Treating Hormonal Acne | Dermatologist Tips 

I hate periods and everything it brings. I don't even want kids😭

After I had my left fallopian tube removed I have had the most acne I’ve ever had in my life . Such a life changing and humbling experience .

I'm an endocrinologist who suffer from PCOS and cyctic acne .. I recently started Spironolactone upon your recommendation as I was only applying Retinoal and Azelic acid but didn't work for me .. I just want to say thank you for helping me making this decision.. you saved my skin .. my wedding is in 2 month and my skin is already becoming glowy

Excellent video! Thank you very much for your hard work.

This made it more clear for me thank you 😊 hopefully you can answer this for me, recently noticed these past few days even my moisturizer caused a stingy sensation so I stopped exfoliating and retinol and repairing my skin however can add retinol back while healing ? Is benzoyl peroxide considered exfoliating? I feel like I'm trying to add all my products in everyday use which caused over exfoliated.

Thank you Dr. yes this was so informative! My dermatologist currently has me on spironolactone, azelaic acid and tretinoin and I agree that the combination has been a game changer for me! 🙏🙌

I have occasional acne and Acne Treatment Dermalmd Serum dries and heals my zits overnight like magic. I prefer the Dermalmd to the Kate Somerville version that is more expensive and not more effective. Love it and highly recommend it!

Why does my acne go away and then comes back in the same spot

Hi Doc! I have a question- I’m having my periods regularly with no delays but my hormonal acne around my jaw n chin isn’t decreasing . I’ve used the clindamycin gel to kill the bacteria but I keep getting acne at the same spot. It’s not very severe but I’ve never had to deal with acne and scars for more than a month

My acne doesn’t care about when my period is. I went on accutane and for the 2 years after that I actually loved my skin. Now I’m right back to hating it. I’m convinced my hormones are out of whack month-long but all my doctors refuse to run more specific tests for it. But recently the derm put me back on spironolactone as if we didn’t try that already (the anxiety was too much). I’m finally in a good place with my period after a decade of pain and irregularity and now I’m probably going to lose that to spironolactone. I’m just at a loss.

Your video has helped me soooo much! Thank you!

i have deep cystic acne around my mouth especially chin and jawline that wont be gone, everytime one heals another appear it is so painful and feels like a bruise. i am only 17 and i’ve been getting this deep cystic acne since i was 14-15 is hormonal acne? hope you can answer thank you😊

In my 40's and started struggling with it now in my 40's. It's both just before period and ovulation, so it's twice in a cycle. Thank you for this vid... Dealt with it so thorough

Excellent video! ❤

I was on spironolactone and birth control and it helped, but the spironolactone was raising my kidney levels and then I got off the birth control and my periods are worse than ever. I don’t want to get on birth control every again because of that very reason but now my acne is out of control. I don’t know what to do.

Hi Dr Jenny new subbie here. First I want to thank you for providing informative vid like this. I suffer acne since my teenage years and now 45 still having what I believe is hormonal acne with deep cystic one that takes a long time to heal. My question is I am taking Spironolactone for 3 years and my face quieted down but still having one or 2 every pre-period. It was prescribed because I am hypertensive too. Is Spironolactone safe for long term use in my case for lifetime since it lowers my BP too? Also will my hormonal acne stops when I menopause or it will get worse? Thanks and always I am waiting for your very thoughtful and caring videos.

Thanks for this!

Thank you, Dr. Jenny. My adult acne history is that I’ve been dealing with acne for 12 years straight. It started when I was 12 or 13 and now I’m 25 with no success, I’ve done and used every product, medication, topical creams on earth but all have been temporary fixes that once I’m off of it, breakouts would return. I’ve even worked as a skincare consultant at a beauty company, researching and translating research papers on various skin diseases. Azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, niacinamide, mugwort, vitamin c, retinols, bha, aha, tretinoin 0.1%, weeks and months of oral antibiotics, birth control pills, diet changes all had positive effects for some time but couldn’t completely heal my severe cystic acne. Now I’m back with my cyst ridden red inflamed scar face 😢 So I’ve decided to take birth controls again. How long should/can I stay with it?

I've taken Spiro (50 mg daily) on and off for 15 years. I'm 37 now and thinking about getting off of it again. I've been having terrible brain fog for a couple years, (basically since I got back on Spiro after a 2 year hiatus.) My GP and I have investigated the brain fog but haven't found a solution yet. We thought it was a symptom of ADHD, but I'm starting to wonder if it's the Spiro. The bad thing about getting off of Spiro for me is that, if getting off of it doesn't help my brain fog, and my acne comes raging back, and I decide I want to go back on the Spiro, it takes a couple months for it to start working again. Still trying to decide what I'd like to do. Just wanted to share my thoughts and experience. Thanks for the video!

