Hi there. If you are indeed 23 & suffering from androgenic alopecia, yes you may use 5% or even 2% minoxidil. Studies have shown no significant efficacy differences between the two strengths. Side effects are common irrespective of the strength but i do find more patients on 5% complaining of light headedness & dizziness. Acne is another issue altogether. There is no such thing as completion of therapy with minoxidil. Basically it acts as a topical vasodilator stimulating hair growth & when one stops its use, there is a chance that the hair grown will drop off. So the effect is in reality temporary & good more as a morale booster. It is a wonderful medication in certain cases but in your case, would recommend Follicular Hair Unit transplantation that is more permanent & natural. Dietary supplements containing trace elements likfe silica, magnesium, zinc, biotin are useful as adjuncts. Please feel free to stop by my clinic if in Bangalore or feel free to use our premium ask-a-specialist forum on this portal to clarify your particular line of managment should you choose to. We do also perform this procedure at our centre in Bangalore as a team. This centre was a pioneer in being one of the first centres in the country that started it! Good luck in your treatment & wish you a full head of hair! Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD Dermatologsit, Cosmetologist, Venreologist Vikram Hospital & Asian Skin Institute Bangalore, India