Anabolic steroids are known to produce acne, which can be extremely painful and difficult to treat. In some cases, acne won’t go away even after the individual stops using anabolic steroids, and this can result in permanent scarring and discoloration of the skin. Fortunately, you can prevent and treat anabolic steroid-induced acne with the right routine and over-the-counter products. If you are seeking acne remedies, go here. We have a positive history with this vendor and strongly recommend them. Here’s what you need to know about anabolic steroids and how to treat it…
The truth about anabolic steroids
When I started bodybuilding, my trainer said there was no such thing as steroid acne. He told me it was just a myth – that when you’re taking anabolics, all you get is a little bit of puffy skin. That advice gave me false hope. Once I had been on for about two years and started experiencing strong back acne outbreaks regularly, I realized that his advice wasn’t even close to accurate.
What are anabolic steroids?
Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone. Testosterone is produced naturally in both men and women, but anabolic steroids are designed to be used only by men. They are often prescribed for cases of testosterone deficiency—usually males that have been diagnosed with delayed puberty. Anabolic steroids can also be abused by adult males as a performance-enhancing drug for bodybuilding purposes or powerlifting competitions, or sometimes even as a substitute for other illegal drugs. When taken by people without a medical need, anabolic steroids can cause serious side effects like stunted growth, male infertility and baldness. One of the most common long-term side effects caused by taking anabolic steroids is acne breakouts due to hormonal changes in your body.
Dangers of anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are notorious for causing acne. This is one of their most common side effects, often appearing as a rash on your face, chest or back. Some people have no problem with acne while others find it debilitating. If you do have problems with anabolic steroid induced acne there are many things you can do to treat it effectively. If that doesn’t work, accutane (isotretintoin) may be an option for you. To learn more about how isotretinoin works, read our guide on accutane isotretinoin dosage and cycle length
Side effects of anabolic steroids
There are several side effects that can occur with anabolic steroids. Some of these include acne, changes in cholesterol levels, increased or decreased libido, hair loss (alopecia), development of breast tissue in men (gynecomastia), testicular atrophy and impotence. Some may also experience mood swings or an increase in aggression as a result. These side effects are not specific to one type of steroid but rather depend on which steroids you take, how long you take them for and at what doses. Isotretinoin is used for treating severe acne in which normal treatments have failed; however it can also cause serious health problems if taken without medical supervision so should only be taken under medical advice by those with severe acne.
Benefits of anabolic steroids
There are a number of benefits of anabolic steroids including increased muscle mass, body fat reduction, increased bone density, increased strength, improved libido and overall better health. As with any other drug or supplement there are potential negative side effects as well. Some of these include liver damage, cancer, cholesterol abnormalities and certain psychological effects such as aggression or depression. Fortunately most users will not experience most of these side effects. It is possible however that they may develop certain facial skin conditions such as acne which often accompanies higher testosterone levels in users during use; especially when using anabolic steroids in conjunction with another stimulant known as isotretintoin used for acne treatment. Read on to learn more about how anabolic steroids affect skin disorders like acne and how it can be treated if developed.
Is acne caused by testosterone or DHT?
Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of testosterone or DHT. When taken, they alter levels of natural hormones in the body, causing negative side effects. While acne is commonly associated with steroid use, it’s not a direct result of testosterone or DHT. The theory behind acne caused by anabolic steroids stems from an increased conversion of androgens (such as testosterone) into estrogen via aromatase enzymes within skin cells called sebocytes. This increase in estrogen causes an excess amount of sebum production which clogs pores; when pores become blocked with dead skin cells that have formed a sticky waxy substance called keratin, inflammation occurs causing redness, irritation and breakouts.
How to prevent acne from coming back after stopping steroid cycles
The most effective way of preventing acne from coming back is using topical medications such as benzoyl peroxide. It may take a while to see results, but it can get rid of your acne almost entirely. There are other topical solutions that work just as well, but they cost more than benzoyl peroxide, so it’s usually best to just stick with what you know works until you have money left over for something else. Once you’ve used your topical medication consistently for a month or two, go ahead and check in with your doctor about switching over to one of these other treatments.