Dalycin T topical antibiotic helped me but stopping chocolate and managing excess stress helped too . Although I still get some breakouts

Blessed day. just want to ask the prescribe percentage of benzoyl peroxide to purchase for those experiencing hormonal acne that is under birth control pills? thanks

What about the topical drug winlevi Or topical spiro? These are newer release topical medications for hormonal acne and surprised that they weren’t mentioned. At my last dermatologist appointment she talked about these new drugs and wrote me a script for the winlevi. I suffer from severe migraines and cannot use oral Birth control or spironolactone. I think it’s wonderful that they are now topical options that work in a similar fashion by blocking the androgen hormone affects in the skin without the systematic effects of the oral medication. I don’t know how they compared to the other drugs or how effective they are but I think it’s wonderful that there are no more options💕

I recently stopped oral birth control in an attempt to start a family. I was on it for 7 years unfortunately. Now I am suffering with horrible hormonal/cystic acne on my temples, jawline, neck & back. I don’t want to go back on birth control but I also don’t want to be on spironolactone due to the diuretic effects. I had a horrible time the last 2 years on birth control, which is another reason why I stopped. I am just struggling so bad because i don’t know what else to do besides topical treatments. I can’t get into any dermatologists in my city either so I just feel stuck. It’s embarrassing for me to have acne as an adult and makes me just want to hide.

I had no acne up until 25, my self esteem is depleting everyday… I did not expect this and I am really frustrated because now I have to deal with it and eczema also

Thanks for info. Please precisely tel about good sunscreen if u hav acne

Could we combine spironolacton and COCP together for high antiandrogen effect?

I left the Yaz pill (after 7 years on it) about a year ago and my acne has come back with revenge. I'm 25 now and very frustrated. I've tried diets (like no dairy) to all sorts of topical treatment (retinol, vit C, BPeroxide, Aha Bha, Salacylic acid, glycolic acid, tea tree oil) . Haven't tried some of the recommended in the video but I really am at the end of my rope.

My hormone tests came back normal but I still have acne. What should I do? I have cysts in my ovaries, acne and my hair has been falling out but I can't get help (for what I believe is PCOS) because my hormones are “perfectly fine”.

I’m in my 40’s and suffering with acne. Had it since I was 13yrs old. And it’s still bad😢😢

Hey doc! Hope you are doing good 🥰

I never had acne. Ever. I am 32 and got my tubes removed 2 years ago and started dealing with this last year. Could that have caused hormonal imbalance? My periods also started lasting only a day or 2 when they used to be 5.

I was given tetracycline and doxycycline at different times to combat my acne and ended up with a horrific migraine for almost 3 weeks, couldn't keep food down and struggled to do anything. Not to mind my skin was so sensitive and couldn't get my eyebrows done without taking off about 3 layers of skin. Trying Yasmin now to see if it will do anything even though I really didn't want to go on birth control. Sucks being a woman

In my case, I avoided gluten for few months and I could see the difference in a month, because I stop having new breakouts. Now I still eat gluten but less than before, and with skincare I’m trying to control and clear the hyperpigmentation.

I can’t take birth control pills anymore. I have a Mirena iud now. I have been put on 3 months of antibiotics before that helped sort of.

My mother is in her mid 50s and still gets some acne.

I tried spironolactone twice and both times I experienced high levels of anxiety, panic attacks, horrible pms, depression. It was helping the acne but I felt like I was not myself at all. I went off for two weeks but acne cake right back. Went back on spiro and immediately felt the anxiety/ panic come back. So sad because it was actually working. I’m now trying 3 months of tetracycline. Doesn’t feel IdeAl. And I wonder- after the three months will the acne eventually come back? I’m 41 years old and so sick of acne!

How do you tell if it's time to see a Derm for topical spironolactone? I get breakouts during my cycle and nothing has worked (niacinamide, retinol, BHA, benzoyl peroxide) all used at different points throughout the week not at one time. But they don't see to keep the breakouts away..... :( I also recently got naturism azelaic acid, and a hipoclourus acid spray. How do you tell if it's time to look to spiro? Thank you!!!

This is me! I never experienced acne not until I reached 30 and lived in another country. 😢 this causes too much anxiety and low self esteem. Send help. 🙏

My neuro won’t allow me to use any vitamin A derivatives, oral contraceptives, spironolactone, due to my IIH (aka PTC) did and hx of clots. No doxi or similar antibiotics either.

I don't have acne since I was young but now that I'm 35 my acnes are the worst to the point that I don't want to see people bcoz I'm ugly. I cry a lot bocz I don't feel good about myself anymore. My acne starts when my husband came home from overseas, so I'm taking pills to avoid pregnancy, but then when I stop taking pills my acne showed up like the worst acne, my periods are irregular also, I try many gentle facial wash but nothing works for me. I'm so desperate to get rid of my acne but I don't know what to do anymore.😭

How do products help hormonal (internal) acne?? How does a lotion help?

