Hair loss; link to retinol use? Anyone experienced this?

[MrEzraGoldberg]

I recently noticed that my hair was shedding more than usual and looking a bit sparse on one side. This happened a few years ago too and on that occasion it was related to my iron levels, which are now fine.

Looking at possible causes, there were a couple of articles suggesting that using Retinol products may contribute to hair loss, and for the past six weeks or so I have been using a two retinol products.

Has anyone else experienced hair loss and suspected it was related to retinol skin products? I'm really curious about this. Losing your hair is so distressing and I'm really hoping that this is the reason as, hopefully, it is reversible by stopping the retinol use.

Thanks in advance.

Anyone? Anyone? grin

Seems excess vitamin A also can have the same effect.

Interesting, I didn't know. I'm a retinol fan, used on face and neck for a year or so with great results.
I have noticed my hair getting thinner and a bit of a bald patch above my fringe but had it down to perimenopause + dropping 3 dress sizes in 8 months + dry itchy scalp due to overuse of dry schampoo. My eyebrows and chin whiskers are lush as ever. Have been using Nioxin System 1 scalp cleanser & conditioner for 2 months now and I think it helps a bit.

P.S: Trying to think of friends who are long term retinol users and they all have impressive locks. Hmm.

This is making me wonder now.my hair does seem to have got thinner since using retinol.the proper stuff not in any creams etc.my hair had thinned a bit but has got more noticeable since spring.I will look into this.mine is mainly on one side too

Thanks for the replies - I could be wrong about this being the cause, it just seems like quite a coincidence. I think it's something to do with excess vitamin A. So perhaps if someone is also taking vitamin A supplements, that, combined with the retinol maybe contribute to the hair loss.

It's a shame as pretty sure the retinol was giving my skin a bit of a glow.

Yes it's real shame if it's the case. I've had great success with historic acne scars, age wrinkles and sun damage. Even after a long hospital stay and rubbish health 6 months ago DH commented "well somebody looks rested." My 65+ friend has better skin now than she did 15 years ago. Improtant to use spf 50 every day though!

• misses point of thread