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Written by
Gizette Edis
If you were a teenager who suffered from hormonal acne, you know how challenging it can be. You probably couldn’t wait to become an adult and watch your skin transform, leaving those stubborn breakouts behind. Unfortunately, millions of women continue dealing with acne flare-ups well into adulthood. If you fall into this category, we totally get how frustrated you must feel. You may have tried a ton of prescription and over-the-counter medications with little to no success. Fortunately, there’s a new hormonal acne treatment that’s taking the world by storm: Diindolylmethane, or DIM. DIM for acne may help clear up stubborn breakouts in women of all ages. Let’s explore this new treatment that promises to help treat even the most stubborn acne-prone skin.
Diindolylmethane (pronounced die-in-do-lil-meth-ane), or DIM for short, is a compound made by your body when you eat cruciferous vegetables like kale, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. These gut-healthy probiotic superfoods contain an agent called indole-3-carbinol, which undergoes a chemical change once it combines with your stomach acid, creating DIM. Unfortunately, the amount of DIM your body produces naturally from these vegetables isn’t enough to make much of a difference for your skin, but that’s where DIM supplements come in! DIM supplements for acne contain a highly concentrated mix of this mighty compound, leading to a long list of benefits not just for your skin but for your entire body. In fact, research shows DIM might help prevent certain cancers, modulate Estrogen metabolism, and improve bone strength (currently proven only on animals). Now that’s something to be excited about!
DIM is available in various doses ranging from 50 to 300 mg. Unfortunately, there is no clear established recommendation regarding the appropriate dosage for acne or the duration of use. However, a daily dose of 200 mg is generally considered safe, with no reported side effects.
With all of the incredible benefits DIM offers, why should you take it for acne? Although there’s no doubt that DIM is an exciting compound for treating a wide range of symptoms, it’s arguably best known for its skin-clearing benefits.
Although there is no clear explanation of how it helps with acne, two theories provide some insight.
Taking a DIM supplement for acne might help balance your hormones by reversing the negative effects of testosterone. Although commonly thought of as a male-only hormone, testosterone is not only normal in women, but it’s necessary for proper hormonal balance. The problem occurs if you have too little or too much, which can imbalance your entire system.
Interestingly, testosterone is known for impacting sebum production in the skin. Sebum – or oil – helps keep your skin moisturized, but if you have too much, it can contribute to acne formation. Having too much testosterone can increase the frequency and severity of your breakouts.
DIM works by blocking the communication between your body and the testosterone hormone, which stops it from producing excess sebum.
Another explanation involves the effect of DIM on bacteria. Sometimes, bacteria can become resistant to the acne medications you use, forming a protective layer called a biofilm — a thin layer that adheres to surfaces and helps bacteria survive. These biofilms can develop in various locations, such as pipes, teeth, or natural surfaces. In one study, DIM demonstrated its potential to help block the formation of these biofilms in bacteria. But more research is needed to check that it actually works this way in real life.
While there’s countless women who answer an adamant “Yes!” the truth is the scientific evidence showing DIM’s effectiveness and safety is sparse. There’s almost no experimental and anecdotal evidence showing its efficacy; and the case for safely using DIM for hormonal acne treatment requires more research.
DIM products are available both online and in stores and are widely considered safe to use. However, there are differing recommendations on how much of the supplement you should take, which can be a red flag. To be clear, just like any supplement or medication, there’s some circumstances where you should absolutely NOT take a DIM hormonal acne supplement.
Women who are planning on becoming pregnant, pregnant, or nursing shouldn’t take a DIM supplement for hormonal acne. Why? Because when you’re pregnant, the last thing you want to do is harm your baby, as there’s no solid science showing that DIM is safe for an unborn, and you definitely don’t want to mess around with your hormones (they’re already going crazy enough.) The possible side effects are still unknown, as there’s no studies on pregnant women for ethical reasons. Although some women take medication while pregnant, there’s simply no advantage to putting you or your baby at possible risk.