Another invaluable channel, will definitely explore more videos from you, sir. thank you!

My acne always clears up during ovulation, then is awful the rest of the month. So 25 days of bad acne, 5 days of clearer skin.

Thanks🙋🏻‍♀️

I m a lactating mother is it safe to use tretinoin ointment

My concern is, i never had a breakout in my entire life. I used to have oily skin back in elementary til highschool but never really had breakouts. maybe just usually have 1 or 2 during my periods. During college, my skin has been so dry still only experience 1 or 2 at most. Not until these days, just a month ago. Like wtf, so much excessive oil and been breaking out so bad. I don’t know what’s going on.

I really love your videos, thank you for your time! You are my reference now, thank you so much for your help! #quebecfan

I’ve had acne since grade 5, at the age of 10! I still have acne to this day, I’m 41. I suffer from seborrhoea, acne, and skin flushing. I don’t know when this will end. I probably will go to my grave with oily acne skin

I wanted to comment because I haven't been able to find any help anywhere. I am 20, so not an older woman haha, but I have had some serious problems with my periods and one of the latest issues I've had is hormonal acne. I don't drink, smoke, or anything like that, I eat a varied diet and I go out for walks in the sunshine when I can, I exercise.. in other words I try really hard to look after myself. I have skin care routines for my face daily and I take vitamin supplements to make sure I get what I need, but nothing I do will get rid of this acne. I wake up with more everyday, my entire face feels bumpy and itchy. I never had acne ever when I was a child, but when I started my periods they were light and almost non existent until I started missing them entirely and then I tried birth control and I had really bad reactions to any contraceptives and started non stop heavy bleeding, even through the combined pill which I took to prevent bleeding and sort out my body. Thats when the acne started, when I took the morning after pill and then the mini pill and now different versions of the combined pill. I can't get stop the acne no matter what I try or what I get prescribed, I'm looking for some answers, anything.

Is it normal to get acne when ur a teenager and does it go away when you’re done with puberty? Or is there ways to prevent that acne becoming adult acne

Does spironolactone work even if you have the nexplanon implant?

I'm struggling to find a dermatologist where I live (Italy) to prescribe me spironolactone. The topicals are not enough, I have moderate acne. Someone in the same boat as me?

I'm already on Estelle contraceptive, which my Pharmacist says has the same action as Spironolactone in acne treatment - so me taking Spironolactone won't change anything as far as oral medication goes. I use a retinol, and I use Benzol Peroxide twice a day... I get massive cystic acne in my chin area :( never had it growing up, neither did my parents. I'm 31 now and I'm at my witts end. Have booked Drs this week to ask for a Derm referral. Maybe some Tretinoin will help but honestly I don't know where to go from here. I'm also a nurse so spend 32 hours a week in face masks 😬 Maybe some deep chemical peels could help?? Thanks for the information x

Thanks for your informative video! I have a question. I suddenly started to have moderate hormonal pimples on cheeks 2 years ago, I've been on Diane pill and topical tretinoin for 3 months now and my skin is great. I think my physician plans to continue it for 6 months. But after coming off the pill, will acne come back? What can i do then? Bc i'm done with acne and want a permanent treatment😣

I gained 7 lbs the first month I tried spironolactone and felt like I was having breast growth even, which I do not need. 😭 I heard there was a topical spironolactone treatment that is newer. Have you seen that help at all if the oral medication isn't a good option?

I recently saw topical spironolactone cream, is it effective?

What about tretinoin or accutane? Are those for normal acne?

Hi doctor, what about adult male acne?

i just love it my acne just telling me when im ovulating and abt to hv my period

Oral isotretinion work for hormonal acne. Reply please mam 🙏

After using SLS cleanser (Neutrogena deep clean) it gave me pimples on my cheeks continuously, once I changed to use Cerave salicylic acid cleaser and its moisturising cream, more comedonal acne comes to surfaces. Then I try to use Eucerin proacne package, doesnot seems to decrease the acne but dry my skin ==. Now I only use Simple hydrating moisturiser. I really like this video ^..^ May I know salicylic acid treatment will be useful for hormonal acne?

I went off birth control last year and I’ve been breaking out like crazy. I started spiro a couple months ago, but it hasn’t been helping and I actually feel like my skin has gotten worse. I know the spiro can take up to 6 months to work, while bc pills can take about 3 months. Would it be beneficial for me to temporarily go on birth control to speed things up, and then ween off of it and continue taking the spiro as I come off the pill? I’m wondering if going back on the pill would help my skin clear up faster and then continuing the spiro as I come off bc would help prevent breakouts.

