Hello, I am Dr. Sang-ju Lee, a dermatologist. When I was young, I didn't have any particular skin concerns other than acne, but as I've gotten older, my skin concerns have gradually increased. So, for the past few years, I've been getting help from medication and supplements. Today, I will introduce two medications and supplements that I, as a dermatologist, actually take daily, and two skin supplements that I don't personally take but would recommend as a specialist.
A Dermatologist's Choice: Medication for Preventing Male Pattern Hair Loss
I take a male pattern hair loss treatment containing finasteride daily. Although my hair loss hasn't fully progressed yet, I take it as a preventive measure. Finasteride works by reducing the production of hormones that cause male pattern hair loss. It was originally developed as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, but during research, it was found to promote hair growth, leading to its use as a hair loss treatment.
It is not effective for all types of hair loss; it only affects male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) with a family history. Therefore, it is advisable to have the cause of your hair loss examined before taking the medication.
- Precautions when taking finasteride
- It usually takes more than 3 months to see effects, and long-term use is known to cause no serious problems.
- Women should not take it. This is because it has no hair loss prevention effect in women and may only increase side effects.
- In men, side effects such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction may occur, so it is best to consult with a dermatologist before taking it.
- Propecia is classified as a prescription drug due to its excellent efficacy, requiring a doctor's prescription.
Biotin, a Supplement for Healthy Hair
In some cases, hair loss occurs due to weakened hair, and in such cases, biotin is reported to help create healthy hair.
The Core of Skin Health: The Amazing Benefits of Vitamin C
The supplement I take daily is Vitamin C. If friends ask me to recommend just one good skin supplement, I would unhesitatingly choose Vitamin C. This is because Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients that helps the skin.
Among its benefits, the most crucial is its powerful antioxidant effect. Vitamin C's role is to protect the skin from reactive oxygen species generated in our bodies due to excessive stress or UV radiation. Therefore, it plays an important role in reducing skin inflammation and maintaining healthy skin.
Furthermore, Vitamin C is known to aid in collagen production, contributing to skin elasticity, and is effective for whitening by preventing melanin pigmentation. Of course, taking Vitamin C does not mean your skin will visibly whiten or suddenly become elastic, but it is known to generally brighten skin tone and facilitate skin regeneration.
However, if taken in very high doses, Vitamin C is an acid and can cause symptoms such as heartburn or kidney stones. It is necessary to be cautious about consuming high doses of over 2000mg per day.
Evening Primrose Oil, Helpful for Atopic Dermatitis
Although I don't personally take it, evening primrose oil supplements are also known to have a positive effect on the skin. The gamma-linolenic acid contained in evening primrose oil strengthens the skin barrier, reducing moisture loss, and can also be expected to have anti-inflammatory effects by reducing IgE, which causes itching. It is particularly reported to be very helpful for atopic dermatitis.
Gamma-linolenic acid cannot be synthesized in the human body, so it must be supplemented through food or supplements. Since it is a supplement, it has few major side effects and can be taken safely long-term, so daily consumption of an appropriate amount is recommended.
Oral Collagen, Does It Really Help the Skin?
Collagen is well-known as an important component that determines skin regeneration and elasticity. For several years, a collagen boom has occurred in the health functional food market, with various collagen products being released, such as drinkable collagen, low-molecular-weight collagen, and pill forms. Many people may wonder, 'Does oral collagen actually help the skin?'
Various forms of low-molecular-weight collagen have been developed and released to increase collagen absorption, and some reports suggest that low-molecular-weight collagen helps with moisturizing and elasticity of wounded or aged skin. However, it is true that there are still various opinions within the dermatology community regarding the effectiveness of oral collagen.
Therefore, when consuming collagen, we recommend taking it as a supplement rather than a treatment.
We have looked at various medications and supplements that can help with various skin concerns. For further questions, please contact us via comments or the Yonsei Star Dermatology KakaoTalk channel.