Diindolylmethane (DIM) For Acne & Skin Health Review

Does using DIM and/or I3C for acne work? While there is currently no clinical proof that validates this use, many people believe that it works for them.

DIM is a shortened name for 3,3′-diindolylmethane; a byproduct of digestion of a compound called I3C (indole-3-carbinol). I3C is found in cruciferous vegetables like kale and broccoli.

Research implicates I3C and DIM as hormone balancers, supporting healthy levels of estrogen. Hormones may play a role in skin health; imbalances in estrogen could affect acne and cause changes in the skin’s sebum (oil).

Increasing dietary intake of these vegetables, or using a DIM/I3C dietary supplement, is purported to help with various conditions and diseases related to hormonal imbalance. Some of these include depression, breast cancer, endometriosis – and acne.

However, no research shows that either I3C or DIM are effective for treating acne specifically. There is widespread disagreement that controlling estrogen levels has any affect on acne whatsoever.

DIM

Hormone Supplement

Estrogen

Testo- sterone

Body- building

How It Works:

• Aids healthy hormone balance for men & women
• Mitigates some effects of excess estrogen
• Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory benefits

Dosage:

Between 100 - 600 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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DIM, Progesterone and Acne

In order to understand if DIM works for reducing acne, it is necessary to understand the function of another sex hormone called progesterone.

Estrogens and testosterone are the most well-known sex hormones. Both women and men produce and need both estrogens and testosterone, but in different ratios.

In women, the three primary estrogens (estrone, estriol and estradiol) are responsible for the development of sexual characteristics. In men, testosterone is the primary sex hormone. Progesterone is a hormone from which both estrogen and testosterone are synthesized.

In men and women, progesterone is biosynthesized from another hormone called pregnenolone. In turn, pregnenolone is produced from cholesterol.

Pregnenolone is largely responsible for regulating blood-glucose levels, accommodating healthy pregnancy and modulating menstruation. It also seems important for coping with anxiety and resisting depression.

Pregnenolone also helps to act dually on estrogen. It enhances the positive effects of estrogen while simultaneously inhibiting a condition of excessive estrogen called estrogen dominance.

This condition has been associated with ovarian cysts, breast cancer, uterine cancer, autoimmune disease, increased blood clotting, infertility and accelerated aging.

Some of the symptoms of estrogen dominance include low libido, abnormal menstruation, bloating, tender breasts, headaches and mood swings. Other symptoms of high estrogen include weight gain, loss of hair, cold hands and feet, thyroid dysfunction and fatigue.

However, acne is not associated with estrogen dominance.

Maintaining a proper ratio between estrogen and progesterone is important for various health reasons. Improper estrogen/progesterone balance can cause symptoms including acne. This seems to occur because of the role progesterone plays in blood glucose modulation.

If progesterone is inadequately present in relation to estrogen, then acne may be caused due to resulting insulin imbalance. More specifically, increased insulin due to improper estrogen/progesterone balance can cause excessive androgen levels.

Does DIM Work for Acne and Pimples?

Where estrogens are primarily considered female sex hormones, androgens are the male counterparts. Androgens include testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Low progesterone-to-estrogen levels can also increase the amount of testosterone that gets converted into DHT inside skin cells. Excessive levels of DHT here can cause acne.

The conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone requires an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. When progesterone and estrogen are in proper balance with one another, the 5-alpha-reductase activities are largely inhibited. This means less testosterone is converted to DHT. This may decrease the frequency and severity of acne symptoms.

Research published in 2015 suggests that various dermatological conditions correlate with peak levels of progesterone. These conditions can be worsened perimenstrually. Some of these conditions include acne, atopic eczema and psoriasis.

DIM for Acne Reviews

Although there is no clinical proof for using DIM for acne, many people who use DIM products marketed for acne treatment report favorable results. Internet forums popularly report positive user experiences.

One of the most talked about DIM supplement acne products is called Estroblock. No clinical studies have been conducted on this DIM supplement.

In many cases, users of DIM acne products report no benefits during the first month or so of use. Estrogen detoxification can be a lengthy process. There seems to be a pattern of positive results beginning to manifest during the second month of product usage.

Xenoestrogens and Acne

Xenoestrogens are a class of xenohormones which imitate estrogens. Some are natural and some are synthetic.

Natural xenoestrogens include certain plant chemicals like those in soy products. Synthetic xenoestrogens are prevalent in developed countries in the forms of pesticides, herbicides, plastic and combustion emissions.

The body mistakes xenoestrogens for estrogens and allows them to pass through cellular membranes throughout the body. Xenoestrogens have been associated with various adverse health conditions from hormone-sensitive cancer to depression to acne.

Reducing your exposure to xenoestrogens has been proposed as one way to reduce the frequency of acne outbreaks. However, more research is needed to understand ways to prevent the harmful effects of xenoestrogens on acne symptoms.

Conclusions

Hormonal imbalance and toxic accumulations of xenoestrogens may be one contributing factor to acne. DIM is a compound that is known to detoxify the body of excess estrogen and promote a healthy hormone balance.

Research is needed to understand how DIM directly affects acne and skin health. More human research trials are needed to validate the positive anecdotal reviews shared online by consumers.

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