Whelp, here we are again to unfold the ever-tangled mysteries of female hormonal acne! But before we delve into the nitty gritty….
What is Female Hormonal Acne?
Well, for one thing, ALL acne stems from imbalanced hormones, so if you’re getting acne, it means your hormones aren’t quite doing what they're supposed to.
Acne isn’t as normal as we think. It definitely happens for a reason because hormones don’t just fool around, there has to be a REASON, a root cause if you will, that is making them imbalanced. Something is behind it all and it's causing you to get breakouts.
So what’s influencing these hormones and making them go haywire? Unfortunately, there are MANY different things that can affect your hormones and cause them to become imbalanced.
It seems like almost all hormonal imbalances end up causing some form of acne which is why treating hormonal acne is difficult and the reasons for it are hard to unravel. The best way to find out what your specific imbalances are is to get your hormones tested. This way, you have a clear idea of what needs to be re-balanced which is much easier than guessing. I used the women's fertility test by Everlywell to do this which helps eliminate a lot of guesswork.
So, what is female hormonal acne? In a nutshell, it’s known to be the most common form of acne in adult women and most often appears around the mouth, jawline, and chin.
It is typically cystic and quite painful to touch and gets worse before and during ovulation and menstruation. This type of acne often goes hand in hand with terrible PMS symptoms and irregular periods.
Sound familiar?
What Causes Female Hormonal Acne?
Female hormonal acne is caused by estrogen dominance. This creates an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone due to frequent contact with environmental or dietary xeno/phytoestrogens like plastic and soy products. This is most often where the imbalance begins.
Some women may have very low estrogen and higher progesterone, but it isn't as common as estrogen dominance. It does happen though which is why getting your hormones tested is essential for pinpointing which hormones you need to focus on.
Other factors that can disrupt hormones include:
- Eating a diet high in processed foods
- Consuming too much sugar
- Taking the pill/using other forms of oral contraception (this can also include shots, implants, rings, IUD, and the morning after pill)
- Chronic stress
- Poor sleep
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Over-exercising
- Not eating enough calories
- Substance abuse
- Using toxic beauty care products that inhibit hormone communication
- An overburdened liver
- Thyroid problems
- Insulin resistance
- And many more!
Sounds like a lot doesn't it? I wasn't kidding when I said hormones can be complicated!
However, there are 3 things that I have found to be effective in straightening things out and getting you the clear skin you've always wanted.
How to Clear Female Hormonal Acne
If you're wondering how to get rid of acne naturally, first and foremost you need to….
Clean Up Your Diet and Lifestyle!
One of the easiest things to start doing is eating healthier since diet and acne go hand in hand.
If you eat a ton of processed junk, begin by swapping those things out with healthy alternatives. You can never go wrong with a whole foods diet, especially a whole foods plant-based diet. These foods are full of bio-available nutrients your body needs to rebuild itself from the inside out. Just taking a multivitamin won't cut it either. You need to be eating REAL food every single day. No more processed junk! Also, find out what your food allergies are and avoid them. Allergens cause acne as well, so you need to pay attention to how your body reacts after eating certain foods.
Please refer to this article to learn more about food sensitivities.
Lowering your intake of inflammatory foods (aka acidic foods) that are high in saturated fat will help lower inflammation in the gut while also significantly lowering androstenedione, the precursor of testosterone.
This means cutting out the processed foods and topping up on more alkaline-rich produce and whole food alternatives instead of meats, baked goods, and sugary treats.
Eating more greens also means higher fiber consumption which has been found to decrease high levels of testosterone, DHT, and DHEA.
So as you can see, eating healthy has some seriously positive implications for regaining hormonal balance!
Eliminating dairy from your diet is also going to help tremendously. DHT is a hormone that binds to the oil glands in our skin and is found in cow milk products. When you consume dairy, your DHT levels rise causing more DHT to bind to your oil glands and "turn them on". This causes oiliness and clogged pores which, in turn, causes breakouts.
Getting quality Sleep, lowering stress, and getting outside in the sun are great things to change too! This will get your body moving and your lymphatic fluid flowing which allows for better detox, an uplifted mood, and overall more restful sleep.
These are all key methods to start implementing every day in order to improve hormone levels.
Don’t forget to change to all natural skincare while you’re at it (Beauty Counter is a great brand that is very clean!). Believe me, this one helps a lot. You may not even realize how many chemicals you're putting on your body that affect your hormones. I HIGHLY recommend that you check out the EWG website where you can search your beauty products and see what they contain. I guarantee they're FULL of toxins that are only making your skin worse. Start by cutting out these products one by one until you're using safe natural alternatives. This will help balance hormones and give your liver a much-needed break.
