when some factor is not in balance, such as excess sebum on the scalp. Oligosaccharides are considered an appropriate prebiotic, as they selectively stimulate the growth of a limited number of bacterial species that have the potential to improve the scalp's well-being.
Maca
Extract of maca root (Lepidium meyenii) is extremely rich in proteins, amino acids (18 in total), vitamins (group B), and minerals (iron, calcium), as well as flavonoids, glucosinolates, and saponins.
Maca extracts have positive effects on the scalp, maintaining its integrity and that of the hair follicles. In addition, it facilitates antioxidant activity and modulates the action of 5-alpha-reductase, which slows down hair loss.
Nettle
The extracts from the nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) contain high concentrations of polyphenols, terpenoids, sterols, and minerals, which exert their activity at three levels in the regulation of mediators that stimulate hair loss, modulating the action of 5-alpha-reductase, and providing elements for hair follicle metabolism.
Horse Tail (Equisetum arvense)
Horse tail leaves provide high concentrations of silica and polyphenols, and are widely used in the cosmetic industry as a moisturizer, conditioner, and anti-dandruff agent. The application of its extracts at the scalp level has shown to maintain the integrity of the scalp, stimulate microcirculation, and reduce the duration of the telogen phase.
CAPILMAR Anti-Hair Loss Lotion
It is an easy-to-apply scalp spray with a cannula, whose ingredients preserve the hair follicle and slow down hair loss, prolonging hair growth.
Capilmar Anti-Hair Loss Lotion combines the Hair Growth Stimulating Complex (grape stem cells and rocket and walnut extracts), along with maca, a prebiotic, a select group of plant extracts, amino acids, and zinc PCA, which, in addition to promoting hair growth, firmness, and vitality, also stimulate the production of endogenous keratin (its own).
Capilmar Anti-Hair Loss Lotion is suitable for vegans.
How to use Capilmar Lotion?
Capilmar Lotion is for topical use. Apply 12 sprays of the spray directly onto the scalp, accompanying it with a gentle massage using fingertips, which facilitates the distribution and absorption of the lotion. It is recommended to use the product at night, before bedtime. No rinsing is necessary.
It is also recommended to use it in two phases:
- Shock phase: Apply the maximum dose of 12 sprays to the scalp for one month.
- Maintenance phase: Apply 3 times a week for three months.
Capilmar Lotion is formulated with a watery base and its ingredients do not stain the scalp, nor leave it greasy.
Can I combine it with other hair loss products?
Capilmar Lotion can be used simultaneously with the intake of dietary supplements or other cosmetic products. It can be used simultaneously with the intake of Capilmar capsules, enhancing the synergistic positive effect. If you have any doubts, consult with your doctor or healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Maintaining the activity of the hair follicle is key to hair growth, and its stimulation depends on hormonal activity, nutrition, and optimal metabolism. Any disruption in this process can lead to hair loss.
Currently, there are plant-based solutions that continuously renew and repair the follicle, ensuring the pace of hair growth. The Hair Growth Stimulating Complex combines stem cells and plant extracts that promote the metabolic activity of the follicle, provide antioxidant protection, and maintain the structure of hair proteins.
Other synergistic plant active ingredients include maca, horse tail, and nettle, which primarily act on factors that contribute to hair loss; and the addition of a prebiotic maintains the scalp microflora, controlling moisture, sebum, and pH.
Content written and reviewed by the specialists of the Scientific Information area at MARNYS. This article is informative and does not substitute the consultation with a specialist.