Preventing acne on T?

[Everyone]

I couldn't find any information on this, but I'm not great at searching for thing. Does anyone know of ways to prevent acne on T? My dad had severe cystic acne as a teenager, and my sister (who had high testosterone) did too. I have an appointment in August to look into hormones, and I know I can ask my doctor then, but I wanted to gather any information I can ahead of time. Any advice?

[Alexthecat]

It's going to come but you have the advantage in knowing that it will come. Wash with charcoal soap and have a dermatologist monitor your skin and make sure they are willing to prescribe if necessary when the first signs of acne appear.

[Elis]

I had bad acne pre T (probably my diet didn't help) but it became worse on T. I used charcoal soap for a few months which got rid of some redness but didn't really prevent new acne developing, then switched to over the counter acne cream which got rid of some redness and new acne but I'm now on prescription acne cream and antibiotics; which has helped the most. Try a more natural method first but if it still doesn't clear up don't wait ages until you try medication; otherwise you'll likely end up with acne scars which might not clear up.

[CMD042414]

I have a few posts around here about acne. It is hereditary for me also. I've had it since first puberty and it's always been moderate. Once I started T it became severe. Everyone will tell you to not eat certain foods, use this soap, take this supplement, etc. NONE OF THAT WORKS FOR HORMONAL, HEREDITARY ACNE. NONE OF IT. It will only frustrate you and make you feel as though nothing will work. Go to a dermatologist. Find one who is comfortable working with a transman. I don't mean for discrimination fears I mean because they need to take into consideration how T affects us as opposed to a cis male using steroids. I've actually had a dermatologist use that comparison. If you are primarily clear as of now they can only do so much but they will have you come back if/when you begin to breakout so you can keep ahead of it. You will need a topical and/or oral prescription. OTC  doesn't do it and can actually make your skin worse because it is harsh and irritating.

[Dani]

I have been a practicing Pharmacist for over 40 years and I always recommend two things:

1. a good cleansing soap, preferably once that contains salicyclic acid.

2. a non-greasy creme or lotion containing benzoyl peroxide.

Use both at least daily and in more severe cases, twice daily.

Both of these are available without prescription. In the most severe cases your Physician can prescribe antibiotics.

Acne is something you manage for a very long time. The sooner you have your routine established, the less likely you are to have facial scarring.

[WolfNightV4X1]

Oh gosh! Yeah good luck with that, I do not envy those times. Luckily as stated you have the advantage of establishing a better regimen with better products. My doctor prescribed me Tretinoin and ir worked pretty well

If anyone has any tips on acne scarring I'd like to know, my face is slightly marked now because of it >.> Seeing if maybe I can by a studio 35 dark spot corrector or mederma or some kind of skin brightening/color serum to make it look better

[eyesk8rboi]

I don't know if "prevention" is the word for it. BUT.....There's this trans-man on Youtube I found before I came out, and I have bad skin anyway, no hormones included, who used this stuff that I just HAD to try.

It's Called Aztec Secret: Indian Healing Clay....it's a clay mask you mix with apple cider vinegar (water works too if you can't stand the smell, but ACV actually works best) and then you just leave it on your face anywhere from 15-20 minutes depending on how sensitive your skin is. It will make it red for about 30 minutes after the treatment but it's SOOOOOO worth it. The first time I used it my existing blemishes were less noticeable, my skin tone was more even, most of my blackheads were gone and my pores closed up a lot. (I have big pores.)




I use it twice a week, usually on the days I get really sweaty...Just wash your face with hot water and soap of your choice, dry it, do the mask, then rinse the mask off with warm water, and close your pores up with some cold water and BAM!

And although it's for blackheads, I've founds that the Biore charcoal bars help my face the most with acne.



I got the clay of eBay, but the seller sent it Amazon Prime....You can probably find it at stores too.

The Biore bars are pretty much anywhere...grocery store, makeup stores, Walgreens, CVS...you name it.