A new weapon in the fight against hormonal acne

For the first time in just about forever, I can actually say that my skin is calm and clear. The maskne and stress-driven breakouts are gone, and although I got a lovely zit on my jawline before my last period, that should be my biggest problem and I’m more than happy to deal with it.

My acne journey started around the age of 14, and my mom didn’t waste any time before taking me to the dermatologist. I’ve been using retinoids pretty much ever since, but there were several times during my adulthood that I asked my dermatologist if there was anything else I could do. I inquired about spironolactone, an oral medication that’s often prescribed for acne caused by androgen hormones (such as testosterone). She didn’t think I was a candidate for this diuretic, so I stuck with my regimen of salicylic acid cleanser, retinoids and an emergency stash of benzoyl peroxide for when things got really bad.

My amazing dermatologist client Dr. Naana Boakye takes a holistic approach to skincare (which includes diet, exercise and overall wellness), and I reached out to her when my pandemic-fueled pimples were at their height. She recommended a cocktail of supplements for me, including diindolymethane (or DIM), because it is believed to work the same way as spironolactone—but it’s derived from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. I did my own research (always do!) and came to learn that DIM supplementation has been also associated with reducing the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. This was before I was diagnosed (so it obviously didn’t prevent me from getting breast cancer), but perhaps it contributed to my “best case scenario”—we’ll never know.

In addition to oral spironolactone and spironolactone-mimicking DIM, there’s a new prescription topical treatment that targets acne-causing hormones in the skin. It’s called Winlevi, and it’s pretty much a game-changer—as long as you’re an appropriate patient. Although researchers aren’t exactly sure how it works on acne, they do know it helps reduce excess oil and inflammation, which are two on the main pieces of the acne puzzle. After 12 weeks, patients report clear or almost-clear skin, a significant reduction in whiteheads and blackheads, and a notable reduction in pus-filled pimples. (Sorry.)

I know the struggle with acne is real—even as an adult—so I just wanted to give you an update on the latest treatment options. If you’re not happy with the state of your skin or how your current anti-acne routine is working, ask your derm about Winlevi, or if there’s another approach that can help improve your breakouts.