It sounds too good to be true.
An April 2013 study will no doubt leave the hair dye industry seeing red.
According to a joint group of researchers at Germany's Institute for
Pigmentary Disorders at E.M. Arndt University of Greifswald and the UK's
Centre for Skin Sciences at the University of Bradford, they've come
across a cure for gray hair.
First, a mini science lesson: Gray hair is the result of oxidative
stress that causes hydrogen peroxide to accumulate in the hair follicle.
In response, the hair strand then essentially bleaches itself, from the
inside out.
In the study, the process appears to be thwarted with the application
of a topical complex called PC-KUS, which converts hydrogen peroxide to
water and oxygen. The research also revealed that the compound worked
similar magic for a group of 2,411 patients with the skin condition
known as vitiligo, which is marked by white patches on the skin caused
by pigment loss.
Could it really be true-finally, a cure for gray hair?
Quite possibly, says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and
clinical research at Mount Sinai Medical Center's department of
dermatology.
"The idea that loss of pigmentation in the hair and skin are related
is extremely interesting on a basic science level," he says. "The
traditional treatment of gray hair with hair dye is cosmetic and doesn't
get to the root of the problem," he explains. "A treatment that
prevents or reverses the underlying graying process would revolutionize
our approach to hair care."
While the news may have blondes, redheads and brunettes of every tone
rejoicing worldwide, the news is also groundbreaking for patients who
suffer from vitiligo, a common condition that significantly impacts
quality of life, says Zeichner.
And the findings once again show how oxidative stress plays a role in
many diseases, from cancer and heart disease, to wrinkles and now even
gray hair.
"The role of oxidative stress in depigmenting conditions further
reinforces the need for antioxidants, both topically applied and
ingested through a healthy diet," advises Zeichner.
Luckily, there's no deprivation here; antioxidants are an often
deliciously sweet and energizing diet addition. Simply serve up another
helping of super antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, strawberries,
Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples, cherries and green tea. If you're
a fan of beans, red, kidney and pinto varieties pack the most
antioxidant punch.
QUIZ: How Old Does Your Hair Look?
- by Grace Gold
end quote from:
New Study Finds a Cure for Gray Hair—Finally
It's
been accepted that the only fix for gray hair lies in hair dye. But new
research shows we can actually fix the problem at its root (no pun
intended).
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