Does Rogaine (Minoxidil) 5% cause accelerated aging of the skin?

Question

I've read a few horror stories about Rogaine 5% (Minoxidil) affecting collagen production and causing the face to age very quickly... lines, bags under eyes, skinnier face, etc. Is this true?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Rogaine does not cause accelerated aging but it is discussed on the Internet.Rogaine does cause skin irritation for some people.Bags under the eyes can be due to dehydration and lack of sleep.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

These concerns do get raised on the internet from time to time. Do they exist? It's not clear. Health Canada and the FDA have not been prompted to change the medication labelling or add warnings. All side effects, including potential, should be taken into account before starting. If any one side effect worries you, the medication should not be started.

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear bluejays1988,

Used properly on the scalp and hair
shaft in general most believe Minoxidil does not cause accelerated aging of the
skin.  However, there’s often much
discussion on line about this particular side effect, how particularly low the
bags and wrinkles.  It has now become one
of the standard warnings in the packet and Surgeon Canada and therefore should
not be dismissed.  It’s hard to formulate
a scientific reason why this would occur and the vast majority of patients on
Minoxidil never experience this side effect, however, it is certainly worth
considering when discussing whether to initiate a treatment of Minoxidil in the
first place.

I hope this information is of some
assistance and best of luck.

To find out more, please visit the
link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Does Rogaine (Minoxidil) 5% cause accelerated aging of the skin?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rogaine

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Does Rogaine (Minoxidil) 5% cause accelerated aging of the skin?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rogaine

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.