minoxidil-faq

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minoxidil-faq [2017/11/15 02:05]
Cemmos [I See Thin White Hairs — What Are Those?] 		minoxidil-faq [2020/08/19 23:34] (current)
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-Fluent in a language other than English? Help us translate! Join BeardWiki.com and send an email to contact@beardwiki.com and we'll get you set up as an editor.+Are you fluent in a language other than English? Help us translate! [[https://articles.beardwiki.com/login|Join BeardWiki.com]] and [[https://forum.beardwiki.com/g/wikieditor|send a group request here]] and we'll get you set up as an editor.
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
-~~HIDEPAGE~~ 
 ====== Minoxidil Beard FAQ ====== ====== Minoxidil Beard FAQ ======
-//Proudly brought to you by the same people that created the original Minox FAQ document, located in a closed Facebook group called [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheMinoxBeardSpot/|The Minox Beard Spot]]. +//Proudly brought to you by the [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/BeardPub/|Beard Pub]].//
-Group founded and administered by [[https://www.youtube.com/user/basikoe|Basik Ali]].//+
  
 ===== What is Minoxidil? ===== ===== What is Minoxidil? =====
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 {{ :scalp-vertex-hair-regrowth.jpg |}} {{ :scalp-vertex-hair-regrowth.jpg |}}
  
-If, however, you apply the product to the face, which has better blood circulation and absorption than the scalp, the likelihood increases that minoxidil will find its way into your bloodstream. We also call this systemic, despite the product being topical. The risk of side effect //may// increase, including body hair in places other than your face. +**Summary:** No, because it has never been tested there and approved by the FDA. It has, however, been tested in Thailand((https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02275832))((https://www.docdroid.net/PoZ5Iha/jde13312.pdf)).
- +
-**Summary:** No, because it has never been tested there and approved by the FDA. It has, however, been tested in Thailand((https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02275832)).+
  
 ===== How Does Minoxidil Promote Body Hair When You Apply it to Your Face? ===== ===== How Does Minoxidil Promote Body Hair When You Apply it to Your Face? =====
 See the previous answer. See the previous answer.
  
-Additionally, when minoxidil enters your system, it can (and likely will) promote hair growth on the whole body. Various members of TMBS have reported new [[:vellus hair]] growth on places such as the:+Additionally, when minoxidil enters your system, it can (and likely will) promote hair growth on the whole body. Various people have reported new [[:vellus hair]] growth on places such as the:
   * forehead   * forehead
   * ears   * ears
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 The listed side effects of topical minoxidil can be [[https://www.drugs.com/sfx/minoxidil-topical-side-effects.html|found here]]. Take note of oral side effects as well, and disregard those. You will not and do not want to take minoxidil orally during this process. The listed side effects of topical minoxidil can be [[https://www.drugs.com/sfx/minoxidil-topical-side-effects.html|found here]]. Take note of oral side effects as well, and disregard those. You will not and do not want to take minoxidil orally during this process.
 +
 +**Does minoxidil affect libido/sex drive?** [[https://articles.beardwiki.com/minox-erectile-dysfunction-lower-libido|No]].
 +
 +For more in-depth reading on side effects and what to do if you encounter them: [[https://articles.beardwiki.com/minoxidil-side-effects|Side Effects of Minoxidil Usage for Beards]]
  
 **Summary:** Yes, minoxidil can cause some side effects. But so can Tylenol. **Summary:** Yes, minoxidil can cause some side effects. But so can Tylenol.
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 Since the human body can only metabolize a certain amount of minoxidil within a 24-hour period, more frequent applications than two per day is unnecessary. Although twice per day is recommended, //it is not obligatory//. Since the human body can only metabolize a certain amount of minoxidil within a 24-hour period, more frequent applications than two per day is unnecessary. Although twice per day is recommended, //it is not obligatory//.
  
-Some TMBS members report increased sensitivity to minoxidil and can only take one application a day. Other members can only take one application per day due to their work schedules. While results can be expected sooner when applying twice daily, many TMBS members are reporting steady results with only one daily application. Many have completed their minoxidil journey with a single application per day.+Some people report increased sensitivity to minoxidil and can only take one application a day. Others can only take one application per day due to their work schedules. While results can be expected sooner when applying twice daily, many people have reported steady results with only one daily application. Many have completed their minoxidil journey with a single application per day.
  
