Bioidentical Progesterone Cream: A Treatment For Acne

I had an excellent opportunity to work in an acne clinic with dermatologists where I learned about the various types of acne and their treatment.  While Accutane is the ultimate cure for cystic acne, with hormonal acne, bioidentical progesterone can also be an efficient treatment or adjuvant.  Progesterone can be taken by mouth, or it can be applied as a cream.

In hormonal acne, high androgens are the culprit, while high androgens may not be found in the blood of those suffering from acne, it is the sebaceous glands in the skin that may be producing the androgens (testosterone turns to dihydrotestosterone).  Progesterone is a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor that helps prevent hormonal acne flares (prevents  hormonal conversion).

Hormonal acne has a complicated mechanism of action.  If blood work determines high androgen levels it is associated with higher free testosterone levels and DHEA in both men and women, this could be the association between acne and milk.  It could also be from a progesterone-estrogen imbalance.

Progesterone cream has local anti-androgenic and local anti-inflammatory effects on acne. Furthermore, not only is progesterone cream effective for acne, but it can be especially helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Please note: this discussion is regarding prescription-strength progesterone cream (dose specific for the face) that is made by a compounding pharmacy.  Do not apply just any type of progesterone to your face without consulting a pharmacist, nurse practitioner, or physician.

If you have any further questions or would like to try progesterone therapy for acne, please reach out to me.

Michelle Koch MN:NP