Another common question women ask is, “Can you take DIM with birth control?” The shortest answer: you’d better not, as it may reduce hormone birth control effectiveness. To be safe, you should always consult with a physician if you take oral birth control before starting DIM to ensure it won’t interact with or affect how the medication works. While the connection between DIM and acne clearing exists, you should always talk to your doctor if you’re considering using this powerful supplement to treat your skin. When it comes to hormonal regulation, you don’t want to take any risks, especially if you’re taking other medications or have a history of other health issues.
When it comes to taking a DIM supplement, acne clearing is only one of many possible benefits. As with many natural supplements, it’s important to remember there may not be strong scientific evidence to back up these claims, and almost nothing has been confirmed in humans, so doing your own research is key.
Emerging studies show that DIM may help prevent certain estrogen cancers by stopping the development of estrogen-enhanced cancer cells. Since DIM is believed to affect how the body metabolizes estrogen, receptor activity, and cellular detoxification stimulation, it may also prevent additional estrogen-related cancers like prostate, cervical, and breast cancer.
When your body has too much estrogen, it becomes estrogen dominant, which can throw all of your hormones out of balance. There’s many reasons why you may produce too much estrogen, like slowed liver detoxification and, in some cases, obesity (fat is known to metabolize testosterone into estrogen.) If you’re consuming high estrogen or phytoestrogen foods, you can also cause your body to experience estrogen dominance. Soy, excess meat, and dairy products are some common culprits.
It’s not just the food you eat that can cause you to produce too much estrogen; birth control medications and even some plastics can also cause a hormonal imbalance. What happens when you become estrogen dominant? You can experience a host of symptoms and side effects like heavy or irregular periods, low libido, irritability, depression, fatigue, sleep issues, and weight gain. DIM may help regulate your estrogen levels and lower them to normal levels. It does this by slowing how quickly your body converts testosterone into estrogen.
DIM might effectively reduce PMS symptoms like acne, bloating, and cramping by controlling estrogen metabolism and modulating estrogen production. It can also minimize endometrial lining thickness, which lessens cramps and regulates the estrogen imbalance that causes PMS symptoms. Although, none of this has been proven yet.
As it balances your body’s estrogen production, DIM may help prevent fat storage, which aids in weight loss. It can also increase lipolysis, which is how the body burns fat, and hinder adipogenesis, the process of creating new lipid or fat cells. On a last note here, it has been only tested on obese mice and rats, so there is currently no proof it works the same way on humans.
DIM can support cardiovascular health in numerous ways, including preventing lipoprotein oxidation, which causes atherosclerosis, and may reduce instances of cardiac hypertrophy. Note, that all research was done on animals and there are no human studies to prove it works the same way.
The good news is that DIM supplements are widely considered safe for treating acne and clearing the skin of recurring blemishes. Of course, like almost all vitamins and supplements, there are possible side effects to keep in mind. They include:
The good news is that these side effects are generally mild, lasting only a short time when starting DIM and stopping after a few months. It’s important to keep in mind that since DIM supplements impact estrogen levels, you may experience period changes. These can include longer or shorter menstrual cycles or multiple periods during a one-month span. Another common question we hear is, “Can DIM cause acne?” While many women experience relief from breakouts, DIM may worsen symptoms in some including women with cystic acne. If you’re concerned by any of these symptoms, be sure to reach out to your doctor.
Since DIM is such a powerful compound, it can interact with other medications. DIM is processed in the liver, so any medication that is broken down in the liver can be affected. As a supplement that targets hormonal production, DIM can reduce oral birth control effectiveness since it impacts estrogen production and balance in the body. It may also interrupt hormone replacement therapies. Additional medications that DIM may affect are but not limited to this list, so it is better to consult with a physician if you are taking a specific medication:
If you’re like many women, you want to stay as far away from prescription and even over-the-counter acne medication as possible. Many women are resistant to supplemental treatments, too, since they can sometimes cause adverse reactions. If you’re skeptical about efficacy or question, “does DIM help acne?” you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are numerous non-hormonal ways to treat your acne and experience the clear skin you’ve always wanted.
