The following is an interview conducted with Dr. Shargani of Advanced Skin & Hair LLC, creators of the Revivogen formula for treating hairloss. Dr. Shargani shared with us information which you may find useful in evaluating his product.
Regrowth: What are the main ingredients in Revivogen?
Dr. Shargani: Revivogen has four different groups of active ingredients. The first group consists of the fatty acids: Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), Linoleic Acid, and Oleic acid. The second group consists of Azaleic Acid, Zinc, and Vitamin B6. The third group consists of Saw Palmetto Extract and its active ingredients including Beta-Sitosterol. And finally, the fourth group, the Procyanidin Oligomers from grape seed extract. Other ingredients include liposmes, anti-oxidants, solvents and perfumes.
Regrowth: How do these ingredients promote healthy hair growth?
Dr. Shargani: Revivogen formula attacks the hair loss problem from three different angles, inhibiting DHT (Dihydrotestostrone) production, blocking the androgen receptors, and activating hair follicle growth, thereby addressing all known aspects of the androgenetic alopecia.
The most important part of the formula and what makes Revivogen different from all other products is the use of fatty acids which are the most potent inhibitors of 5 alpha-reductase (the enzyme that produces DHT). They are also proven to equally inhibit both type I and II forms of 5 alpha-reductase up to 98%. Azelaic Acid, Zinc, and vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal) are another group of anti-DHT ingredients that contribute to the inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase enzyme.
Saw Palmetto Extract and its active ingredients have been shown to exhibit both 5 alpha-reductase inhibition properties as well as the ability to block the androgen receptors. Blocking the androgen receptors further protects the hair follicles from the negative effects of DHT.
Finally, the recent studies by Japanese scientists have shown that Procyanidin Oligomers from grape seed extract to activate hair follicle growth and induce anagen phase comparable to Minoxidil.
Regrowth: How does your product compare to existing approved treatments for hairloss such as Rogaine and Propecia?
Dr. Shargani: We cannot directly compare Revivogen to any other product without comparison studies. However, we can point out general similarities and differences between Revivogen, Propecia and Rogaine.
Revivogen like Propecia has ingredients proven to inhibit the formation of DHT. However Revivogen is a topical formula with natural ingredients, which eliminates the risk of any systemic side effects. Additionally GLA, ALA, and the other fatty acids inhibit both type I and type II forms of 5 alpha-reductase whereas Propecia can only inhibit the type II form of 5 alpha-reductase.
The Procyanidin Oligomers in Revivogen formula have been shown to activate hair follicle growth similarly to Rogaine. In contrast, Rogaine has no DHT inhibition properties and may have side effects.
Another difference between Revivogen, Rogaine and Propecia is the ability of Revivogen’s ingredients to block the androgen receptors which neither of these products posses.
Regrowth: What clinical or other evidence do you have to demonstrate the effectiveness of your product?
Dr. Shargani: All the ingredients in Revivogen have been scientifically proven to combat various mechanisms of androgenic alopecia. These studies have been published in some of the most prominent medical journals. We have also done a study that showed a significant reduction in excessive hair loss and increased thickness and fullness of the participants’ hair. We must point out that this study was performed using the original formula which did not include many of the recent enhancements and added ingredients.
Regrowth: Have there been or are there plans for independent clinically controlled studies on your product? If not, how do you plan to demonstrate its effectiveness to skeptics?
Dr. Shargani: We are committed to conduct a double blind clinical trial by an independent party to further validate the effectiveness of Revivogen formula. Meanwhile, we appreciate the need for some kind of independent trial, which is why we have decided to conduct a one year Revivogen consumer survey where the participants will provide their feedback publicly for others to read and follow.
Skepticism is healthy and unavoidable so we offer a 90-day money back guarantee to offset any monetary risks associated with trying Revivogen.
Regrowth: Are there any hair loss products that are not compatible with Revivogen?
Dr. Shargani: No. Revivogen can be used in conjunction with all other hair loss products. Revivogen is used once a day so it is easy to apply with other topicals. However, Revivogen should be applied preferably a few hours or at least half an hour before other topicals.
Regrowth: If someone is applying a cover-up product to make their hair look thicker, how should they properly use Revivogen with that product?
Dr. Shargani: The only problem with cover up-products is that they may hinder the absorption of the formula if they are on the scalp. Therefore Revivogen, or any other topical, must be applied before using any cover-up product.