Once you have taken action to improve your diet and lifestyle, you can work on the 3 steps below to get rid of your hormonal acne for good.
For those of you out there who get stressed and anxious about the breakouts that just won’t go away no matter how clean your diet is, this is for you. It’s the same protocol that I’m using for my lingering acne…and guess what? It’s working!
Step 1
Start taking DIM and Vitex
If you know that you have estrogen dominance, then these are the supplements that are going to help you the most.
Diindolylmethane, or DIM, is a great supplement that aids the liver in dealing with bad/excess estrogens. It will help you detox the bad estrogens to make room for the good estrogen. I like this DIM supplement
.
Vitex is an herbal supplement that helps regulate hormone production. It has an affinity for the pituitary gland, helping it get progesterone and estrogen levels back in balance.
It's particularly good for women who have low progesterone in the luteal phase (the days after ovulation until the day before your next period) and high estrogen levels.
Low progesterone symptoms include:
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Despondency
- Anxiety
- Hormonal acne
Symptoms of high estrogen include:
- Heavy periods
- Gas and bloating around your period
- Tender Breasts (may include fibrocystic lumps)
- Irregular periods
- Headaches
- Increased PMS
Since vitex affects the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland by increasing the production of luteinizing hormone (LH), it slightly inhibits the production and release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) which helps lower high estrogen and raise progesterone.
I recommend this vitex supplement.
When taking vitex, it's important to keep track of your menstrual cycle. I encourage you to take notes on any changes you may experience such as the length of time between each period, the length of your follicular phase, and the length of your luteal phase.
If you experience more acne breakouts, it could be that your progesterone is too high. This is why you only take vitex for a few months.
Vitex should be taken for about 3-5 months. Take a break from it after this time and see if it's rebalanced your estrogen/progesterone levels.
You can also start eating one raw carrot a day to help eliminate excess estrogen in your body. Carrots contain a special fiber that attaches itself to excess estrogen where it is then harmlessly eliminated from the body through your stool. It's a super non-invasive way to help balance estrogen dominance. You can read more about this here.
Another non-invasive method for hormone balance I want to mention is Seed Cycling. This is where you eat two different seeds for each phase of your cycle in order to encourage balance. It's worked wonders for tons of women and is a safe method to try out. You can read how to do seed cycling here.
Step 2
Detox and Support your Liver
Excess/dominant estrogen and the liver are closely linked because your liver is responsible for detoxing hormones. A normally functioning liver will have no problem sorting out the overabundance of estrogen under normal circumstances, but since people with hormonal acne don’t have balanced hormones, the liver becomes overwhelmed and the excess estrogen gets recirculated through the body. This inevitably results in acne.
In order to reverse these effects, you must detox the liver to make its job easier. One method of doing this is to do a liver flush. While a little drastic for some people with delicate constitutions, it has worked well for many people. I'm not going to lie, a liver flush isn't a very fun experience, but most people will notice a huge difference once their liver is better able to detox and sift through the excess estrogens. If liver flushing isn't for you, read on! There are supplements that can do it for you in a much more non-invasive manner, though the results may take longer. I am personally okay with a slower approach.
Milk Thistle is a fantastic herb that supports and protects the liver from synthetic chemicals by strengthening liver cells and its ability to detox. It's also a gentle herb which makes it suitable for those worried about detox symptoms. I definitely recommend taking it! Some people have seen dramatic results just by taking 2 capsules of milk thistle per day. I recommend this milk thistle supplement
.
Burdock root is an herb that will purify the blood, detox the liver, and balances blood sugar (another factor DEEPLY involved in getting clear skin). It’s also incredibly nourishing for hair, skin, and nails too so what’s not to love? I recommend this burdock supplement.
You can also eat more of certain foods to help support a healthy liver. These include:
- Organic green tea
- Beets
- Garlic
- Grapefruit
- Dark leafy greens
- Apples
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Lemons and limes
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Carrots (raw!)
Another method to include in your routine is a relaxing yet detoxifying bath at least once a week. Do this while drinking a huge glass of lemon water to help eliminate toxins.
Step 3
Reduce Your Stress!
This is probably the hardest step for most of us. However, it is imperative to reduce stress if you want clear skin.
When you’re stressed, your body produces cortisol (aka the stress hormone) which inhibits natural processes in the body. Stress particularly affects the endocrine system which is why hormone levels become imbalanced. This is how chronic stress almost always shows itself in the form of acne.
Some examples of stress include:
- Being too obsessed with diet (also called Orthorexia Nervosa)
- Not eating well/ being over-restrictive
- Not getting enough sleep
- Not getting enough exercise
- Worrying too much
- Letting emotions get the better of you
- Low self-esteem
- Over-exercising
- Chronic fatigue
- Hair loss
- Anxiety or depression
- Unstable mood swings
- Over-all poor health
- Weight gain (because cortisol in your system keeps your body from burning calories!)