 **Summary:** Twice per day, keeping applications 8-12 hours apart. More than that will not make it work any better, and may cause side effects. **Summary:** Twice per day, keeping applications 8-12 hours apart. More than that will not make it work any better, and may cause side effects.
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 **Liquid**: there is a fill line on the dropper that comes with your supply. If you have a spray bottle, it may be 6 sprays. Read your packaging for directions. **Liquid**: there is a fill line on the dropper that comes with your supply. If you have a spray bottle, it may be 6 sprays. Read your packaging for directions.
  
-**Foam**: for most brands of foam, it is half a cap. Foligain is an exception, which is a single pump.+**Foam**: for most brands of foam, it is half a cap. Foligain and Qgain are exceptions, which is a single pump.
  
 If you are growing out a beard, more may be needed as it clings to the hair. This means you will potentially use up your supply faster. Wash or rinse your face prior to applying to ensure it and the and pores are clean, and apply the minoxidil either with your finger or dropper. If you are growing out a beard, more may be needed as it clings to the hair. This means you will potentially use up your supply faster. Wash or rinse your face prior to applying to ensure it and the and pores are clean, and apply the minoxidil either with your finger or dropper.
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 ==== How Do I Apply Foam Minoxidil? ==== ==== How Do I Apply Foam Minoxidil? ====
-There are a few techniques that people have used to apply the foam minoxidil. Find what works best for you. +The most common method to apply foam minoxidil is to dispense it into the cap first, then, using your fingers, scoop the minoxidil out and apply it directly to your face until the desired area is covered. Fill the cap up halfway for a single dose. There is usually no reason to use more than half of a cap full and using more may lead to more severe side effects and would more than likely be a waste.
  
-<blockquote>Dispense the foam directly onto the face by holding the can vertically so that you don’t waste the gas. If you don’t hold it vertically you end up with liquid coming out, not foam. Let it dissolve a little on the face, then massage it in.<cite>Member 1</cite></blockquote> +<WRAP center round tip 60%> 
-  +If your foam is melting immediately after dispensing it into the cap, that means it's being kept too hot. Putting it in the fridge for a couple of minutes or running it under cold water should be enough to allow it to dispense as normal. Do not store it in the refrigerator long-term. 
-<blockquote>Shake 30 seconds so that when you spray it into the cap, it's a shaving cream consistency. Then using 1 or 2 fingers, massage into your beard area. It drys very quickly, and I've experienced no itch or irritation.<cite>Member 2</cite></blockquote>  +</WRAP>
- +
-<blockquote>1.) Wash face with hot water (or take hot shower), then wash hands with cold water. +
-2.) Squirt out the foam into the cap half full. This is 1ml. Spraying into hands or directly on face will likely result in excess dosage. +
-3.) One finger in the cap half-full with minox foam, then apply it equally on face and massage vigorously on face until dry. +
-4.) Your face should be dry in less than a minute.<cite>Member 3</cite></blockquote>  +
- +
-<blockquote>You can store the foam canister in room temperature. It does not need to be in the refrigerator or in the freezer. I shake the bottle and I spray the foam in the cup of the bottle about half of the cup. Sadly it won't last longer than a month depending on if you overuse it or if the foam turns to liquid depending on the room temperature. It could possibly last for a month. Next, I use a rubber glove because unlike the liquid minoxidil, the foam does not have a dropper, so we have to use our hands. This is done because I want it fully absorbed on my face rather than it absorbing on hands, thus less chances having hair on your hands. I use two fingers to grab the foam and dab it on the area where I want to apply it. When I apply the foam on the area, the foam evaporates because the temperature on the skin thus turns it into liquid. Dab or rub on the area. Last thing I do is I rub around the face. No need to wait until it dries. It will dry in less than 10 minutes. On a side note, you will smell the alcohol when you apply on the mustache area and will feel a burn around some areas especially near the month. This is all normal.<cite>Member 4</cite></blockquote> +
- +
-<blockquote>Half a cap was plenty. I usually even had enough to go back and add more to certain areas. Don't keep it somewhere warm. Keeping it somewhere room temperature is fine. Just fill the cap up half way, use one finger to apply it and rub it in. Obviously it helps if you keep your beard trimmed down short. It's also a good idea to use gloves so you get the most you can on your face instead of getting it absorbed into your fingers. Your bare hands can be a little warm which will often dissolve some of the foam before you even get it on your face.<cite>Member 5</cite></blockquote>+
  