If you’d like to get the same benefits as DIM without taking a supplement, it is possible, but the chances that you can eat enough cabbage or broccoli to create enough indole-3-carbinol to produce the same DIM levels as a supplement is highly unlikely. However, don’t underestimate the power a well-balanced diet has on hormonal regulation. Reducing the amount of processed food you eat and increasing these cruciferous superfoods is one of the top ways dermatologists recommend getting rid of stubborn acne and uncovering clearer skin.
There’s other ways you can treat acne and help reduce breakouts like:
One of the most important things to remember when choosing a DIM supplement is that they’re not all created equal. Choosing a brand with low-quality ingredients can be a waste of money at best or cause unwanted side effects at worst. Here are a few tips to consider when choosing a DIM supplement for hormonal acne.
Women should take between 100 mg and 200 mg per day of DIM, but be sure to talk to your doctor to figure out the best dose for you.
With all supplements, product safety should be your top concern. Select a brand that boasts third-party certifications, uses quality ingredients, and prioritizes transparency. Choosing the best DIM supplement for acne can take time, but it’s more than worth the research and effort.
When choosing the right DIM for acne, reviews are your best friend! Do your research and see what others have to say about the product. If it has bad reviews, chances are you should choose a different product. It’s also helpful to look for DIM acne before and after pictures to see how the product worked for real-life women like you.
One of the top questions we get asked is, “how long does it take for DIM to work?” The answer differs for everyone, but on average, you can expect to see results starting in one to two months after you begin taking your DIM supplements. Products claiming to work faster may not be telling you the truth, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a little while before you see your skin start to clear.
When it comes to taking DIM for acne, there’s a lot of factors to consider. While there’s limited scientific research into the supplements efficacy, many women have found long sought-after relief. Since DIM contains a potent mix of cruciferous vegetable superfoods, it’s safe for most users; however if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant, you should definitely avoid it. Of course, we always recommend talking to your doctor before you start any new treatment and checking your hormone levels to determine a baseline. At Hormona, we proudly offer the Hormona app that makes it easy to monitor your hormones. We use cutting-edge technology that works as your end-to-end solution to understanding and living in harmony with your hormones!
Does DIM help with acne?
Absolutely! DIM is packed full of nutritious superfoods that help regulate your hormones for clearer skin you can see.
How much DIM should I take for acne?
Commonly recommended DIM dosage for acne is 100 mg to 200 mg per day.
How does DIM help acne?
DIM supplements contain indole-3-carbinol, a naturally occurring compound in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli that prevents bacteria from producing biofilm.
Can I use DIM for cystic acne?
Some studies suggest DIM could slow the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes, which contributes to the formation of cystic acne. While some find that using DIM for cystic acne is effective, for others, DIM may worsen cystic breakouts. Speaking to your dermatologist before starting a supplement regimen is the best way to ensure you get the best results.
How long does it take for DIM supplements to work in your body?
One of the most common questions we get asked is, “How long does DIM take to work?” The answer depends on each individual person, with some women sharing their success online and saying that they noticed the first results in just 30 days, while others can take 2 to 3 months for clearer skin.
Is DIM good for acne?
Yes, for many, DIM is an excellent supplement for acne, but it’s only one part of a good treatment plan. Eating healthy foods, exercising, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep are also key factors in caring for your skin.
Can DIM make acne worse?
Another common question we receive is, “Does Dim cause acne?” Because DIM affects estrogen metabolism, it may make acne worse for some people. As with any supplement, discussing possible side effects with your doctor is essential before starting any new acne treatment.
Will DIM cause a purge?
One of the most common side effects of medicinal acne treatments like spironolactone or accutane is the dreaded skin purge. This process is when your acne gets worse because you’re shedding bacteria, oil, and dead cells that lie beneath the surface. While there’s no evidence showing an increased risk of experiencing a DIM acne purge, it is possible and something you should be aware of before beginning your treatment.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Anna Targonskaya, MD
Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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Dr Singh is the Medical Director of the Indiana Sleep Center. His research and clinical practice focuses on the myriad of sleep.
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