Working on lowering stress will almost always be the key to getting clear!
Begin by making small changes if this third step seems too overwhelming for you, I know it can be hard to lower stress when the cause seems to be out of your control. It’s really about your frame of mind and what you allow to “get to you”.
If this is still difficult, consider taking nourishing herbs like lemon balm, holy basil, or Rhodiola (don't use if you have a warm constitution). They will greatly reduce stress and nourish your adrenals at the same time so that you don’t feel burnt out. In essence, these herbs allow you to react to stress in the best way possible.
You can get Lemon balm HERE
.
Holy Basil HERE
.
And Rhodiola HERE
.
Another supplement I can't live without is Natural Calm. It's a powdered form of magnesium that really helps curb stress. It's also good for encouraging restful sleep and even improves digestion.
Other ways to reduce stress include:
- Going for walks
- Yoga and other forms of gentle centered movement
- Doing an activity you enjoy
- Breathing deeply for a few breaths
- Taking a relaxing bath after a taxing day
- Reading
- Listening to music
- Using essential oils for stress relief
- Venting to a good friend (it's never good to hold in emotions!)
It’s important to know that you will see and feel results in about 3 months after beginning.
Don’t give up! Consistency is KEY for reversing hormonal acne.
Good luck =)
What have been your tips and tricks for clearing female hormonal acne? Please share in the comments below!
You may also enjoy reading:
The Best Essential Oils for Hormonal Acne
Essential Oils for Fertility That Actually Work
Balancing Hormones With Carrots - Yes, Really!
Top 6 Skincare Tips That Cleared My Acne Naturally
The Best Routine You Need to Get Clear Skin
The Best Oils for Your Skin Type
The Best Essential Oils for Your Skin Type
Is That Oil Good to Use for Acne?
The Oil Cleansing Method
Chris says
Can I take vitex and Maca at the same time? Or it would be too much to take both?
Danielle G says
Hi, I am nursing and just got a hormonal IUD. My cystic acne is back with avengance (had none when I was off birth control and while pregnant or nursing last time with no birth control). I will try the raw carrots but is there anything else I can do while nursing? Can I take the Vitex? We are about to move and my current doctor is not helpful with this. I know the acne is from the mirana.
Nicole says
My estrogeon was 150 and my progesterone was 9.2 and my testosterone was 42. my doctor recommended vitex, i only get acne on my chin... never had it before until i turned 25. do my results look estrogen dominate?
Katie says
Hi, Can I take both DIM and Evening Primrose Oil for my hormonal acne? I have pcos and hashimoto's. Also, what dosage of each should I take and what times of day should I take them? Thanks!
Jamie says
Thank you for this article! How long should I take the DIM supplement? 3-5 months like the Vitex?Should I always take the milk thistle and burdock root, or just for a short period of time?
Tash says
Hi Jamie!
I generally would use the DIM for about 2-3 months. Once things seem to be improving, you can then wean off of it. The milk thistle is very gentle and can be taken for long periods of time. The burdock root can be used for 2-3 months.
C Fink says
I question the inclusion of Grapefruit, since it is known to have an inhibiting effect on the P450 enzyme metabolic pathway in the liver.
Lea says
Hi, I read your article with interest but one thing I am struggling to find the answer to is when taking DIM is it safe long term or should as you suggest with Vitex take a break? If this is so what time frames for use and breaks should you use?
Tash says
Hi Lea!
You can take Vitex up to 6 months but shouldn't need to. Same with DIM. You can take it up to 6 months. 🙂
Holly says
Hi there! I am having digestive problem and I think it’s due to my horns balance. Do you recommend anything that will help with that? Please help
Tash says
You should get your hormones tested so that you know exactly which ones are out of balance. You can then make an informative decision on which herbs, supplements, lifestyle protocols, etc. are best for getting things back to normal 🙂
Ali says
Hi there!!
26 year old female desperately trying to curb my persistent acne. I am active, eat healthy/drink SO much water, take measures to lower my stress and currently take zinc, magnesium, a probiotic, Omega 3, spearmint, vitamin D3, vitamin a, & calcium d glucarate daily. I got my hormones tested last week on day 27 of my cycle with these results:
FSH 2.0
LH 1.75
Progesterone 5.32 ng/ml
Estradiol 88.3 pg/ml
Testosterone (serum) 50 ng/ml
Free testosterone (direct) 1.9 pg/ml
Is there any input you could give me?? Even after researching, I can't really figure out my results.. being in my 27th day of the cycle, it doesn't look like anything is too abnormal? I'm desperate for anything that might help me at this point 🙁
Ali
GYPSY GARNER says
Hi, I already know I am estrogen dominant and recently tried Vitex. It helped alot but it caused me bad acne. I don't think its from to high progesterone because I was only it for 9 days the first time and the second time I tried it I was on it for a month and both times it did this. Do you think I should add milk thistle or DIM to see if that helps in case it's my liver causing this??