 {{ youtube>OPAmnyACJ6A?small}} {{ youtube>OPAmnyACJ6A?small}}
  
 ===== How Long Should I Leave Minoxidil On? ===== ===== How Long Should I Leave Minoxidil On? =====
-Whether foam or liquid, it should stay on for 4 hours. <wrap hi>Tests have shown 50% is absorbed in the first hour, and 75% by hour four.</wrap>+Whether foam or liquid, it should stay on for //at least// 4 hours. <wrap hi>Tests have shown 50% is absorbed in the first hour, and 75% by hour four.</wrap>
  
-You should try to keep it on a //minimum// of an hour, or the application will be wasted. Bear in mind that this study was conducted on the scalp, which is less absorbent than the face. However, it is the most accurate information we have, so it should be treated as the standard amount of time.+Bear in mind that this study was conducted on the scalp. However, the scalp has less barrier function((https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/2/4/384/htm)) and theoretically this could mean the face can take //longer// to fully absorb.
  
 **Study:** [[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2395092]] **Study:** [[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2395092]]
  
-**Summary:** Four hours. Then rinse or wash if you'd like and apply a moisturizer if need be. <wrap hi>You can leave it on for longer than four hours.</wrap>+**Summary:** <wrap hi>Four hours is the recommended //MINIMUM//.</wrap> Ideally, you should try to leave it on for 8-12 hours. But if you must rinse it off to moisturize then try to keep it on for at least 4 hours.
  
 ===== How Long Should the Minoxidil Journey Be? ===== ===== How Long Should the Minoxidil Journey Be? =====
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 ===== My Hair is Shedding! What Do I Do? ===== ===== My Hair is Shedding! What Do I Do? =====
-This is normal. The new hair is pushing out the old. Even if it occurs on your head, it will pass. This is part of the process and //must// happen. For more information, see [[:shedding]].+This is normal. The new hair is pushing out the old. Even if it occurs on your head, it will pass. This is part of the process and //must// happen. For more information, see [[:follicle#shedding|shedding]].
  
 {{ youtube>l3f3G-1ckGs?small}} {{ youtube>l3f3G-1ckGs?small}}
  
-===== Which Brand of Minoxidil Should I Use? ===== +===== Which Brand of Minoxidil is Best? ===== 
-{{youtube>WWLlM0XXrR0?small }} Many use Kirkland Signature as it is the cheapest, but any brand containing 5% minoxidil is fine. More than 5% may be a health issue, and less seems to yield less results. There is some efficacy to 10% being useful for those that are not responding well to minoxidil, but it needs to be a mixture without [[:dht#known-dht-blockers|DHT blockers]].+{{youtube>WWLlM0XXrR0?small }} There is no "best" brand. Most brands are exactly the same product, just packaged and sold by different companies. They almost all contain the exact same ingredients. As long as it contains 5% Minoxidil and does not contain any DHT inhibitors it's fine. More than 5% may be a health issue, and less seems to yield less results. There is some efficacy to 10% being useful for those that are not responding well to minoxidil, but it needs to be a mixture without [[:dht#known-dht-blockers|DHT blockers]].
  
 [[:minoxidil-faq#brands-of-minoxidil-from-around-the-world|Click here to jump down to a full list of minoxidil brands.]] [[:minoxidil-faq#brands-of-minoxidil-from-around-the-world|Click here to jump down to a full list of minoxidil brands.]]
  
 +===== Should I Use 5% Minoxidil or a Higher One Like 10%? =====
 +5% is cheaper and possibly even //better// than higher percentages. If you have been seeing progress with 5%, stick with it and don't chase more. A study has shown that 5% was more effective. So, along with effectiveness, price, and potentially less side effects, it is recommended that you use 5%.
 +
 +For more information about this, read this article on Beard Profile: [[https://www.beardprofile.com/articles/article/42/should-you-use-5-or-10-minoxidil-when-improving-your-beard| Should You Use 5% or 10% Minoxidil When Improving Your Beard?]]
 +
 +As stated in the section above, and the article, some people may have better progress with 10% //if they are resistant to minoxidil//. Being resistant means that you see very little or no progress at all after several months of use. If you are seeing progress, however, you are not resistant and 10% would likely not help any more than 5%.
  
