A healthy scalp is essential in achieving healthy hair. Each of our hairs grows out of an individual follicle in the scalp. In addition, each follicle contains a sebaceous gland which produces sebum which helps the hair and scalp continue to be soft and supple. Sebum production varies for each individual. If a follicle becomes clogged with excess sebum, dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria, this can lead to dandruff, infection, and even hair loss, explained further below. That is why maintaining a healthy scalp is essential to maintaining healthy hair.

Since the scalp is made up of skin cells that divide, migrate to the surface, and then shed, manual and/or chemical exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells that can build up and lead to dandruff. Dandruff combined with oil and sweat can trap bacteria within the scalp and lead to infection. Shampooing regularly to ensure the scalp is clean, exfoliated, and free of product residue is essential in maintaining scalp and hair health. One good option is the DCL SA Scalp Therapy Shampoo (12 fl oz), which contains salicylic acid to help control the itching and flaking of dandruff. It can also help control plaques caused by psoriasis.

An unhealthy scalp can lead to hair loss. Maintaining scalp health with shampoos, topical treatments and in-office treatments can not only keep hair loss at bay but help stimulate new hair growth. Advanced Dermatology offers Keravive™ by Hydrafacial®, a treatment designed to cleanse, stimulate, nourish, and hydrate the scalp for fuller and healthier looking hair. We also offer Keralase™, which uses the non-ablative Lutronic LaseMD™ laser to create micro-channels in the skin to deliver a proprietary blend of proteins and growth factors (KeraFactor® serum) to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood supply and transitioning hairs into the actively growing phase of the hair growth cycle.

Other treatments for hair loss include PRP (platelet-rich plasma), which is the process of taking one’s own blood and spinning it down to produce a solution made up of a high concentration of growth factors to be injected back into the individual’s scalp. KFP™ with microneedling is another treatment that can be done to deliver proteins and growth factors to the scalp for stronger, thicker, and healthier-looking hair. For more information on our hair loss solutions or to schedule a consultation, please contact Advanced Dermatology at (847) 459-6400.

Other topical options for hair loss include prescription and nonprescription
products such as minoxidil. One effective non-prescription option is KeraFactor™ Scalp Stimulating Solution ($150, 1.69 fl oz) available at skinfo®. This topical solution is anti-inflammatory and contains a high concentration of a proprietary blend of KeraFactor™ Peptide Complex (KFP™) to renew and revitalize the scalp and promote hair growth. For best results, this can be paired with the KeraFactor™ Scalp Stimulating Shampoo and Conditioner ($45, 3.38oz) to clean, exfoliate and nourish the scalp and hair with growth factors and conditioners.

Also essential to healthy skin and hair is eating a well-balanced diet to ensure you receive all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed for optimal cell renewal and hair growth. For those experiencing hair loss or thinning due to stress, hormones, medication, age, or genetics, Viviscal™ PRO Advanced Hair Health ($60, 180 tablets) professional strength supplements are a drug-free option to help strengthen and thicken hair as well as prolong the hair growth cycle. This formula contains biotin, apple extract, vitamin C, and an exclusive marine complex.

For more information on Viviscal™ or any of our SkinQRI® products, please contact skinfo® Specialty Skincare Boutique at 847-459-2800 or visit skinfo.com.