![]() ![]() Instead, this OTC supplement tends to work best on inflammatory papules, pustules, and hormonal acne. It should also be noted that a DIM supplement won’t do much to improve comedonal acne (i.e. As such, she “would not” compare it to a true androgen blocker (like spironolactone), but she does offer this of the logic: “Androgens do promote acne, so the thinking is that the less potent form would be less acne-inducing.” Unlike spironolactone, which typically generates results in six to eight weeks, DIM supplements may take upwards of four months to show improvement.ĭIM “appears to have more of an impact on estrogen, but the research is not overwhelmingly strong,” Dr. “They are completely different,” says Angela Lamb, MD, a board certified dermatologist in NYC.Īs she explains, “Accutane is an oral vitamin A derivative that makes oil glands smaller,” while “spironolactone is an oral androgen blocker.” Considered by some to be a more natural alternative to spironolactone, anecdotal reports show DIM to effectively decrease breakouts - albeit more gradually. ![]() If you are wondering how DIM supplements measure up, it’s not a straightforward comparison. Prescription Acne Medicationsįor those looking to treat adult acne, there are a few gold standards that dermatologists commonly prescribe, including spironolactone (a blood pressure medication that is used off-label to treat hormonal acne in women) and isotretinoin (you may know it by its brand name, Accutane). “Birth control increases the production of the sex-binding hormone globulin, a protein in the blood that picks up excess cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone.” DIM Supplements vs. “When women go on birth control, there is a change to the balance of estrogen, which helps with acne,” she says. This hormonal modulation is similar to oral contraceptives. So, what’s a more realistic way to reap the benefits of diindolylmethane? Taking DIM in pill form provides the body with enough of it to “change the balance of estrogen in women to make estradiol (a type of estrogen) more dominant,” Dr. “To get the level of DIM in vegetable form, you would have to eat two pounds of greens every day,” says Ava Shamban, MD, a board certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills. But your favorite Sweetgreen salad isn’t going to cut it. Research has shown that consuming cruciferous greens allows for Indole 3-Carbinol (or I3C), which is the precursor to DIM, to metabolize into DIM. ![]() In the quest to achieve healthy, clear skin, clean eating that minimizes processed foods and maximizes skin-friendly greens is undoubtedly part of the equation. “Not only can DIM better your metabolism by adjusting your hormones to avoid hormonal imbalance, but studies have also shown that increasing your intake of DIM can balance estrogen levels as well,” explains Dendy Engelman, MD, a board certified dermatologist in New York City.Īs consumer focus continues to lean more towards natural products and options in every sense of the word, it makes perfect sense that DIM supplements are earning attention as a ‘natural’ way to combat hormonally induced acne. Studies tout it for its potential anti-cancer benefits ( especially estrogen-centric cancers), yet DIM also receives credit for its anti-inflammatory abilities. What Is Diindolylmethane (DIM)?ĭiindolylmethane (DIM) is a naturally derived compound sourced from cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Acne treatment options run the gamut from prescription and over-the-counter topicals to in-office peels and lasers, but, lately, a somewhat under-the-radar supplement is gaining traction. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), adult acne is on the rise with reports of it affecting 15 percent of women. Breakouts should magically disappear once you enter adulthood, right? Not necessarily. ![]()
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