 ===== Liquid or Foam Minoxidil — Which is Better? ===== ===== Liquid or Foam Minoxidil — Which is Better? =====
 Liquid is cheaper and takes about 1 hour to dry once applied. The foam tends to be twice the price (depending on location), but dries in about 15 minutes or less. Either is fine for getting beard gains. Foam will have your skin considerably less dry and itchy, however. Liquid is cheaper and takes about 1 hour to dry once applied. The foam tends to be twice the price (depending on location), but dries in about 15 minutes or less. Either is fine for getting beard gains. Foam will have your skin considerably less dry and itchy, however.
  
-If you ask users, they tend to contradict each other. Liquid is known to be absorbed easier due to its propylene glycol content, but foam has been shown to work just as well. Your mileage may vary.+If you ask users, they tend to contradict each other. Liquid is known to be absorbed easier due to its propylene glycol content, but foam has been shown to work just as well with many people. Your mileage may vary. 
 + 
 +**Important read:** [[https://articles.beardwiki.com/foam-vs-liquid-minoxidil|Foam or Liquid Minoxidil; Which is Better?]]
  
 <WRAP group> <WRAP group>
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 ===== How Should I Stop Taking Minoxidil? ===== ===== How Should I Stop Taking Minoxidil? =====
-It is recommended that after the hair is terminal, which can take anywhere from six months to two years, you begin to taper off. It's not necessarily, and plenty of people just stop suddenly with no loss of gains, but it doesn't hurt. In a way, people tend to start tapering off without realizing it, as we get less motivated the closer we are to our end point.+It is recommended that after the hair is terminal, which can take anywhere from six months to two years, you begin to taper off. It's not necessary, and plenty of people just stop suddenly with no loss of gains, but it doesn't hurt. In a way, people tend to start tapering off without realizing it, as we get less motivated the closer we are to our end point.
  
 There's no standard way of tapering, simply do as you wish and start applying less weekly once you know you're ready to end the journey. There's no standard way of tapering, simply do as you wish and start applying less weekly once you know you're ready to end the journey.
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 <blockquote>Your facial hair will grow like any other guy's so long as you've gotten it to the terminal stage. It should really not be referred to as a "minoxidil beard," as that creates misconceptions. <cite>Cemmos</cite></blockquote> <blockquote>Your facial hair will grow like any other guy's so long as you've gotten it to the terminal stage. It should really not be referred to as a "minoxidil beard," as that creates misconceptions. <cite>Cemmos</cite></blockquote>
  
 +For more information, see: [[https://articles.beardwiki.com/permanent-minox-beard|What Happens After You’re Done Using Minoxidil; Is Your Beard Permanent?]]
 ===== Does Minoxidil Have Drug Interactions with X Prescription? ===== ===== Does Minoxidil Have Drug Interactions with X Prescription? =====
 While it may be okay to use certain medications while on minoxidil, there are certain drugs that may interact negatively with topical minoxidil. While it may be okay to use certain medications while on minoxidil, there are certain drugs that may interact negatively with topical minoxidil.
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 {{youtube>HhAtwFYdxBA?small }} There are other methods of exfoliation that can be more effective and are less risky. Using a boar bristle brush, or even a toothbrush or damp cotton rag, can be an effective method of exfoliation that doesn't run the risk of ingrown hair, and doesn't require you to shave off your beard. {{youtube>HhAtwFYdxBA?small }} There are other methods of exfoliation that can be more effective and are less risky. Using a boar bristle brush, or even a toothbrush or damp cotton rag, can be an effective method of exfoliation that doesn't run the risk of ingrown hair, and doesn't require you to shave off your beard.
  
-Trimming will give you the psychological aspect of still being able to grow your beard without impeding application or absorption to any meaningful degree. Since vellus hair grow slower than terminal, shaving may make you feel that you have regressed (you haven't it just takes longer for vellus to grow back!)+Trimming will give you the psychological aspect of still being able to grow your beard without impeding application or absorption to any meaningful degree. Since vellus hair grow slower than terminal, shaving may make you feel that you have regressed (you haven't; it simply takes longer for vellus hair to grow back).
  