Tash says
Hi gypsy!
Have you ever tried eating raw carrots every day? You can check out my post on the topic here.
Jessica says
Hi!
I have read your articles a while now. I really really want to say thank you of your clear guidance and soft language. It is very pleasant to read and seems that you really know what you are talking about which makes it even more interesting to read!!
Million thanks, keep it up!
Happy Holidays !
Tash says
Thank you for your kind words, Jessica! They mean a lot 🙂
Tara says
Hi Tash is there an optimal time during your cycle to have the hormone profile done?
Do you take the supplements recommended regardless of which hormones are unbalanced? Thanks
Daphne says
I am fourteen and struggle with acne. I am taking probiotics, zinc, b complex, fish oil, and they don’t seem to be doing much. I have a clean diet and face wash routine. Should I try taking dim and Vitex? I just recently started taking milk thistle and have not had enough time to see results, but what dosage should I be taking and for how long? Thank you so much.
Daphne says
Hi, I forgot to say I got the eclectic milk thistle brand which you recommended and it says to take 4 pills should I do this? Thank you so much
Tash says
Hi Daphne!
You really only need to take one capsule per day 🙂 I know the packaging says to take four, but you really don't need that much. It isn't harmful, just unnecessary.
Daphne says
Hey, I’m wondering how many mg of milk thistle should be taken daily and how long I should take the supplement for. I’m fourteen and was hoping that the supplement would help to clear up my skin but I wanted to take it properly. Thank’s
Daphne says
Hey, I’m wondering how many mg of milk thistle should be taken daily and how long I should take the supplement for. Thank’s
kassia says
Hi, I had my progesterone levels tested 1 month after i finished breastfeeding. The results were <0.3. I started taking virtex a day before my period arrived and on day 5 i started to breakout again. I started taking a blood cleanser called BP-x from natures sunshine at the same time. I am not sure if these products are causing my breakouts to flare again? My skin was clearing nicely with the use of a topical retinoid but started to breakout again after 5 days of using these supplements.
Tash says
Hi Kassia!
Do you by chance know what your estrogen levels are?
Suzanne says
Hi Tash, thank you so much for this article. I suffered from hormonal acne and nothing I've tried in the past 10 years has worked... I started taking DIM and Vitex and already see the cysts are smaller and I didn't break out before my period 🙂 I have a few questions though:
- How much DIM and Vitex do you take a day? I am currently taking 200mg and 400mg daily respectively.
- How long do you recommend taking DIM and Vitex? Forever....?
- I am going to add milk thistle, how much should be taken daily and for how long?
Again, thank you so much for all the detailed information! I really appreciate it 🙂
Tash says
Hi Suzanne!
This is a tough question since it has to do with hormones. I'm guessing your acne stems from a possible estrogen dominance issue, which is why the Vitex is working. This means that the second half of your cycle after ovulation (the luteal phase) is shorter than it should be. However, you can't know for sure unless you very carefully track your cycle for a number of months. I suggest checking out this Youtube video to see if this resonates with you 🙂
As for the Vitex, I think the amount you're using is totally fine, just follow what the brand says on the packaging. You should not have to take vitex forever, I would suggest trying it for a few months, then stop and see if your skin stays clear. Also keep close watch on your period.
Milk thistle you can take daily without any issue as long as you are in good health! 🙂
Suzanne says
Thank you very much for your answer, I really appreciate it 🙂
Tash says
You're welcome Suzanne!
Also, the Youtuber I sent you to just posted an update about the vitex 🙂
Cristina says
Dear Tash, thanks for all the great info!
I came off the pill two years ago (I was taking the pill to fight my severe acne and irregular periods due to hormone imbalance and irregular periods, it worked but gave me severe life threatening migraines) and my doctor recommended taking Vitex right after. I stopped taking Vitex after 8 months of taking it regularly because all my acne and cystic acne had completely cleared up and my menstrual cycles where regular so I believed my hormone levels were balanced. Sadly my acne came back after a couple of months so I started taking vitex again. It has been 7 months and my acne has finally cleared again. How long should I keep taking vitex for? I don't want to make the same mistake again! Thank you for your advice.
Tash says
Hi Christina!
Hmmmmm, I'm wondering if you might have a progesterone deficiency. Do you have spotting before your periods at all? If so, when does that happen?
