I’ve always struggled with my skin and hormonal acne breakouts. Being on the pill helped me for years, but when I came off birth control 4 years ago, I started to break out again. I’ve done a lot of research into what affects my skin. I’ve learned I need to be mindful of the water I’m using to wash my face (avoid hard water), the health of my gut, and what products are in my routine. About six months ago, I came across this article by Byrdie. I’ve never believed that one supplement could possibly transform my skin. But I’m always up for trying something new, even if it helps just a little bit. So when I came back to Australia after travelling, I ordered a supplement called diindolylmethane (DIM) and now I’m here to report how it cleared my hormonal breakouts.

DIM / I3C

Indole 3-Carbinol, or I3C, is a compound that comes from eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. DIM is created in the body when its precursor, I3C, is digested and metabolised in the gut. Both I3C and DIM are phytonutrients that stimulate detoxifying enzymes in the liver and gut, and balance both estrogens and androgens. Because of this, DIM doesn’t only help with clearing hormonal acne breakouts. It may also prevent estrogen-related cancers (including breast, cervical, uterine, and prostate) and ease estrogen dominance. I’ll talk more about this below.

Hormonal imbalances

The reason that so many of us get hormonal acne breakouts is because of imbalanced hormones. The balance we need to get right within our bodies is between androgens, estrogens, and progesterone. Androgens, such as testosterone, are the most important hormones when it comes to regulating sebum production. When estrogen levels are high relative to progesterone (called estrogen dominance), testosterone increases and the breakouts follow. Estrogen dominance can also affect detoxification and elimination pathways in our bodies. If estrogen is not metabolised and disposed of correctly, it can create inflammation. Because of this, the health of our gut and liver, and the detoxification that they provide, is very important.

My results

After finishing my first bottle of DIM supplements, I’ve noticed a big difference in both the number and severity of my breakouts (previous skin updates are here and here). Given that our skin goes through cycles, I know it will continue to improve over the next few weeks. The DIM that I use is a 100mg dose, and I take it once daily. It’s a supplement that should be taken long-term because of the hormonal balance that it creates. I never thought that a single supplement could clear my breakouts, but that was before I found this one. So, if you’re needing some help with your skin, try DIM – the supplement that cleared my hormonal breakouts.

Yours,

Kait x

Cover photo by Ike louie Natividad