 <blockquote>NOTE: SHAVING WILL NOT "KILL YOUR GAINS" <cite>Adam</cite></blockquote> <blockquote>NOTE: SHAVING WILL NOT "KILL YOUR GAINS" <cite>Adam</cite></blockquote>
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 A common side effect of minoxidil, especially the liquid minoxidil, is dry, flaky skin. If this happens to you, be sure to moisturize after you've rinsed or washed the minoxidil out, as stated in [[:minoxidil-faq#my-face-is-itchingdrying-out-what-can-i-do|a section above]]. A common side effect of minoxidil, especially the liquid minoxidil, is dry, flaky skin. If this happens to you, be sure to moisturize after you've rinsed or washed the minoxidil out, as stated in [[:minoxidil-faq#my-face-is-itchingdrying-out-what-can-i-do|a section above]].
  
-Once you wash off the minoxidil (foam or liquid) after 4 hours from applying it, many members apply a moisturizer to their skin to help create optimal conditions for new hair growth.+Once you wash off the minoxidil (foam or liquid) after //at least// 4 hours from applying it, many members apply a moisturizer to their skin to help create optimal conditions for new hair growth.
  
 ==== How Often Should You Apply Moisturizers? ==== ==== How Often Should You Apply Moisturizers? ====
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 ==== DHT Blockers ==== ==== DHT Blockers ====
-When choosing a multi-ingredient moisturizer such as beard oil, beard balm, or other moisturizer, you'll find that many products on the market from beard companies contain [[:dht#dht-blocker|DHT blockers]]. DHT is the androgen hormone that is responsible for both the growth and development of facial hair. While these products containing DHT inhibitors will probably not effect vellus gains and may not completely stop your facial hair from developing, it is possible that they could slow your progress.+When choosing a multi-ingredient moisturizer such as beard oil, beard balm, or other moisturizer, you'll find that many products on the market from beard companies contain [[:dht#dht-blocker|DHT blockers]]. DHT is the androgen hormone that is responsible for both the growth and development of facial hair. While these products containing anti-androgens will likely not effect vellus hair count, and may not completely stop your facial hair from developing, it is possible that they could slow your progress.  
 + 
 +Men in beard-related Facebook groups have commonly mentioned that their beards did not progress while they were using finasteride for hair loss. When stopping finasteride, the progress of their facial hair began. 
 + 
 +<wrap lo>Here is an article from Beard Profile explaining why you should stay away or be careful with most beard products on the market: [[https://www.beardprofile.com/articles/article/28/psa-stay-away-from-most-beard-oil-products|PSA - Stay Away From Most Beard Oils]].\\ 
 +Don't believe DHT blockers make a difference, or want to learn why they do? Read **[[https://articles.beardwiki.com/hirsutism-dht-blockers-threat-to-beards|What is Hirsutism? A Look at Why DHT Blockers Are a Real Threat to Beards]]**.</wrap>
  
 === I Heard DHT Causes Baldness === === I Heard DHT Causes Baldness ===
 While it is true that DHT is one of the leading causes of hair loss. This is only true for men who are predisposed to male pattern baldness. Men suffering from MPB are sensitive to even **normal** levels of DHT((http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajpa.1330880106/abstract)). This is why most hair restoration products contain DHT blockers. While it is true that DHT is one of the leading causes of hair loss. This is only true for men who are predisposed to male pattern baldness. Men suffering from MPB are sensitive to even **normal** levels of DHT((http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajpa.1330880106/abstract)). This is why most hair restoration products contain DHT blockers.
  
-<wrap hi>Increasing your DHT levels will not cause you to go bald unless you are already predisposed to losing your hair from MPB</wrap>. In which case, you're going to lose your hair eventually anyway. +Increasing your DHT levels will not cause you to go bald unless you are already predisposed to losing your hair from MPB. In which case, you're going to lose your hair eventually either way. Whether or not increasing your DHT levels will //accelerate// hair loss remains to be seen and cannot be answered at this time.
- +
-Here is an article from Beard Profile explaining why you should stay away or be careful with most beard products on the market: [[https://www.beardprofile.com/articles/article/28/psa-stay-away-from-most-beard-oil-products|PSA - Stay Away From Most Beard Oils]] +
 ==== Derma Rolling ====  ==== Derma Rolling ==== 
 <wrap lo>CAUTION: If you decide to use a derma roller, please be advised that it can increase the side effects of minoxidil if used incorrectly.</wrap> <wrap lo>CAUTION: If you decide to use a derma roller, please be advised that it can increase the side effects of minoxidil if used incorrectly.</wrap>
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 === How often can I use the dermaroller? === === How often can I use the dermaroller? ===
-  * 0.2 or 0.25 mm long needles can be used every second day on the same skin area. ⠀+  * 0.2 or 0.25 mm long needles can be used every second day on the same skin area.*(not sufficient for beard growth)
   * <wrap hi>0.5 mm long needles can be used once or twice per week on the same skin area</wrap>. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀    * <wrap hi>0.5 mm long needles can be used once or twice per week on the same skin area</wrap>. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 
   * 1 mm can be used every two - four weeks on the same skin area.   * 1 mm can be used every two - four weeks on the same skin area.
 +
 +<wrap hi>Highlighted = recommended size</wrap>
 +<wrap lo>Derma rollers with a shorter length than 0.5mm will not be large enough to produce collagen*</wrap>
  