Jasmine Lawrence says
Hello! This has been so so so helpful! What facial cleansers and toners do you recommend ??
Tash says
Thanks Jasmine!
i actually use the oil cleansing method which you can learn more about here. However, if you're looking for an alternative, using raw honey works really well too! 🙂 And, for days when I really just need to remove tough make-up and other grime, I use an all natural charcoal soap on occasion. I hope this helps!
Britta says
Thoughts on triple strength vs. regular EstroBlock? Would it be better to start out on the regular strength?
Tash says
Hi Britta!
I have heard that the triple strength is preferred by most people. The key is to start slowly, and then work your way up 🙂
Varsha says
i wanna know if hyperpigmentation is due to hormonal changes then will it be going to get well soon or not?
Varsha says
i wanna know if pigmentation is because of hormonal changes then will it be able to get well soon? or it willl remain forever? i am little worried about it.??
Tash says
If you follow some of the tips I posted earlier, your hormonal imbalance should get a bit better 🙂 It's important to treat the root cause otherwise your hyperpigmentation could last longer. I can't know for sure if yours is caused by hormones without a test done by a doctor but what I do know is that a healthy and balanced lifestyle takes care of most health issues including skin troubles!
Shirley says
I went of birth control about 3 months ago and I have been getting acne since then. I started taking b vitamins, zinc, evening primrose oil, a good probiotic, and vitex daily but still my acne has not cleared up. A few days ago I decided to start taking DIM. I’m hoping this will help me. My only concern is that how would I know if I am estrogen dominant? Are there specific symptoms I should look for? Also what time of the day would u recommend taking DIM? And when would I start seeing results if it does work?
Tash says
Hi Shirley!
Estrogen dominance can be hard to determine unless you get a hormone profile done. However, some symptoms include:
• Bloating (water retention)
• Breast swelling and tenderness
• Cold hands and feet (a symptom of thyroid dysfunction)
• Decreased sex drive
• Fatigue Trouble sleeping/insomnia
• Fibrocystic breasts Headaches (especially premenstrually)
• Foggy thinking, memory loss
• Hair loss
• Irregular or otherwise abnormal menstrual periods
• Mood swings (most often irritability and depression)
• PMS
• Sluggish metabolism
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Weight and/or fat gain (particularly around the abdomen and hips)
I've also heard that some people with estrogen dominance store fat in their arms. All that said though, the only way you will know for sure is through a test.
When I took DIM, I took it earlier in the day and that seemed to work fine for me 🙂 Depending on your body, you can expect to see results anywhere from a couple weeks to about 3 months.
Corry says
Should I stop taking the Vitex during the 5 days of menstruation?
Tash says
Hi Corry,
From my research it seems like Vitex works better if you take it all month long. You can read more here!
Bridgette says
Hi, I am eagerly awaiting my delivery for the Vitex and Diindolylmethane I just ordered. I plan on taking a tincture of milkthistle; I have done that before. Anyway, my question to you is... how would I go about weening off of them after the three months? Do I skip to every other day... how does it work? I want to successfully accomplish defeating this hormonal acne without having to turn to Accutane or other damaging chemicals. Please do let me know how to go about weening off... I patiently await your response. Thanks so much!
Tash says
Hi Bridgette!
You can definitely "wean" off of the herbs little by little. I would say every other day for a week, and then increase by a day or two every week thereafter. it should give your body a chance to get used to things on its own 🙂
Bridgette says
I just got the supplements, I am so eager to get rid of this hormonal acne. I do have another question, do I take them all at the same time - once a day? I am following your directions for Diindolylmethane 100mg/per day (one capsule) and Vitex 200mg per day (two capsules). I just want to make 100% sure that I take them all together at the same time. Thanks for all you do Tash, you are a life saver! Nothing has worked for me and I am in need of positive results.
Oh, another thing... I know you said it will take approx 3 months to clear up... but will I see a difference in breakouts before then? It seems that everyday, I awaken with a new cyst showing up. I just want to crawl in a hole and die because of this. I need this daily breakout to end. Thanks and I look forward to hearing back from you soon!
Bridgette says
Day one, haven't heard back from you about taking them or not all together... I know you are busy. I am going to dive in and take all three capsules together now. I am drinking the milk thistle tincture daily. Hope to hear back from you soon and that I'm doing this right (Lol), and here's to wishing you a very Happy New Year Tash!
Tash says
Hi Bridgette!
You can definitely take them at the same time 🙂 Sorry for the late reply! I'm on a bit of a hiatus before I dive back into blogging after the New Year! But I'm happy to help! One thing I found helpful was to take the vitex twice a day (one capsule in the morning and one capsule in the afternoon). I was going to ask too, do you have any type of blood sugar issues? Also, is your skin dry or dehydrated in appearance?
