Dr. Amy Taub, MD, FAAD | Source | Advanced Dermatology

The Creation of Kerafactor
Finding innovative, effective solutions for the challenges my patients face has always been a central focus of my career. Hair loss can deeply impact self-confidence and quality of life. I wanted to share a bit about the origin stories of KeraFactor™ Serum and KeraLase™, advancements in hair restoration that were born right here at Advanced Dermatology.

James Bartholomeusz and I have been colleagues for over 20 years. He has most recently been the Chief Technology Officer of Lutronic Laser Company and now is the Chief Innovation of Sofwave™. Way back when we were both early in our careers we bonded over our fascination with science and how it could transform people’s lives. Together, we started a company called Skinqri and developed KeraFactor™ to address a gap in the treatment of hair thinning and loss. While traditional options often fell short of providing results or being easily integrated into daily life, James and I sought to create something unique. Partnering with an advanced chemist and expert in growth factors and other biological materials, the KeraFactor™ products (hair loss solution and shampoo/conditioner, lash and brow solution and post procedure sterile serum) were born. These directly tackle the root causes of hair loss.

KeraFactor™ Serum’s success lies in its proprietary blend of bio-identical growth factors and polypeptides. These ingredients are specifically engineered to improve the scalp environment, stimulate dormant follicles, and promote healthier, thicker hair. There are 4 different phases of hair development; unlike other treatments, KeraFactor’s formulation is designed to address all 4 aspects of hair regrowth.

This “hair fertilizer,” as we like to call it, doesn’t just stimulate growth—it improves scalp health, blood flow, and the overall quality of the hair that regrows. Studies have shown that it increases the diameter of the hair shaft as well as increasing the number of hairs overall.

To maximize the benefits of KeraFactor™ Serum, James and I invented KeraLase™, an innovative treatment that uses the LaseMD™ Ultra laser to prepare the scalp and increase optimal serum absorption, The in office serum is sterile and contains a higher percentage of the growth factors and peptide as well as one ingredient that causes the scalp to respond to light and encourage anti-androgenic receptors that have been identified in preventing hair growth. The laser creates tiny microchannels in the scalp, allowing the KeraFactor™ Serum to penetrate deeply and target the hair follicles directly.

This dual approach—combining advanced laser technology with a scientifically engineered serum—has made treating hair loss much more consistent. While a popular treatment that can achieve good results is called Platelet Rich Plasma, the benefit of using KeraLase™ is that it uses the same growth factors in a much higher concentration than in plasma while also adding some that are very important that are not present in PRP. PLUS, getting injections in your scalp is not too pleasant, whereas KeraLase™ is comfortable and quick, with no downtime, making it an accessible and effective option for men and women alike.

The results speak for themselves. Patients who have undergone KeraLase™ treatments often notice improvements in hair density, thickness, and overall health within just a few months. For those who’ve struggled with thinning hair or hair loss, KeraFactor™ and KeraLase™ provide a non-invasive, science-backed solution that delivers results.

We’re proud to be pioneering solutions at Advanced Dermatology, but the gratification of seeing people feel better about themselves is much more important. It’s also great to use things that aren’t greasy and irritating on the scalp and treatments that aren’t painful. My personal use has led to my no longer having to worry about people seeing the top of my head or having to comb my hair “just so” to hide the sparser areas.

If you’re ready to explore what KeraFactor™ and KeraLase™ can do for you, schedule an appointment with one of our medical providers at Advanced Dermatology. Let’s work together to create a personalized plan to restore your confidence and help you achieve healthier, fuller hair. With KeraFactor™ and KeraLase™, the future of hair restoration is here—and it started with us!

Understanding the Four Stages of Hair Growth—and Why Most Solutions Fall Short
Hair growth is a complex process involving four critical stages:
1. Hair follicle induction
2. Follicle formation via stem cell proliferation
3. Hair shaft growth
4. Microcirculation maintenance

Many hair loss treatments only target one or two of these phases. KeraFactor® is uniquely formulated to support all four, using a proprietary blend of growth factors and skin proteins delivered via nanoliposomes for enhanced absorption. By contrast, treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP)—though effective for some—primarily impact only stage two, stem cell proliferation. PRP does not adequately address follicle induction, shaft growth, or circulatory support, and is also invasive compared to topical options.

Topical minoxidil, whether plain or compounded, can be effective—but patient compliance is a well-known issue. Why? Most users find it irritating to the scalp and unpleasant to use consistently. Greasy or harsh formulations are common, and can make daily use difficult, especially overnight.

In my personal experience with KeraFactor’s Take-Home Spray and Shampoo, I found I could use them daily or every other day because I actually enjoyed the application process. The spray is light, scent-free, and has no chemical odor. It’s easy to apply and massage into a dry scalp without messing up my hair. In fact, I often wake up with hair that feels more manageable after using it the night before. The shampoo is so effective as both a cleanser and conditioner that I no longer need two separate products. By comparison, I was never able to tolerate minoxidil because sleeping with a greasy, irritating solution on my scalp was unbearable.

KeraFactor contains five biomimetic human growth factors and two proteins specific to scalp health. Thousands of copies of each growth factor are encapsulated in nanoliposomes, enhancing delivery deep into the scalp—often through the hair follicle itself—reaching the areas where stem cells reside. These growth factors act as messengers, instructing the stem cells to initiate and sustain the production of proteins essential for healthy hair growth.

There is scientific evidence that the growth factors in KeraFactor penetrate to a depth one-third of the way down the hair follicle below the skin surface—right where critical stem cells live. These cells regulate the hair cycle, and by targeting this exact zone, KeraFactor activates the biological signals needed to initiate, maintain, and support robust hair growth.

Most women want to preserve the youthful appearance of their skin and it is associated with beauty as well as caring for oneself well. Dark spots, dilated blood vessels, sallow skin and fine lines are not attractive.

I like to focus on the reason for the products and there are 4 categories I try to cover in a complete anti-aging regimen. Two of them are for protection: sunscreen and antioxidants. Sun protection prevents more damage and antioxidants (such as green tea, vitamin c and MANY others) help to repair old damage and prevent new from forming. The other two are for an attempt to reverse changes or at least maintain. These include exfoliants that help to speed up metabolism and get rid of old cells and biologically active molecules such as growth factors and defensins to stimulate the individual’s internal production of collagen, elastin and new epidermal cells.

Defensins are currently my favorite as they are a new category all together. These molecules turn on stem cells that are in the skin to make completely new skin. In this way they actually are unique in that they are biologically active at the cellular level as well as turning over the skin faster. This means it essentially functions as both a biologically active molecule as well as an exfoliant. My other favorite ingredients are growth factors. These help keep the machinery going to make collagen and elastin.

The Defenage Clinical Power Trio is the first kit I have ever endorsed. Usually I don’t like kits as they have one hero product and then the rest are inferior to other products. But the kit covers all functions except for sunscreen. The serum is my favorite product and even if someone is very reluctant to change their other products, the serum is the most advanced skin care that I know of at this time to add to your regimen. I also am really liking Colorescience Total Eye. It had sunscreen, tint and peptides and helps give some immediate effect; the product has been universally liked.