If I go on the contraceptive pill do I have to keep taking it forever ?

Is it normal to have a kind of purge phase on bc for acne

Doctor isibor helped balance my cousin sister hormonal acne and stop my facial hair growth due to pcos 🤗🤗🤗

Hello van you talk about rosacea please

I used to have a clear skin now im over 40 im breaking out on my chin and jawline this is a nightmare 😫😫

Iam 52i have thick hair on my upper lip and chin can i take spirinalactone to avoid my hair growth Please suggest me

Here is how I fixed my absolutely horrific hormonal acne covering my cheeks, chin, and jawline. I take Spironolactone 100mg, and my skincare is this: 1. panoxyl 10% face wash 2. Dr. Song’s benzoyl peroxide treatment lotion 3. cetaphil lotion. Morning and night, all 3 steps. Do NOT skip.

I have question for you. I just started taking Spironolactone through apostrophe. Will it hinder my chances of getting pregnant? If I want to get pregnant in the future, how long should I be off the meds before I start trying without any risks? Thank you!

Changing my birth control definitely triggered mine and it definitely gets much worse around my period.

What happens when you stop taking spironolactone?

I'm a guy in my 30s and have hormonal acne is that normal?

I started getting acne when i had an IUD like 5 months ago but the IUD fell out and I didn't even know when it happened however it is out and I'm getting acne like crazy

Ngl I use to have FWB who boarder-line looks just like her.

What about for acne if you dont want to do birth control and not severe enough for accutane and doctor didn’t recommend spiro? Also not a fan of antibiotics, do a lot of derms still prescribe antibiotics because of killing gut and resistance?

Hi, Doc! What is the safest hormonal acne supplement product do you recommend that is not contraceptives?

My acne did not ever respond to birth control at all, and I had a lot of other symptoms. I'm responding well to tretinoin, although I still have a while to wait for it all to clear consistently.

I just started taking Nikki birthconrol pills in August and it is making my acne worse. I don't understand why nikki birth control pills are making me get more acne if its considered a treatment for hormonal acne.

I used herbal enemas and coffee enemas for hormonal acne due to a toxic body.

Very helpful video. Dr , May you please advise on oral management that is safe or natural when planning for pregnancy. I’ve been on oral contraceptive for over five years to manage my hormonal acne 😇Age 29 yrs

I’m 27 on birth control and spirolonocatone AND STILL get cystic acne. Traditional doctors have failed. I am trying to find a naturopathic doctor

The deep jawline acne started appearing for me around my period about a month after beginning to use tretinoin, and I was wondering if it's tretinoin that changes the quality of the acne worse, due to how it slows the healing of wounds and thickens the skin.. But then I guess I was wrong about that! Hmm...

Hi Doctor Liu! What happens to your skin after you stop taking it? Like if I take it for 6 years, but I get to my early to mid-30s and decide I want to have kids and need to stop taking it, what happens to my skin? What do studies say? Does hormonal acne balance out the older you get if you’ve had since you were a teen?

Got my acne at the age of 33. 😭😭 it's all over my chin. Been 7 months now. 🥺

Spironolactone is excellent for hormonal acne!

I’m 26 and I struggle with cystic acne that’s deep and painful, and just seems to come out of no where all the time 😔 my acne increases along the jaw line and cheek bones and I’ve missed 3 periods in a row, while not being pregnant and never was. It even appears that I can’t get pregnant with my husband, where can I go for help?😔

Spironolactone made me get hives like crazy.

What is the amount of spiranolactone to use ?

Birth control does nothing for my hormonal acne. Spearmint pills have been a GAME CHANGER!

I had an abortion 1 month ago... I haven't gotten my period since. One week ago I started getting alot of acne on my face and neck😢. I have never broken out like this. Idk if it's because My hormones. Idk if it's going to go away .... because I have never had this.

Sadly no to all the drugs for me, topical helps but only while I'm using it and I go through horrible dry/peeling spells. Just burn my damn face off please. Hope this clears up with age some day

Can you use spironolactone whilst on the contraceptive pill?

This isnt useful at all for female athletes :( my problem is - I CANT decrease my androgens. I need them high for my performance, so i feel trapped. Im in the minipill (only progesterone, no estrogen) and on topical meds, but cant take spironolactone or it will decrease my androgens. And my acne is ravaging me, my skin is destroyed, and I feel hopeless…

Hi doc can i take a diane pills for my harmonal acne and i use also oxecure powder for over night

Is Curology a good company for acne

What if you cant take the contraceptives or piro because you want to get pregnant????

yep i have HORMONAL acne.. my whole life 🙄😵‍💫

Is Zinc for acne ok

ACK!ne