Bridgette says
No problem, I completely understand. You must be so busy, you have a lot of info and help people. 🙂
Thanks for telling me, I will do that today on Vitex in the morning and one in the afternoon.
I don't have any blood sugar issues, I'm all good there. I do have dry skin right now, due to the winter weather; is that something to be concerned about? I normally have dry to normal skin, but for some reason I've been breaking out with this acne... I just can't take it anymore. I need to get rid of it. I effects my daily life. I can't thank you enough for all you do, I truly appreciate you Tash.
Bridgette says
*It effects my daily life
Sorry typing really fast I sometimes mess up.
Another thing, will I start seeing a difference before the three months is up? I am eager for the daily cysts to stop appearing.
Thanks again!
Hope you have a very Happy New Year!!!
Tash says
Hello again!
Blood sugar issues and dehydrated skin seem to be major causes of acne for many people so I was curious if you had either of these symptoms 🙂 Nothing to be concerned about! if you are eating a clean whole foods or plant based diet, stay hydrated, get outdoors, control stress, use natural skin care to the best of your ability, and sleep well along with taking those supplements you should see an improvement within a few weeks. the thing with acne is, future pimples are already primed to surface several weeks before you even see them. That's why it can take up to 3 months to see a significant improvement. Also, TRY not to stress too much 🙂 I know it's easier said than done, but giving your skin some breathing room will be good for it. have you ever had your doctor test your hormones? Might be something worth researching as well! i recently did a hair analysis and was really surprised to see what my deficiencies and allergies are (though this is different than a hormone test, it was very useful information!).
Happy New Year!
Bridgette says
The vitex I have is 400mg per pill, so I have gone down to one a day with one DIM(100mg). The first two days I felt off, tired and really hot... like I had a temp. It kinda freaked me out, so I did some googling on it and seen that, that is a lot to start with. So I will gradually increase back to two vitex next week. Just thought I'd share.
I have an appointment with a derm tomorrow, but am thinking it will be a waste of time. What do you think? I think they will just try to prescribe me more medications that will hurt me in the long run. I want to stick to all natural, homeopathic remedies. My body has been through a lot and I need to steer clear of medications. I look forward to your opinion on this. Thanks for being so great Tash.
Ankita Ahuja says
Hi Bridgette,
I am in the same boat as you are. Please update how is DIM for you? How much time it is been since you are taking DIM and Vitex. Did you notice any improvement? Please reply. Thanks
Chellyrenee says
Thank you for the informative info.
I was wondering i have acne due to hormones for sure , and im loosing hair having bald spots . I have PCOS i am not obese just a little overweight , Im not sure if i have too much estrogen or maybe too much androgen since i have symptoms of high androgen levels . have you came across any beneficial cases with PCOS trying VITEX and DIM ? thank you ,
Chelly
Tash says
Hi Chelly!
PCOS can be pretty tricky. I really recommend getting a hormone panel done to see which hormones are out of balance. Once you know the details (which is very important), there are a few herbs and other lifestyle changes that can help!
Andrea says
Hi I am scared to try Vitex as I heard it can make acne worse unless your progesterone is actually low. any more info on this? thanks so much
Tash says
Hi Andrea!
Vitex can be tricky to use. It can make acne worse if your progesterone levels are normal or high. A lot of women who suffer from acne tend to have low progesterone, but I always recommend getting a full hormone profile before delving into herbs and other hormonal support treatments. Getting a hormone profile will give you a very clear view on what the problem is which makes it A LOT easier to know which herbs are best for you. Here is a good article on signs your progesterone may be low: http://www.ovatemp.com/blog/fertility-health/4-signs-of-low-progesterone-and-what-to-do-about-it
Best of luck 🙂
Siti says
Hey.
Your post is so amazing. It gave me hope for my hormonal acne of which I suffered for more than a decade.
I'm going to try these out. It was mentioned that it will take 3 months to fully see the results. Howver, after seeing improvements and all, all the protocols will still have to adhere to right? But for how much longer? As long as possible?
Tash says
Hi Siti!
You can try weaning off of the products after 3 months to see how your skin reacts. As long as your lifestyle has improved then skincare can get more and more simple. Best of luck! 🙂
Natalie McLay says
i am 14 would these things work on me?
Natalie McLay says
Tash, are you a skin expert, like someone that went to University and did a degree in skin care?
Tash says
Hi Natalie!
I did not go to school specifically for skin care no. All of my articles are based on personal experience and a lot of research 🙂
Natalie McLay says
it sure sounds like you are! 🙂 You should go to uni and be a dermatologist! 😀
Tash says
Hello again!
