3 replies to this topic

[EnlightenMe]

I know a few guys who do tons of steroids year round and never get acne. If it is hormonal, then why don't all the extra androgens in thier system cause them to break out?

I've used things like saw palmetto extract and finasteride to help combat dht and help my acne, but they didn't work at all. I don't believe the excessive androgens is the cause of acne. Maybe it's our bodies' ability to process hormones that can make it worse? What do you guys think?

I don't believe hormones themselves are the cause of acne. Our liver's ability to process them correctly... maybe, but not the hormones themselves, or the heavy steroid users would have acne.

[{DC}]

I know many steroid users who get acne. Some very bad acne and hairloss. Both of which are androgen mediated diseases.

Its not always that you have more androgens(male hormones) in your body, but rather how sensitive your body is to them. That all comes down to genetics. Almost all people who get acne wont have above normal androgen levels...but what they all have in common is there skin is geneitcally overly sensitive to them.

Steroid users who dont suffer acne just have a genetically higher threshold as far as androgen sensitivity is concerned. I bet if those same guys you know really went over board and just juiced like crazy and took more than they have before they would eventually exceed that threshold and exhibit things like acne, oily skin..maybe hairloss.

Alot of guys when they are about to go on a cycle supplement with hair loss medications like propecia to defend against excessive amonuts of androgens.

[kcr]

I think if even doctors and researchers don't know the cause of acne then we can't know, and we'll drive ourselves crazy trying to figure it out. After 24 years battling this stuff I've learned to just give things a try and if they work, use them, if they don't, then stop using them.

I know people who have never had a pimple no matter what they put on their skin or take in their body, and others who break out no matter how much water they drink, how many supplements they take, how many prescription meds they use. Some people claim Proactiv is a miracle; others say it made their skin worse. Some bcps work great for some users and make others break out in cystic bumps. It's a huge mystery. Sometimes you can try to pinpoint acne triggers for you individually (for example, I'm now close to positive that taking excess iodine causes me to break out), but other than that it's just a big question mark, unfortunately for all of us.

[EnlightenMe]

Thanks guys! Both had very good points. Acne is definitely each individual's puzzle to solve. There are so many theories and explanations, all of which either don't cover it completely, or present some form of contradiction.

DC - Most juicers I know have clear skin. I agree that you are some people are just prone, and those people would probably be left with worse acne after using steroids. That's why I was speculating about the liver being able to process the hormones. I also wonder why people try to target hormones as a form of acne treatment. You said some people can't handle even normal levels. Wouldn't it be more beneficial to help your body handle the hormones, instead of trying to lower the hormone levels? Again, another puzzle for the individual.

kcr - I agree with you too. I am pretty much at the same point you are. Make and educated decision to try things that may work for you, and go from there.