 === Do I have to shave or trim before using the dermaroller? === === Do I have to shave or trim before using the dermaroller? ===
 Shaving or trimming low is recommended because the needles need to be able to puncture the skin for dermarolling to work. If you have long growth and roll over it, you will only be damaging and pulling hair. Trimming is safer and carries less risk of causing irritation to the skin and hair follicles as opposed to shaving. Shaving or trimming low is recommended because the needles need to be able to puncture the skin for dermarolling to work. If you have long growth and roll over it, you will only be damaging and pulling hair. Trimming is safer and carries less risk of causing irritation to the skin and hair follicles as opposed to shaving.
 +
 +=== What to Do Before/After Using the dermaroller? ===
 +**Before:**
 +Before using a dermaroller, you clean your face with soap and water — preferably something with antibacterial qualities. A clean face is important, as you'll be rolling needles through your skin, puncturing it, which allows foreign objects like bacteria to more easily enter.
 + 
 +**After:**
 +Using an antimicrobial ointment or isn't necessary, but recommended. As said above, keeping bacteria and microorganisms from entering your skin is important. A face product with antimicrobial properties will help to combat that and keep your skin free healthy and safe.
 +
 +=== Can I apply a moisturizer after derma rolling? ===
 +It is best to only use products that are safe and recommended to use after derma rolling. While not inherently unsafe to use a typical moisturizer, products may enter the skin more than intended. The safest route would be to not use any product for several hours after derma rolling (and certainly not minoxidil for a minimum of 24 hours). We have not seen any adverse effects of using moisturizers immediately after derma rolling, however.
  
 === How do I disinfect/clean my dermaroller? === === How do I disinfect/clean my dermaroller? ===
-Run it under hot water to get any dead skin/other materials off, then leave in an alcohol bath for about a minute. Let it completely dry before using. You can use any antiseptic; isopropyl alcohol is the cheapest and will get the job done.+Run it under hot water to get any dead skin/other materials off, then leave in an alcohol bath for about 5 minutes. Let it completely dry before using. You can use any antiseptic; isopropyl alcohol is the cheapest and will get the job done.
  
 === Derma rolling to increase minoxidil absorption? === === Derma rolling to increase minoxidil absorption? ===
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   * Thursday: AM minox | PM minox then wait 4 hours, roll and just repeat   * Thursday: AM minox | PM minox then wait 4 hours, roll and just repeat
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
-Here is some more info on why we are utilizing the derma roller (must be part of TMBS on Facebook to see): 
- 
-https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheMinoxBeardSpot/permalink/1531727133791384/⠀ 
  