Yes these would work but you must also keep in mind that right now your hormones are naturally out of balance right now. However you can definitely lessen the severity of your acne by following these steps. Best of luck!
Natalie McLay says
When would you say all the hormone imbalance stuff stop being annoying?
Chris says
Question, I did the liver flush and began taking the dim pills.. Because I knew I had excess estrogen due to my symptoms. But I was doing it to help me with stubborn abdominal fat not for acne.. However, 1 week into the cleanse and dim pill.. I broke out so bad on my chin area and cheeks (near the mouth and nose) is this normal!? Because I'm detoxing? The skin is getting it all out? Because I freaked out and stopped taking the dim pills. I want to continue taking them, as they were helping me with my energy for some reason and also my emotional state. But the breakouts were so horrible and usually have flawless skin.
Thanks
Tash says
Hi Chris!
DIM will need a few more supportive supplements that aid detox for it to work best for some people. It sounds like you may need calcium d-glucarate which really helps your liver gets toxins out. A lot of times, your skin gets worse before it gets better, so hang in there! Let me know how it goes!
kelli says
what about teenage male acne?
thanks- kelli
Tash says
Hi Kelli!
I'm still working on cracking this. Male hormones can be a bit more difficult since I don't have personal experience. HOWEVER, once I find out what works the best, I will be writing an article on it.
Be says
Hello there. I’m interested to try this herbs and I have a few questions if you don’t mind.
1. Do you have to take 4 of them? If I want to take maybe 2, which one do you think the most important one? or do we have to take all to get the result?
2. Do you need to take this supplement forever? If you stop will you get the problem back? I’m not really comfortable thinking that I’m reliant on certain product forever. Can I use this for couple of months and when it gets better I just stop?
Thank you. Sorry for a lot of question.
Tash says
Hi Be!
I would suggest taking these herbs for at least 4-6 months. You can take just 2 if you like. The reason you have to take them so long is because hormones take a while to balance especially if your hormones are all over the place. When I did this protocol, it took at LEAST 3 months to really see a difference, but everyone will is different.
If you stop taking the supplements and you haven't changed your lifestyle habits, your acne can come back unfortunately. Getting rid of hormonal acne can be a long process because there are many factory that affect it.
I hope this helps!
Diana Tyser says
How often do you do the liver cleanse? I was reading the site your link took me too about the liver cleanse and at the bottom it talked about collecting stones, etc. What should I expect when I do a liver cleanse and how often should 1 be done? It also says no other foods should be taken so am I fasting the day I start the liver cleanse and the day after? I would just like a little more detail here, please. Thank you!
Tash says
Hi Diana!
I do a liver cleanse in this manner once a year. I have to be honest, this particular cleanse isn't very fun and I find that doing a different type of liver cleanse (post coming soon) works way better for me. Typically this type of cleanse requires you to fast the day of and to eat very clean the day before and after (lots of fresh produce and no dairy, grains, or meats). After taking the mixture, you can definitely pass little stones. I'm not sure if these are actually stones or just hardened oil though. Once the liver cleanse is over, I do feel better. Hope this helps!
Erin says
Hi, will any of the above supplements interfere with my birth control? I am dying to find a natural as possible cure for my acne.
Tash says
Hi Erin!
As far as DIM and Vitex, they "could" potentially interfere with birth control. I wouldn't risk it. The other supplements like milk thistle, rhodiola, holy basil, lemon balm, and burdock don't directly affect hormones, so they are ok to use. Just remember that herbs that are for hormonal balance should be avoided!
Hope this helps! <3 Tash
nisha says
Hello, this post has been so helpful and I was wondering if you could tell me the dosage of your Dim, vitex and milk thistle per day? Thank you!
Tash says
Hi Nisha!
I'm glad your finding useful information here =)
I use 500mg milk thistle once per day
200mg vitex per day
and I take 100mg of DIM per day
martyna says
Hi, is there anything i can do i am breastfeeding and suffering from bad acne, not only i have gaine 60 lb and still need to loose 20. Any ideas what i could do. Ive red that liver clensong is not recomendes. Although I feel like i newd it badly
Tash says
Hi Martyna!
This may sound crazy, but I have heard a lot of women rave about using their own breast milk as a face mask to get rid of acne. They claim it really works if you can do it twice a week. As far as supplements/herbs, there really isn't anything you can take until your baby is weaned unfortunately =(
Also make sure that you're well hydrated and that your digestion is optimal. These can keep your hormones from balancing out which can cause acne!
Best of luck! <3 Tash
Anna S says
So what can those who are pregnant or nursing do?
Tash says
Hi Anna!
