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Writer's pictureDr. Shadi Tabaei, ND

Adult acne: 2 hormones involved

Did you know that hormones can be responsible for adult acne?


Let me explain..


The oil glands in our skin respond to hormonal stimulation. When these glands are overly stimulated, they produce more oil. More oil = a better environment for bacteria to grow. More bacteria = more acne.  There are two hormones that are commonly responsible for adult acne: 


#1. DHT

DHT (Dihydroxytestosterone) is a product breakdown of testosterone that is elevated in the skin of those who have acne. DHT stimulates the oil glands in the skin at a higher rate then testosterone. 

Other symptoms of high DHT are:

  • Unwanted hair growth

  • Hair loss

  • Deepening of voice

#2. Insulin Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating our blood sugar. When insulin is elevated in the blood, it can begin to stimulate the ovaries to produce testosterone.


More testosterone = more breakdown into DHT = more oil = better environment for bacterial growth = more acne. Despite this being mainstream knowledge, most of the the women i see in my practice with adult acne are not having their hormones properly assessed. If you are an adult women suffering from acne, you really should have your DHT, testosterone, and insulin tested. By testing and treating these hormonal imbalances, women can experience freedom from acne and FINALLY start to have full confidence in their skin.  ONE more thing... If you have come off birth control and started experiencing acne, this is again explained by testosterone. Birth control lowers testosterone levels - that's why many women are put on birth control in attempt to control their acne. However, when you get off birth control, your testosterone starts to rise again - resulting in acne. That's why getting to the root cause of WHY your body is producing more testosterone/DHT in the first place is the most important step when wanting to deal with your acne once and for all. 


If your ready to have your hormones and health assessed, book your free 15 minute consult here

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