 === How do you use the derma roller? === === How do you use the derma roller? ===
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 {{ youtube>Kjegc9qlitI?small }} {{ youtube>Kjegc9qlitI?small }}
 +
 +==== L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (LCLT) ====
 +=== What is LCLT and what does it do? ===
 +L-Carnitine is an amino acid that is commonly found in the human body as it is able to synthesize it. The body utilizes L-Carnitine to break up long fatty acids for example. Uses of L-Carnitine as a supplement are highly debated, although some claim it to be a performance enhancer or supportive when trying to lose weight. 
 +
 +In the human body, there are two different versions of L-Carnitine to be found: L-Carnitine L-Tartrate and Acetyl-L-Carnitine. 
 +
 +<wrap hi>It is important to choose L-Carnitine (L-)Tartrate and NOT Acetyl-L-Carnitine, as it is the only version proven to have effect on hair growth in the studies discussed below. L-Carnitine L-Tartrate and L-Carnitine Tartrate (without the second L) are the same thing.</wrap>
 +
 +=== How can it help with your beard? ===
 +{{youtube>onUaJyTNiCE?small}} In 2007, two studies concluded by Foitzik et al. proved LCLT to have beneficial effects on hair growth. One investigated the benefits for hair growth //in vivo// ([[http://www.jdsjournal.com/article/S0923-1811(07)00248-4/abstract]]), the other //in vitro// ([[https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1600-0625.2007.00611.x]]). Both came to the conclusion that LCLT can have positive effects on scalp hair growth.
 +
 +So far, anecdotal evidence from various Facebook groups and online forums suggest that similar effects can be achieved when applied to the face. It is notable that some members noticed that the usage of LCLT not just promoted new vellus hair growth but also sped up the maturation process of the beard to some extent.
 +
 +=== Which LCLT products can I use? ===
 +It is important to choose a product that contains 100% pure L-Carnitine L-Tartrate. This is usually the case with LCLT powder. Capsules (**and some powder brands!**) mostly contain extra ingredients like silicon dioxide or magnesium salts which are supposed to prevent the binding of LCLT to other substances. Since this is exactly what we're trying to achieve, it's best to avoid products that contain other ingredients than LCLT itself, even though they //might// work just as fine it'd be best to stay safe and choose pure LCLT.
 +
 +== Additives in LCLT products ==
 +There are three main additives that are usually found on most LCLT capsules' ingredient list:
 +
 +  - Magnesium stearate
 +  - Silicon dioxide
 +  - Titanium dioxide
 +
 +The last one, titanium dioxide, is generally unproblematic. It is used as a coloring additive to make the capsule itself look "whiter" and is ONLY used for the capsule itself, not for the powder inside of it. Although titanium dioxide is pretty unhealthy, you're not supposed to throw the capsule itself into the Minox bottle anyways. Just its contents.
 +
 +The other two, magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide, are so-called release agents. They are added to prevent the powder from bonding to other surfaces or substances like water. They will prevent the powder from drawing humidity or clotting to a certain degree. They both may significantly reduce the LCLT's ability to actually bind to other substances (after all, that's what they're made for). This INCLUDES Minoxidil solution AND Nivea Soft, so it would be best to avoid LCLT products that contain either magnesium stearate or silicon dioxide. 
 +
 +Using products that contain either of those might work, but it's heavily discouraged and we've had cases where Minox suddenly turned into a jelly-like consistency because LCLT with magnesium stearate was used.
 +
 +**Summary**: Titanium dioxide is okay, <wrap hi>magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide are best to avoid</wrap>.
 +
 +=== How do I use LCLT for beard growth? ===
 +So far, there are two different application forms that are known to the group. One is to mix it with Minoxidil Liquid, the other is to mix it with Nivea Soft cream. With both, you should take pure LCLT powder and take about 2% of your carrier substance's weight to mix it in. Keep in mind that LCLT has a pretty strong, fishy smell. You can put some PEO into your Minox or Nivea to fix this.
 +
 +<wrap hi>After mixing LCLT into Minox or Nivea, you can use either as you would normally. Minox twice a day, Nivea as needed, although it is recommended to use Nivea with LCLT at least once a day if you're not using Minox + LCLT.</wrap>
 +
 +== Using LCLT with Minoxidil liquid ==
 +{{youtube>4IEoWzak1KQ?small}}
 +
 +Just pour the powder into the liquid bottle and give it a good shake until the powder has completely solved in the liquid and you're good to go. 
 +
 +Mixing Minoxidil with LCLT is only possible with the liquid form as you can't access the contents of foam containers without breaking them.
 +
 +== Using LCLT with Nivea Soft ==
 +Using LCLT with Nivea Soft is a little more complicated but has some presumable benefits to it. For one, you can apply Nivea after Derma Rolling, and for all we know, it's very well probable that LCLT, contrary to Minoxidil, benefits from an increased absorption rate due to derma rolling.
 +
 +The mixing process itself isn't as straightforward as it is with Minoxidil: When you put the LCLT powder into the Nivea Cream, it will mostly liquify and have more of a lotion like consistency. To fix this, use an electric hand mixer to mix the whole solution. During this process, it will gain some volume so that part of it won't fit into the original container anymore but it will gain a foam-like consistency which is much more convenient to apply.
  
  
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 === France === === France ===
-  * Foligan P5 5% - €28.3 - Biovea+  * Foligain P5 5% - €28.3 - Biovea
  
 === Germany === === Germany ===
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