I have heard from a number of sources that using your own breast milk as a mask a few times a week is supposed to do wonders! During pregnancy though, it's a bit tricky. I would recommend using manuka honey as a spot treatment, wash, and facial mask as often as you can. It's naturally anti-bacterial but it has no side effects if used topically during pregnancy =)
I hope this helps! <3 Tash
Amy says
Where would you go for hormonal testing? A dermatologist? Thanks for the info!
Tash says
Hi Amy!
Your personal health care physician can do them or refer you to someone who does the hormonal testing. I believe that dermatologists refer their clients as well =) I have also come across at home hormone tests that you can purchase online on Amazon.
Bekah says
Are these safe to take while breastfeeding?
Tash says
Hi Bekah,
Unfortunately I would not recommend taking these herbs while breastfeeding as they affect hormones =(
Allie says
I thought acne was caused by too many male hormones, it's estrogen? So, why does birth control work? I'm off of the pill because I'm trying to conceive and my hormonal acne is the worst it has been. Thanks.
Tash says
Hi Allie,
Most female acne is caused by an overabundance of estrogen in the system. When this happens, your liver is not able to efficiently filter all of the excess estrogens out of the body so they recirculate. This causes all sorts of issues, one of them being acne. I found that when you can help your liver detox the excess, acne will begin to clear up and disappear!
Androgens of course play a roll in getting acne but can normally be controlled when you get stress levels under control. Again, detoxing the liver will help get all of these hormones back into balance.
Liz says
Do you recommend taking all of these supplements together or is it best to just take a few at a time? And if you just take a few at a time, what are your top favs/recommendations? Thanks so much!
Tash says
Hi Liz!
I would recommend taking the DIM, milk thistle and the vitex together for best results =) If you have stress, it's okay to take the holy basil or rhodiola at the the same time too!
Suzie P says
I was on Proactiv and birth control for about 15 years. My acne was occasional (every few months I’d get some painful chin or other acne that would clear up usually in a few weeks). At age 43 I decided to wean myself off both. At first the weaning resulted in quite a bit more acne, usually cyclical. Then it calmed down most of the time. I started various Korean skincare products - I actually think they don’t do much for me but they really smell nice 🙂
By the end of 2016, however, the chin (and sometimes eleswhere) acne never waned - any time anything started getting better I would get more to take its place.
I began to take DIM - 200mg each morning (or whenever I remembered) and within about four days I wasn’t getting brand new chin acne. A month in, there was a marked improvement. Now I’m two months in and other than occasional random little pimples OR a bigger one caused by pressure from a dust or particulate mask or ear protection muffs I use for woodworking, I am a happy camper. I’m 98% clear-skinned. I only take DIM as a supplement, no other vitamins or whatnot. In fact I’ve stopped taking Probiotics - it did nothing for my acne and I feel quite good in general.
I would suggest you add one thing at a time and see if it works for you first.
I don’t believe the skin requires purging so I was never going to try something that takes months being worse before it gets better. For one, I’ve seen pre-acne get absorbed by my skin in the past on occasion without coming to a head. Also, the thought of purging sounds horrible!
Knock on wood that my improvement isn’t temporary.
Good luck!
Suzie P says
Update: I now only take DIM when I start having chin stuff pop up. I am not too diligent with it even when they do pop up - I don't feel as desperate as I now use a diluted 1:4 ratio oil of oregano: jojoba as a spot treatment on my chin when needed. I'd still rather get none pop up, but it's still no biggie this way. Oh, I also use Cosrx pimple patches usually at night after I pop a whitehead - they suck goo out and prevent the pimple from getting bigger. And Vitamin C/hyaluronic solution to get rid of the redness as the pimples heal.
sharonm says
Are all of these supplements still okay/safe to take if I'm trying to conceive? Thanks.
Tash says
Yep! These are safe to take before conceiving, though I would stop use after conceiving =)
tasi says
hi tash, i have pcos.. iam taking
•inositol 2000mg
•vitamin d3 1000iu
•folic acid 5mg
•vitamin e 400iu
•vitex 400mg 3caps daily
•iron 25mg
i am planning to add zinc picolinate 25mg as my hair are falling everywhere, and ive read that zinc supplement may help with my hair fall.. i am now showering my hair twice weekly only bcoz i feel likeim losing thousands of strands everytime ill get them wet?..
do youthink it will be fine to add zinc and wont affect any of my daily supplements mentioned above? thank u so much
Tash says
That's terrible Tasi!
Have you by chance had your hormones tested? Also, what is your lifestyle like in regards to diet, sleep, exercise, stress, etc.? I think the zinc would be fine, in fact, you can even take a lower dose and still get the benefits. Just don't take it on an empty stomach, always with food. Hair loss usually indicates an imbalance within the body, so it's important to really figure out what the root cause is.