If you’ve clicked on this article, you’re probably wondering: Does spironolactone for acne actually work? In short, yes. But before I extol the benefits of spironolactone, let me share a bit of my own acne journey.
I’ve suffered from acne from a very young age. As a pre-teen, I was among the first of my classmates to experience breakouts, which was the start of my self-consciousness surrounding my skin. My acne followed me into high school, where I covered my pimples in caked-on makeup that I now know probably made my skin even worse.
I tried every product I could—and even gave in to those Proactiv commercials—but nothing worked. So I visited a dermatologist and was prescribed tretinoin, which showed the slightest improvement. Still, it didn’t give me the significant results I was looking for.
Fed up with my skin, I considered trying accutane. At the time, I was 17 and needed permission from my parents, who were against me undergoing the treatment. Annoyed at their refusal, I searched for an alternative and asked to be put on birth control pills after reading online and hearing from friends that it could improve my skin. My parents said yes as a compromise so I started the pill, which gave me the best results I’d seen so far.
But even though my breakouts lessened, I would still get big, painful cystic acne forming angry red lumps on my face, particularly around my period. I realized that I suffered from hormonal acne, which my birth control unfortunately couldn’t tame. And my acne stayed this way into my early 20s—not as severe as those teen years, but still not good skin—until I officially joined the adult acne club. According to a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, anywhere between 12% and 22% of women ages 26 through 44 experience acne.
Now in my late twenties, I decided to get to the root of my acne once and for all and visited board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery, who immediately prescribed me spironolactone. I’d heard about the benefits of the oral medication for years—a lot of fellow beauty editors swear by it—but was skeptical.
However, after seven months on spironolactone my acne has pretty much disappeared—cysts and all. My skin has completely transformed and looks the best it’s ever been. Everyone in my life has noticed the change, from my family and friends to strangers who compliment my clear complexion.
I still get a pimple or zit here and there—spironolactone is not a cure-all—and I’ve come to accept that acne will always be a part of my life. But it’s been demoted from main character to a mere footnote.
My skin after four months of taking spironolactone.
Ready to try spironolactone, but not sure where to begin? You should speak with your doctor about whether the oral medication is right for you, but we asked Bhanusali and board-certified dermatologist and creator of skin-care blog Tea with MD, Dr. Joyce Park, MD, to answer some common questions. Ahead, your guide to spironolactone for acne.
What is spironolactone and how does it work?
Spironolactone is an oral medication that can treat a few conditions, including blood pressure, hair loss, and acne. “Spironolactone is an oral medication used to lower blood pressure and also off-label to help with hormonal acne,” Bhanusali says. “It is also used to help with hair loss and Polycystic ovary syndrome (off-label).”
Bobby focuses on creating higher margins while investing in society. He believes that our World has room for improvement, and one of his goals is to be part of the evolutionary process. What makes him successful is the collaboration with founders and partners. Bobby has a successful track record in envisioning and creating deals and opportunities from scratch in various industries.
Hailey Bieber wants you to know how juicy her latest Rhode launch is going to be—and she brought props!
On March 31, the Rhode Skin founder shared some more pics from her latest campaign for the passionfruit jelly peptide lip treatment, which will be available to purchase for $16 on April 6. In photos hidden behind a beachy sunset landscape, Bieber posed topless with nothing but a fine gold chain harness in the shape of a bra and some conveniently placed fruits. “Weekend mood,” Biber captioned the Instagram post with a palm tree emoji. You can see the pics here.
Bieber shared other photos from the campaign earlier in the week, though she and her buttercup manicure were wearing a vibrant yellow, green, and red bikini top in those pics. Clearly, Hailey Bieber is hell-bent on pushing her highlighter swimwear agenda. On March 11, the 26-year-old model shared multiple pics in neon green and bright orange string bikinis with the caption, “I’m ready for summer.” Once again, she used the palm tree emoji.
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
One of Bieber’s besties Kendall Jenner rocked an almost identical green swim set the month prior. Luckily, Jenner’s sister Kim Kardashian is selling a limited edition neon green suit in multiple styles on Skims.com as you read this.
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Batter up! Megan Thee Stallion transformed the standard-issue baseball uniform into a body-hugging sportswear look this week. The rapper—who also wore vintage Paco Rabanne a mere few days ago—threw the first pitch for the opening game of the Houston Astros, her hometown team. For healthy contrast: Troye Sivan donned a fabulous shapeless and silhouette-obscuring Canadian tuxedo paired with a dainty silver chain. Tight or loose: choose your fighter.
Meanwhile, Ariana Grande showcased her continuing love for archival fashion in a snap with her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo. The entertainer wore a polka dot Vivienne Westwood dress, procured from the brand’s spring 2010 collection. The outfit is yet another poignant turn to the house’s archive in the wake of Dame Westwood’s death on December 2.
Other strong grid content: Victoria Beckham advocating for peep-toe boots in an ensemble by her namesake brand. And Katy Perry showing off a decadent shag-trimmed coat while on American Idol judging duties.
Below, check out some of the best fashion Instagrams of the week.
Victoria Beckham
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Ariana Grande
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Megan Thee Stallion
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Rosalía
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Katy Perry
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
James Veloria
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
@theslaygawd
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Honey Mahogany
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Troye Sivan
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
A new set of bangs for spring? Revolutionary. At least, it certainly is for actor and Chopard ambassador Julia Roberts, who showed off some choppy new bangs at the 2023 Watches and Wonders show in Geneva. Cut by celebrity hairstylist Serge Normant, and colored by Kadi Lee, the eye-grazing style feels fresh and modern, with an almost ’70s rock and roll twist.
The overall effect is very Daisy Jones & the Six—especially with the longer shags at the side and those artfully messy waves. Perfecting the look, Roberts teamed flawless skin and nude lips with a cream Nells Nelson suit for day and a black Victoria Beckham dress for night.
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
The star isn’t the only one experimenting with bangs this season. At the 2023 BAFTAs, actor Sophie Turner gave us a lesson in fringe benefits with freshly cut curtain bangs—a versatile look that anyone with a fringe can pull off by simply slicing it down the middle and parting it to both sides.
More recently, Emily Ratajkowski stepped out in New York, having traded her bohemian wispy bangs for an even fuller fringe. With spring on the horizon, there’s no better time to think about switching up your look.