Regrowth: What other steps or products do you recommend be taken along with Revivogen for the best chances of hair growth?
Dr. Shargani: We feel that Revivogen is a stand-alone product, however if someone wishes to use other products with Revivogen, we first recommend Rogaine, or Minoxidil containing products such as Xandrox. The next obvious choice is Propecia as well as other commercially available products that have proven valuable for combating hair loss such as Copper Peptide solutions, and SODases. Other positive steps include oral supplements of multivitamins and a healthy life style which includes adequate rest and exercise. It is also important to avoid smoking which is associated with increased DHT and many other health problems.
Regrowth: Are you researching other ingredients to be added into the current Revivogen product for increased effectiveness? If so, what?
Dr. Shargani: We always look for new and effective ingredients and ways to enhance Revivogen. We recently improved the formula by adding Procyanidin Oligomers from grape seed extract and the active ingredients of Saw Palmetto extract including Beta-Sitosterol. Other recent improvements include addition of liposomal delivery system for enhanced absorption and refinement of the fatty acids.
What we look for in a new ingredient is scientific validity and significant benefit for androgenetic alopecia. At this point, there are no other ingredients that we are considering but we will always consider new ingredients that may have positive effects.
Regrowth: Are you researching other products to add to the Revivogen product line?
Dr. Shargani: We are considering adding a conditioner to the Revivogen line, which many users have requested. Other products that we may add in the future include gels and other styling needs. We encourage our customers to tell us what they want next from Revivogen.
Regrowth: What sort of guarantee do you offer in regards to effectiveness of your product?
Dr. Shargani: We offer a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. If the customer is not satisfied with Revivogen for any reason, they can return the product for a full refund minus the shipping fees.
Regrowth: What would you say to convince people to use your product over the many other herbal based products for hair loss that are being sold?
Dr. Shargani: Compare the ingredients and the science behind Revivogen and other products and make an educated decision based on facts rather than what the manufacturers promise or claim.
Regrowth: Are there any adverse effects to be aware of with the use of your product?
Dr. Shargani: The only adverse effect is skin irritation or dandruff, which can occur in less than 2% of the users. This is a common problem with all topicals but is self-limiting and reversible.
Regrowth: What results does your product claim specifically in regards to hair loss?
Dr. Shargani: Regardless of our study and any other clinical proof we may gather in the future, we can only make claims about the ingredients and cosmetic effects of the formula. Making medical claims is only reserved for FDA approved drugs and we will not be seeking FDA approval.
Therefore, we claim that Revivogen’s ingredients have been proven to inhibit DHT formation, block the androgen receptors, and activate hair follicle growth. In regards to effectiveness we claim that Revivogen combats hair loss, revitalizes the hair, promotes thicker and fuller hair and helps create a healthy scalp environment for optimum hair growth.
Regrowth: Can your product regrow hair at the hairline?
Dr. Shargani: First it is important to point out that all products that work for the crown also work for the hairline, for the most part. The misunderstanding has risen from the fact that FDA only allows Rogaine and Propecia to make claims in respect to the crown and top of the head and not the entire scalp or the hairline. That is because their studies were focused only on the crown and top of the head, not the hairline.
Secondly, what is necessary for all of these products including Revivogen to work is having hair follicles in some degree of miniaturization. These hair follicles have the potential to grow thicker hair, which gives the appearance of hair growth. If there are no miniaturized hairs it means that the hair follicle has atrophied or died in which case nothing works.
Finally, the maximum improvement with all of these products including Revivogen is a five-year reversal of hair loss. That should give the users a good reference point as to what is possible and what to expect.
Regrowth: Does your product work for women?
Dr. Shargani: Similar to male pattern hair_loss_ the cause of female pattern hair loss is a genetic predisposition of hair follicles to DHT. Women’s estrogen and progesterone naturally prevent DHT production and postpone the onset of hair loss. However, when the natural balance of these hormones is disrupted or there is a higher testosterone to estrogen ratio, then hair loss can occur.
Therefore, if hair loss is due to androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss) then Revivogen is beneficial for women as well. However women, more so than men, need to consult with a physician to diagnose any underlying cause of their hair loss before using any products.
Regrowth: Does your product help with any other hair loss disorders such as alopecia areata?
Dr. Shargani: We have not done any studies in regards to other disorders and we have no scientific reason to believe that Revivogen can be beneficial for any other hair loss disorders except androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss).
You can buy Revivogen products at the Luxury Barber.
