Think acne's just a teenage problem? Think again! Many women in their 30s, 40s, and even older still deal with breakouts. While we often hear about 'hormonal' acne showing up along the jawline for adults, in reality, adult acne can pop up all over the face! And guess what? Hormones are usually behind most acne, no matter how old you are. 

If you're struggling with stubborn acne, seeing a dermatologist can provide personalized solutions to help you feel better about your skin! Tune in to this week's podcast with Dr. Barbieri to learn about hormonal acne in midlife women, effective treatment options, and the safety and side effects of isotretinoin.

Key Takeaways:

- Acne is a common condition that affects people of all ages, not just teenagers.

- Oral antibiotics are often overprescribed for acne, leading to antibiotic resistance and other health issues.

- Hormones play a significant role in acne development, and hormonal treatments like spironolactone and combined oral contraceptives can be effective.

- Clascoterone, a topical anti-androgen, is a new treatment option for acne that can be used in both men and women.

- Over-the-counter regimens with topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can be effective for mild acne.

- Isotretinoin is a highly effective treatment for severe acne, but it should be used under close medical supervision due to potential side effects.

- Pregnancy monitoring is crucial while on isotretinoin due to the risk of birth defects. It is important to follow the iPledge program guidelines.

- Reducing sugar intake and considering dietary changes, such as avoiding whey protein, may help improve acne. Supplements like vitamin D, vitamin B5, and zinc can also be beneficial.

In this Episode:

(6:38) What is acne?

(9:09)The Impact of Acne on Mental Health and Social Stigma

(12:54)Treatment Options for Hormonal Acne in Middle-Aged Women

(24:54)Isotretinoin: The Big Gun for Severe Acne

(29:40) The Importance of Pregnancy Monitoring with Isotretinoin

(36:03)Dietary Considerations for Acne Management

(40:00)Exploring New Treatments for Acne

Get Dr. Mina's free PDF on How to create Healthy Skin Habits here.

Download the free eBook 'Skincare Myths Busted' here.

John Barbieri, MD, MBA is an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and the Director of the Advanced Acne Therapeutics Clinic at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He is an associate editor at JAMA Dermatology and is also the co-chair of the American Academy of Dermatology Acne Guidelines Work Group.

His research is focused on conducting innovative clinical trials, health economic, and epidemiology studies to identify the best approaches to care for patients with acne. He also focuses on exploring the role of patient-reported outcomes to ensure we are capturing the patient’s voice and perspective on their care. 

Find Dr. Barbieri here:

https://www.youtube.com/@DrJohnBarbieri

https://www.instagram.com/drjohnbarbieri/

https://barbierilab.bwh.harvard.edu/

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https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin

https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin

The content of this podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice.