ALERT -- don't use spironolactone 5% or REVIVO with a WET SCALP

[viceroy]

This is all paraphrased from a private conversation I had with Jesusfreak (referenced here with his permission):

spironolactone 5% and Revivogen are oil-based and therefore don't mix with water. Water causes the oil to bead up into fragments too large to absorb into the skin. The water in your scalp repels the oil-based substances, preventing proper absorption.

Proper application and absorption might be the reason we are not seeing more success stories with people using the 5%.

spironolactone 2% is much easier to apply to the scalp because of its liquid form. It dabs right on, whereas a lot of the 5% cream ends up sticking to the hair rather than the target area.

Remember also that the scalp can absorb an alcohol-based product about 5 times as much when it is wet, a property that can't be taken advantage of with the 5% spironolactone.

 

[klaus]

and minoxidil(propilenoglicol) as the same problem?

 

[HairlossTalk]

Dr. Lee states that spironolactone will absorb better on a hydrated scalp. He has tested this. Revivogen says the same thing about their product.

HairLossTalk.com

 

[viceroy]

but but but...

the Revivogen leaflet instructions read 'Apply to a clean and dry scalp.'

and Dr. Lee had the following to say regarding spironolactone:


'As a rule a hydrated scalp does increase the absorption of any topical medication, but I don't have any specific studies of topical spironolactone.

Use a washcloth and hot water to clean the areas where you're going to apply the spironolactone.  The excess water should be wiped off before applying the spironolactone lotion.'


so is there some distinction to be made between a 'wet scalp' and a 'hydrated scalp'?