Hormonal Acne: Leading to a Paradigm Shift in the Management of Acne

IGFBP‐rP1 shows potential for treating androgenic alopecia by influencing hair cycle transitions. Increasing IGF-1 levels may have similar effects to Minoxidil and 5-AR inhibitors in reducing hair loss.

Finasteride effectively treated hormonal acne for multiple users, including the original poster. Topical treatments like Winlevi are effective but expensive and not always covered by insurance.

Hair loss is linked to cellular physiology and the IGF-1 to TGF-B1 ratio, not just androgen sensitivity. The theory lacks evidence, while finasteride and minoxidil are effective treatments.

The conversation discusses potential hair loss treatments focusing on stimulating IGF-1 at the follicle level using growth-factor cocktails and engineered peptides, such as Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Copper Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-20, Thymosin-β4, and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. It suggests that device-assisted delivery methods like microneedling may enhance effectiveness.

Finasteride may cause acne for some users, possibly due to increased testosterone or estrogen levels. Zinc, gluconic acid, and B5 cream are suggested treatments for managing this acne.

Balancing hormones, particularly testosterone and DHT, may prevent hair loss and slow aging. Treatments include finasteride, dutasteride, zinc, magnesium, collagen, and natural DHT-blocking shampoos.